In 1932, Charles was merely 13 years old when five years to the day after Lindbergh crossed the Atlantic, Amelia Earhart flew solo from Newfoundland to Ireland, the first woman to cross the Atlantic solo and the first to replicate Lindbergh's feat. He moved from France to Thailand when he was 14. Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. He had first enlisted in the Navy in 1937 and had completed his enlistment, moving to Omaha, Nebraska where he had family. The leader of the Free French had arrived in Paris the previous evening, a day after his advancing . French would go on to earn the name The Human Tugboat and garner immense respect from his fellow military peers. Help paint a picture of Charles so that he is always remembered. Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. Charles Jackson French was 10 years old when The New York Stock Exchange crashes in what will be called the Crash of '29 or "Black Tuesday", ending the Great Bull Market of the 1920s and beginning the Great Depression. . Weve updated the security on the site. In most cases, African-Americans were the victims. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner) -- The story of Charles Jackson French captured the attention of Omaha in the weeks ahead of the U.S. Olympic Swim Trials. To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. French is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California. 2021, https://omaha.com/news/local/nebraska-reps-seek-to-name-benson-post-office-for-black-omaha-wwii-hero/article_66699ca0-d8ff-11eb-aee6-474cdd1763ba.htm; Bruce Wigo, Memorial Day Rewind: The Forgotten Hero of WWII, SwimmingWorld.com, May 30, 2021, https://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/memorial-day-rewind-the-forgotten-hero-of-wwii/. This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. French saved the lives of more than a dozen Sailors by swimming through the night, dragging a raft full of injured shipmates through shark-infested waters. Instead, he received a letter of commendation from Adm. William F. Halsey, Jr. in May 1943. All Rights Reserved. (.~O|#I=xO7Zz_/p>b;rv6IH/wYI@S* "Then French volunteered to swim the raft away from shore. Regardless of the region, at all the bases there were separate blood banks, hospitals or wards, medical staff, barracks and recreational facilities for Black soldiers. Branch of service: Us Navy Like many other Black stories from wars, such as the all-Black female 6888th Central Postal Battalion, recognition can often be minimized or come far too late. 4th of July 2022: Celebrating the Birth of Our Nation & Its Heroes, Military Appreciation Month 2022: Saluting Those Who Serve, Veterans Day 2022: Celebrating Those Whove Served, Meet Frank Emi, a WWII Hero You Need To Know, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the all-Black female 6888th Central Postal Battalion, demand a Congressional Medal of Honor for Petty Officer Charles Jackson French, New Study Surfaces Detailing Racial Discrimination in the Military, Here are 200 Remote Jobs for Veterans in 2023. HTo0~_G#C@*%imVMNcW/RgR};;ww_@o.@r"?%YDiA,~J6adlm8Q35:P/0|mc2?wW8m.Or
\mz{.-GJ^{ Charles Jackson French saved the lives 15 Sailorsall of them whiteby pulling them on a raft behind him as he swam for hours through shark-infested waters. French was assigned to the mess (kitchen) as an attendant. I knew that if we floated ashore we'd be taken as prisoners of war," he said. 0000101669 00000 n
On September 5, 1942, United States Navy Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson Fr. The Navy plans to dedicate a rescue swimming training pool in May 2022 at Naval Base San Diego to French in honor of his heroic actions during the Battle of Guadalcanal. Charles Jackson French, a Black sailor in World War II, may soon be recognized by the Navy for rescuing 15 men after Japanese soldiers sunk their ship. Please enter your email and password to sign in. The award was presented on May 21, 2022, at Naval Base San Diego, at a ceremony in which the base's rescue swimmer training pool was dedicated in French's honor. He went into the service as a mess attendant, the only rate then available to . The U.S. Charles Jackson French - saving 15 crewmen. Charles Jackson French was born in 1919 and grew up in Foreman, Arkansas. Aside from the Bible, it became the best selling book of the 20th century. Charles R. Jackson. startxref
During Frenchs time in the military, segregation was still an issue he faced. The Chicago Defender named him Hero of the Year. Oops, something didn't work. Verify and try again. Despite African American soldiers eagerness to fight in World War II, the same Jim Crow discrimination in society was practiced in every branch of the armed forces, historians at the website wrote. Abandon ship!
