Charles Jackson French was a U.S. Navy sailor who heroically swam for hours, towing 15 wounded shipmates to safety after the USS Gregory was sunk in 1942.
Early Life
Charles Jackson French was born on 25 September 1919, in Foreman, Arkansas. Growing up in the segregated South life was challenging for African Americans but French’s early years were marked by resilience and determination.
After losing his parents at a young age he moved to Omaha, Nebraska to live with his older sister Viola. Despite the hardships he developed a strong work ethic, and a quiet but courageous nature, per Wikipedia.
From an early age, French displayed impressive swimming abilities. He learned to swim in the Red River, unaware that this skill would one day make him a legend.
As he grew older, he sought opportunities to contribute to society and escape the limitations imposed by racial discrimination. The U.S Navy became his pathway to a better future.
Military Service
In 1937, at the age of 18, Charles Jackson French enlisted in the United States Navy. At that time opportunities for African Americans in the military were limited. They were often assigned to menial roles such as mess attendants, stewards, or cooks.
French initially served as a mess attendant for four years before being honorably discharged on 11 November 1941.
However, the attack on Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941, changed everything. Like many Americans, French felt the urgent call to serve his country once again just days after the attack, on 19 December, he reenlisted in the Navy.
Determined to contribute to the war effort despite the challenges faced by Black service members, per Blackpast.
Charles Jackson French: “I want to do my part, because I’m already trained and I can start right away.”
The USS Gregory and the Battle of Guadalcanal
French was assigned to the USS Gregory (APD-3), a high-speed transport ship that played a crucial role in the Pacific Theater during World War II.
As a mess attendant he was responsible for serving food to officers and performing other duties. But his true moment of heroism came on the night of 5 September 1942.
That night, the USS Gregory was near the Solomon Islands, when it was attacked by Japanese destroyers. The assault was devastating and within minutes the ship was heavily damaged and sinking.
Many crew members were killed while others including French, found themselves struggling to survive in the dark, dangerous waters, according to Omaha Magazine.
A Selfless Act of Heroism
Amid the chaos, French spotted a life raft carrying fifteen wounded sailors including Ensign Robert Adrian. Realizing that the current was pushing them toward Japanese-occupied territory he made a bold decision.
Tying a rope around his waist he plunged into the water and began pulling the raft away from enemy lines.
For six to eight grueling hours, French swam through shark-infested waters using all his strength to tow the raft toward safety, per Swimming World. The men on the raft were in awe of his endurance and courage.
Ensign Adrian later recounted how French refused to stop, even when the sailors urged him to climb aboard and rest. He was determined to save them all regardless of his own exhaustion.
Ensign Robert Adrian: “French gathered 15 shipmates onto a raft and, fearing they would drift to a Japanese-controlled island, towed the raft himself to a different island. He swam for hours, pulling 15 souls from the jaws of the sea, defying the odds and the sharks with nothing but his own grit and compassion”, per Navy Times.
At dawn, a scout aircraft spotted the survivors and directed a Marine landing craft to rescue them. Thanks to French’s extraordinary efforts all fifteen men survived the ordeal.
His actions that night were nothing short of heroic demonstrating incredible bravery, strength and selflessness.
Recognition and Challenges
Despite his heroic deed Charles Jackson French did not receive the level of recognition he deserved. While some accounts suggested he was nominated for the prestigious Navy Cross, he ultimately received a letter of commendation from Admiral William F. Halsey Jr in May 1943.
The letter praised his “meritorious conduct in action”, and acknowledged his lifesaving efforts.
Ensign Robert Adrian: “I can assure you that all the men on that raft are grateful to mess attendant French for his brave action off Guadacanal that night.”
French’s story, however, resonated with the public. He was featured in war-related media including comic strips and trading cards which celebrated his bravery.
The Chicago Defender {a leading African American newspaper) named him “Hero of the Year” highlighting his significance within the Black community during a time of racial inequality.
After World War II, Charles Jackson French struggled with the challenges many veterans faced. He battled alcoholism a condition that often afflicted those who had endured traumatic experiences in combat.
Unfortunately, his life was cut short when he passed away on 7 November 1956, at the age of 37 in San Diego California, The Black Past reports. He was laid to rest with full military honors at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.
Honoring His Legacy
Although French’s heroism was not fully recognized during his lifetime. Efforts to honor his legacy gained momentum in later years.
In 2022 the U.S Navy posthumously awarded him the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, acknowledging his extraordinary actions in rescuing his fellow sailors.
Chester French, nephew of Charles French: “He was a hero in our family”, per KETV.
Additionally, the rescue swimmer training pool at Naval Base San Diego was named in his honor, per Navy Times. In the same year President Joe Biden signed a bill naming the United States Postal Service facility in Omaha, Nebraska, the “Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jackson French Post Office.” This act ensured that his name and legacy would be remembered for generations.
USS Charles J. French (DDG 142)
In January 2024, the Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, announced that an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer would be named after Charles Jackson French, The U.S Naval Institute reports. The USS Charles J. French (DDG 142) serves as a lasting tribute to his bravery and dedication.
Secretary Del Toro: “For too long, we did not recognize Petty Officer French appropriately, but we’ve begun to correct that. Recently, we renamed the training pool at Naval Base San Diego after him. Today, with profound conviction and a heart brimming with long-overdue recognition, I am proud to announce the name of our newest destroyer, DDG-142, will be the USS Charles J. French.”
