Charles Jackson French

Charles Jackson French (25 September 1919 - 7 November 1956)[1] was an American war hero from Foreman, Arkansas. He had enlisted in the United States Navy in 1937.[2]

USS Gregory in early 1942

Meritorious conduct in action

During World War II,[2] Petty Officer First Class French swam 6–8 hours in shark-infested waters near Guadalcanal while towing a life raft with 25 USS Gregory survivors of an attack by the Japanese Imperial Navy.[3] For this action, French received a letter of commendation from Adm. William F. Halsey, Jr. in May 1943.[3] Adm. Halsey was then commander of the Southern Pacific Fleet. 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. After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men were adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. French tied a line to himself and swam for more than two hours without rest, thus attempting to tow the raft. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.

French did not receive the Medal of Honor or Silver Star.

Resting place

French is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California.[1]

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See also

References
  1. Charles Jackson French
  2. Black Swimming History: Forgotten Hero of WWII Bruce Wigo, Swimming World, 5 February 2018
  3. The story of Charles Jackson French Bruce Wigo

Further reading
  • Black Splash: The History of African American Swimmers, Lee Pitts
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