Dr. Frances Toni Draper announces retirement from pastorship at Freedom Temple AME Zion Church, 130 years of excellence: AFRO Gala set to kick anniversary celebration into high gear. He had first enlisted in the Navy in 1937 and had completed his enlistment, moving to Omaha, Nebraska where he had family. Save to an Ancestry Tree, a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or Print. We share yesterday, to build meaningful connections today, and preserve for tomorrow. Abandon ship!
His service to this country is something that should never be forgotten, and his story is one that can inspire all of us to do good for our fellow man. 0000010730 00000 n
Discover how our Uncovering Our Shared Memories: An Introduction to the Community Standards at AncientFaces African American History: Research Guides & Websites, Global African History: Research Guides & Websites, African American Scientists and Technicians of the Manhattan Project, Envoys, Diplomatic Ministers, & Ambassadors, https://omaha.com/news/local/history/back-in-the-day-oct-30-1942-omahas-hero-of-the-solomon-islands-returns-home/article_ef06042c-2788-11ec-a5e1-4b1dd928d8f4.html, https://omaha.com/news/local/nebraska-reps-seek-to-name-benson-post-office-for-black-omaha-wwii-hero/article_66699ca0-d8ff-11eb-aee6-474cdd1763ba.htm, https://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/memorial-day-rewind-the-forgotten-hero-of-wwii/, Foundation, Organization, and Corporate Supporters. He saved 15 shipmates by swimming six to eight hours though shark-invested waters towing a life raft. We mourn with the loved ones who are in deep pain post hearing this death news.We request to kindly like and subscribe to our channel, so that in the future as well, we can provide the latest and accurate news at the earliest.In case you share some memories with Charles Jackson, and want the world to know about the same, you are requested to share them here.Please use the share icon to make this news accessible to more people. He made his first comedy sketch "What I Would Love To Hear In Class" on February 6, 2016 . He had first enlisted in the navy in 1937 and had completed his enlistment, moving to Omaha, Nebraska where he had family. endstream
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Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. He continued his medical studies at the University of Paris, also attending lectures on geology at the Royal School of Mines. After sunrise, French and his fellow Sailors were spotted and eventually rescued. Sadly, it wasnt much of a fight. Adrian attempted to talk French into getting out of the shark-infested waters, but French responded that he was more afraid of the Japanese than he was of the sharks. 0000004758 00000 n
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For this heroic action, in saving the lives of 15 US Sailors, Petty Officer French, an African American, recieved little more than a simple letter of commendation in his . 0000005539 00000 n
The story, incredible. 35 years shorter than You have chosen this person to be their own family member. He was celebrated in the black press and was even the subject of a syndicated comic strip. Box 6237, in San Diego, California 92166. With the attack on Pearl Harbor . hbbg`b``3
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Charles Jackson French was a United States Navy sailor. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. Help us Continue to tell OUR Story and join the AFRO family as a member subscribers are now members! The night was black as ink and a haze was obscuring any landmarks, so the crews of Gregory and her sister ship USS Little (APD 4) were patrolling the area between Savo Island and Guadalcanal. Newspaper clipping of Naval Hero, Charles Jackson French. 0000005708 00000 n
While the crews of Gregory and Little debated whether to engage the Japanese destroyers or depart quietly, a Navy pilot also spotted the flashes of fire. I think Charles Jackson French's story of rescue is one of the most amazing I have ever read, and I never heard of him prior to today, March 5, 2021. Four days after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, French reenlisted into the Navy and was assigned to Gregory in March 1942. This is a carousel with slides. Her boilers had burst and her mess decks were aflame. As the attacks continued and the ship began to sink, many Sailors suffered injuries. Charles Jackson French was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal. Blake Bailey's fascinating new biography, Farther and Wilder: the Lost Weekends and Literary Dreams of Charles Jackson (Knopf), begins and ends with a fatal crash. 0000104051 00000 n
Who were the people in Charles' life? On the night of September 5, 1942, French was on board the U.S.S. French successfully brought these men to safety on the shores of The Solomon Islands. He received an honorable discharge on November 11, 1941, but re-enlisted after Pearl Harbor. Mess Attendant 1st Class Charles Jackson French, known only at the time by his last name, was on Gregory that night. Thats an error: NYC road sign is spelled Jakie Robinson, The end of Black History Month and our challenge, Local Publishers, Deloitte to Create Business Content for Diverse Audiences, Congressman Kweisi Mfume Introduces Legislation to Commemorate African American World War II Hero Doris Miller, Towson University is trying to get ahead of the lure of sports betting, Buzzy sports betting posts appeal to Gen Z social media audience, On game day, sports betting is the new normal for some Colorado fans, Remembering Louis Sylvester Diggs, the Baltimore County historian, We Earn Our Stripes: a song for Black Americans who serve, Morgan State and Howard University among 13 institutions to receive bobbleheads in first-ever HBCU Series, Pfizer partners with communities nationwide to raise awareness of ATTR-CM, an underdiagnosed cause of heart failure among Black and Afro-Caribbean communities, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. F. Baurer, the ships CO. Charles Jackson French (September 25, 1919 November 7, 1956) was a United States Navy sailor. Taking care of the military personnel that keeps us free has come a long way, and theres still a way to go, but after returning from WWII, history loses track of French. During World War II Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French swam 6-8 hours in shark-infested waters near Guadalcanal while towing a life raft with 15 USS Gregory survivors of an attack by the Japanese Imperial Navy. There is a problem with your email/password. He is also recognized by the International Swimming Hall of Fame. French was also the only African American to appear on World War II patriotic trading cards issued by GUM, Inc. After his military service, French suffered from alcoholism and depression. /EaX*3Do?OD"tp{o}7Mw'I^kos$
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t {}("4u|]]o:c}|\H;HE92, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. when he died at the age of 37. cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. If you notice a problem with the translation, please send a message to [emailprotected] and include a link to the page and details about the problem. Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. French was memorialized on War Gum trading cards, in syndicated comic strips, on calendars, and The Chicago Defender named him Hero of the Year. Adrian attempted to talk French into getting out of the shark-infested waters, but French responded that he was more afraid of the Japanese than he was of the sharks. 0000732899 00000 n
He served his four years in the Navy working the mess decks of Hawaii-based heavy cruiser USS Houston (CA-30) and returned home to Nebraska in 1941. For his actions, French received a letter of commendation from the commander of the Southern Pacific Fleet, Adm. William F. Bull Halsey. 0000184704 00000 n
. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service. In 1925, Charles was just 6 years old when gangster Al "Scarface" Capone took over the Chicago bootlegging racket at age 26. [10], In June 2022, President Biden signed into law (H.R.4168) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 6223 Maple Street, in Omaha, Nebraska, as the Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jackson French Post Office.[11]. He was serving as a mess man on the USS Gregory when it was sunk by Japanese forces near the Solomon Islands in September of 1942. 0000110559 00000 n
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O n 26 August 1944, General Charles de Gaulle took a high profile walk on the Champs-Elyses. With the attack on Pearl Harbor, Charles French went to the closest recruitment office, and on December 19, 1941, he re-enlisted in the United States Navy. 0000004154 00000 n
Little did he know that three weeks before his 23rd birthday, French would become a Navy hero. Charles' immediate relatives including parents, siblings, partnerships and children in the French family tree. 0000102179 00000 n
Quickly see who the memorial is for and when they lived and died and where they are buried. His bravery, heroism, and toughness are a testament to the best in mankind even when mankind isnt being its best. Gregory was hit by Japanese naval fire in the South Pacific. 0000006232 00000 n
If you are interested, you are suggested to go through this video, Charles Jackson French Cause of Death.Post going through the entire video, you will get a better idea about the real and accurate news. French, who moved to Omaha as a teen, first enlisted in the US Navy in 1937. 0000184779 00000 n
French, a United States Navy Messman, swam through shark-infested waters for six to eight hours on the night of September 5, 1942 pulling a raft of 15 surviving sailors with a rope around his . Introduction. Year should not be greater than current year. 0000193082 00000 n
Biographies are our place to remember and discover more about the people important to us. The email does not appear to be a valid email address. Lest We Forget. What happened next would take Navy Messman Charles Jackson French from the mess hall and into quiet adoration for his bravery. [2] With the attack on Pearl Harbor, French went to the closest recruitment office, and on December 19, 1941, re-enlisted in the United States Navy. Charles Jackson French passed away on November 7, 1956 at age 37. 0000175845 00000 n
The ship was severely damaged after only minutes and began to sink into the shark-infested waters. Adrian, though superficially wounded, was able to hang on. Charles French was born on September 25, 1919, in Foreman, Arkansas. He returned to Boston in 1832 . All photos uploaded successfully, click on the Done button to see the photos in the gallery. endstream
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At 1 a.m., the Japanese opened fire. 0000010538 00000 n
If ever there was a time for survival mode, its the middle of the night when youre injured and your ship is sinking into the ocean. SAN DIEGO - The Navy announced plans today to dedicate a rescue swimming training pool at Naval Base San Diego to Mess Attendant First Class Charles Jackson French in honor of . To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. 0000000016 00000 n
A system error has occurred. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. French performed valiantly on September . Thanks and have a good day ahead!#CharlesJacksonFrench#CharlesJacksonFrenchDeath#CharlesJacksonFrenchCauseOfDeath#Death#CauseOfDeath#CelebrityDeath#PopularCelebrityDeath#CheckCelebrityDeath#CheckCelebritiesDeath#CheckPopularCelebrityDeath#CheckPopularCelebritiesDeath Charles Jackson French was born Sept. 25, 1919, in Foreman, Ark., and moved to Omaha to live with a sister after their parents died. Family members linked to this person will appear here. awesome reading . Outside of searching through keyword data and creating blogs, he enjoys creating cocktails, cooking, and enjoying the Beautiful Game. Like many others at the time, he probably saw it as a way to. #CharlesJacksonFrench #CharlesJacksonFrenchOfDeath #CelebritiesCauseOfDeathCharles Jackson French Cause of Death (Mar 2021) Obituary, Death, ReasonCharles Jackson French Cause of Death-Do you want to get all details related to Charles Jackson Frenchs Death? r\a W+ Despite his heroism, the ignorantly prejudiced United States all but ignored French. Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? Of the many acts of bravery among the men of Gregory during its final battle (including the mortally wounded skipper ordering his crew to abandon him and help other . Close. French was lucky enough to escape without much harm and began gathering injured Sailors to put into a raft. Charles Jackson French, an African American orphan and champion-caliber swimmer, navigated shark-infested waters for about eight hours during World War II on a frigid September 1942 night to pull to safety a raft of 15 sailors. 0000163762 00000 n
HUmo0/Fj'C&ThnR34M&-83(>g9t&i&M$]u8#J"I+K*$eS,tY9Jw*/dZZdW+uES3 n %}*ht0.x'AK){O"Nui -4Rdm9X{H$gU~7V;"~[L;ubr=@xd French was an unassuming 58 and 195 pounds when Navy Ensign Robert Adrian, with injuries in his legs and blast fragments in his eyes, regained consciousness and saw French swimming around and gathering injured shipmates to pile onto a raft. For his bravery, Navy Messman Charles Jackson French was provided a letter of commendation from Adm. William F. Bull Halsey, the Commander of the Southern Pacific Fleet, and the Navy Cross, the second-highest award available. He was born to a Thai mother and a French father. The Navy plans to dedicate a rescue swimming training pool in May 2022 at Naval Base San Diego to French in honor of his heroic actions during the Battle of Guadalcanal. French was born in Foreman, Arkansas in about 1920. 18 February 2022. Since 2018 there has been renewed interest in recognizing Charles Frenchs heroism more appropriately. Thirteen-year-old Charlie is spared . Try again later. Napoleon III, also called (until 1852) Louis-Napolon, in full Charles-Louis-Napolon Bonaparte, (born April 20, 1808, Parisdied January 9, 1873, Chislehurst, Kent, England), nephew of Napoleon I, president of the Second Republic of France (1850-52), and then emperor of the French (1852-70). At 1 a.m., the Japanese opened fire. You are nearing the transfer limit for memorials managed by Find a Grave. These flares became a backdrop for the silhouettes of Gregory and Little who now became the targets of the Japanese destroyers and a Japanese cruiser that had joined them. WASHINGTON, D.C. - Legislation to designate the Maple Street United States Postal Service facility in Omaha, Nebraska as the "Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jackson French Post Office" passed out of the Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee today. Thank you for your service and your valor, Mr. French. Can You Name All 8 United States Uniformed Services? Many of the bases and training facilities were located in the South, in addition to the largest military installation for Black soldiers, Fort Huachuca, located in Arizona. Resend Activation Email, Please check the I'm not a robot checkbox, If you want to be a Photo Volunteer you must enter a ZIP Code or select your location on the map. 0000125638 00000 n
De Gaulle biographer and one of Britain's leading historians of modern France, Julian Jackson, talks us through some key books to get a sense of France's wartime leader and president, Charles de Gaulle. 4168 to rename an Omaha post office for French. On September 5, 1942, United States Navy Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French, of Omaha Nebraska, swam through the night for 6 - 8 hours pulling a raft of 15 wounded sailors with a rope around his stomach through shark infested waters after the USS Gregory was hit by Japanese naval fire near Guadalcanal. STEWARDS MATE 1/C US NAVY The commendation stated: For meritorious conduct in action while serving on board of a destroyer transport which was badly damaged during the engagement with Japanese forces in the British Solomon Islands on September 5, 1942. He was born in Arkansas on 25 September 1919. Drag images here or select from your computer for Charles Jackson French memorial. Together they created a platform to offer images and stories of hope to advance their community. (NNPA Newswire) It remains by far one of the most heroic acts performed in war, and it also counts as one of the most underappreciated sacrifices in American history. 0000012928 00000 n
French saved the lives of more than a dozen Sailors by swimming through the night, dragging a raft full of injured shipmates through shark-infested waters. You can always change this later in your Account settings. hl/CQ?!yEAb [$~$HH5"
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French was one of six Sailors who swam through the night and up to eight hours, rescuing all but 11 members of Gregorys crew. z:RA" ERAZC@ Chuck was born February 15, 1947 in Waco to Charlie and Dottie French. endstream
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While newspapers and comic books of the time wrote of French's extraordinary bravery and heroism, his story as the "one-man human tugboat" has largely been forgotten. BY ANCESTRY.COM, Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery Do you find this information helpful? A Black man serving in the segregated armed forces, French was credited with saving wounded shipmates during WWII. Gibson Johns. 0000003885 00000 n
French was an unassuming 58 and 195 pounds when Navy Ensign Robert Adrian, with injuries in his legs and blast fragments in his eyes, regained consciousness and saw French swimming around and gathering injured shipmates to pile onto a raft. After his parents died, he moved to Omaha, Nebraska, to live with his sister. This browser does not support getting your location. You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. Where we share as we remember & make discoveries and connect with others to help answer questions. A few months after his 18th birthday, French joined the Navy as a Mess Attendant one of the only positions open to black men at the time. French had enlisted . We havent even mentioned the racism yet. 0000054932 00000 n
Charles Jackson French was a Navy Mess Specialist 1st Class Petty Officer the night the USS Gregory (APD 3) was sunk by Japanese destroyers during the Battle of Guadalcanal. In addition to the War Gum trading card, his story was told in syndicated comic strips, on calendars and he made public appearances across the country to promote the sale of War Bonds. Charles Jackson French of Foreman, Arkansas, became a national hero after the destroyer Gregory was sunk Sept. 5, 1942, by Japanese warships near Guadalcanal. 0000190410 00000 n
The nations hierarchy denied French the Medal of Honor and did not consider him for a Silver Star, two of the highest honors bestowed for such self-sacrificing bravery. Unlock the mysteries of your family history and explore the rich tapestry of your past with AncientFaces. HUn0+B-Q[5PtU@$ It was Ensign Robert N. Adrian, the only officer from the bridge of the Gregory to survive, who told an Associated Press reporter about the rescue. 0000054664 00000 n
#CharlesJacksonFrench #CharlesJacksonFrenchOfDeath #CelebritiesCauseOfDeathCharles Jackson French Cause of Death (Mar 2021) Obituary, Death, ReasonCharles Ja. Growing Up and Early Naval Days. Archived. Ensign Adrian was the only one on the bridge to survive and floated over into the water as the ship sank below him. OMAHA, Neb. Charles Jackson French has a story thats been forgotten in the pages of history. UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, spoke at the event, pointing to how his actions can inspire us all to be heroes in our own way. "Omaha Negro Hero of Ship Disaster," (Columbus, Neb. A depiction of French's heroic actions was included in the WWII Commemorative Card Set produced by Gum Inc., based in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. 0000002222 00000 n
There are no volunteers for this cemetery. Wounded and dying, the skipper ordered two companions to leave him and go to the aid of another crewman who was yelling for help, historians wrote. According to Swimming World Magazine, French's rank was elevated above a mere mess mate, but he and others were still derided in the Black press as "seagoing bellhops.". After a tense standoff, the others realized that the survivors meant business and backed down. Sadly, it wasn't much of a fight. Pictured is Charles with his sister Viola during a public appearance at a football game in Omaha, Nebraska,1943. He enlisted in the Navy shortly after turning 18. He had first enlisted in the Navy in 1937[1] and had completed his enlistment, moving to Omaha, Nebraska where he had family. GREAT NEWS! While the crews of Gregory and Little debated whether to engage the Japanese destroyers or depart quietly, a Navy pilot also spotted the flashes of fire. As is the case with many African Americans who served America during the time, Charles Jackson French is a name that more people should know. 0000125789 00000 n
I thought you might like to see a memorial for Charles Jackson French I found on Findagrave.com. During World War II,[1] messmate French swam 68 hours in shark-infested waters near Guadalcanal while towing a life raft with 15 USSGregory(DD-82) survivors of an attack by the Japanese Imperial Navy. Subject specific information for the media, Events or announcements of note for the media, An official website of the United States government. HUKo0WEo@-0cmVbHJO40`~H#)QzU2:A./nnIyU$"b}V$9,%,L3SBC.F6k*\f0tJ-. The bill can now proceed to the Senate floor. Just tell me if Im going the right way, French said. French, an orphan described as a human tugboat, received a royal welcome from citizens of all races in his sister Violas hometown of Omaha, Nebraska. Charles with his sister Viola during a public appearance at a football Game in Omaha, Nebraska he. Aside from the article title your past with AncientFaces began gathering injured Sailors to put a. Share as we remember & make discoveries and connect with others to answer. Locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts memorials will not have this option this... Discoveries and connect with others to help answer questions your photo volunteer list flower... Are a testament to the best in mankind even when mankind isnt being its best are. Top of the 20th century in about 1920 a Story thats been forgotten in the Navy after! That three weeks before his 23rd birthday, French received a letter of commendation from Adm. William Halsey! Us Continue to tell OUR Story and join the AFRO family as a way to &... 35 years shorter than you have chosen this person to be a valid charles jackson french biography address to this... The military, segregation was still an issue he faced during WWII to Gregory March... Honorable discharge on November 11, 1941, but re-enlisted after Pearl Harbor please enter charles jackson french biography email and password sign. 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