Letter to President Trump: Requesting Consideration of World War II, Charles Jackson French’s Heroism For Receipt of Posthumous Medal of Honor – A RAINBOW OF ROLE MODELS {WEDNESDAY SERIES}
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World War II Hero Charles Jackson French: Deserves The Medal of Honor A RAINBOW OF ROLE MODELS {WEDNESDAY SERIES}
Heroism is often defined by extraordinary acts despite overwhelming odds. During World War II, many acts of bravery were celebrated, but few were as awe-inspiring as the actions of Charles Jackson French. A US Navy Messman, French defied the constraints of his rank, the dangers of the Pacific, and the racial prejudices of his time to save his fellow sailors in a nightmarish ordeal that tested the limits of his endurance and courage.
A Fateful Night in the Pacific
On September 5, 1942, the USS Gregory, a Clemson-class destroyer, was supporting Marine forces near Guadalcanal in the Pacific Theater when it came under heavy fire from Japanese naval forces. The attack devastated the ship, leaving it in flames and sinking rapidly. Amidst the chaos, many sailors were wounded, unable to swim, and desperate for help. As the remnants of the USS Gregory floated in the dark waters, the immediate threats were overwhelming: the enemy, the sea, and the lurking sharks.
Charles Jackson French, a Messman Second Class, was among the survivors. His official duties in the segregated Navy were serving officers meals and cleaning their quarters. His bravery and leadership went far beyond his official duties when his ship went down.
Charles was determined to save his fellow sailors. He tied a rope around his waist and fastened the other end to a life raft carrying fifteen injured men. With sheer determination and physical endurance, he swam for six to eight hours through shark-infested waters, pulling the raft toward the safety of the Solomon Islands.
Swimming Through the Night
The journey was fraught with peril. The night was pitch-black, and the ocean’s currents were unpredictable. The wounded sailors could do nothing but pray and hold onto the raft as the French navigated through the treacherous waters. All the while, they could hear the movement of sharks circling them, drawn by the blood in the water. Yet, despite the constant fear, exhaustion, and pain, Charles French never wavered. He pressed forward, knowing that stopping meant death for all of them.
As dawn broke, the men found themselves near the shores of the Solomon Islands. Exhausted and barely able to move, French completed his mission—delivering the wounded men to safety. It was an act of selflessness and heroism that defied the racial barriers of the time and showcased the true spirit of a warrior.
Recognition Is Do
For his extraordinary bravery, Charles Jackson French was recommended for commendation. In 1943, he became the first African American to receive the Navy Medal of Heroism. His story was publicized in newspapers, and Charles even became a celebrated figure in war-era comics. However, despite his heroism, he never received the Medal of Honor or the Navy Cross, the highest decorations for valor. Some historians and advocates believe that racial discrimination played a role in this oversight.
Nevertheless, his legacy lived on. The Black Press recognized Charles French as a war hero. His story was featured in the Omaha World-Herald, and he was honored by the Boys’ Clubs of America. But mainstream recognition faded over time, and his name did not receive the same enduring acknowledgment as many of his white counterparts who performed acts of valor during the war.
A Legacy of Resilience and Inspiration
French’s story is more than just a tale of bravery—it is a lesson in resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering determination. At a time when the U.S. military was segregated, and African Americans were often relegated to support roles, French’s actions demonstrated that heroism knows no color.
His story inspires all, particularly young African Americans who seek role models of courage and strength. French’s legacy challenges the narrative that only those in command or combat roles can be heroes. His courage proves that character and determination define a person’s greatness in moments of crisis.
In recent years, there have been efforts to revive his story and secure him the recognition he deserves. Advocacy groups and military historians have called for a posthumous Medal of Honor to be awarded, ensuring that future generations remember his heroism.
Letter To President Donald John Trump
Date: February 14, 2025
The Honorable Donald J. Trump
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20500
Dear President Trump,
I am writing to bring to your attention a World War II hero, Charles Jackson French, who I believe deserves a Posthumous Medal of Honor. My father, William Powers, served in World War II in the European theater, and the legacy of such heroes is vital to our nation.
On September 5, 1942, the USS Gregory, a Clemson-class destroyer, was supporting Marine forces near Guadalcanal in the Pacific Theater when it came under heavy fire from Japanese naval forces. The attack devastated the ship, leaving it in flames and sinking rapidly. Amidst the chaos, many sailors were wounded and unable to swim, desperate for help. As the remnants of the USS Gregory floated in the dark waters, the immediate threats were overwhelming: the enemy, the sea, and lurking sharks.
Charles Jackson French, a Messman Second Class, was among the survivors. His official duties in the segregated Navy involved serving meals to officers and cleaning their quarters. However, his bravery and leadership exceeded those duties when his ship sank. Determined to save his fellow sailors, he tied a rope around his waist and fastened the other end to a life raft carrying fifteen injured men. His sheer determination and physical endurance allowed him to swim for six to eight hours through shark-infested waters, pulling the raft toward the safety of the Solomon Islands.
For his bravery, Charles French was recommended for commendation, and in 1943, he received the Navy Medal of Heroism. However, despite his actions, he never received the Medal of Honor or the Navy Cross, the highest decorations for valor. Some historians and advocates believe that racial discrimination may have played a role in this oversight. If so, perhaps it is now time to right a mistake.
Advocacy groups and military historians have called for a posthumous Medal of Honor to be awarded, ensuring that future generations remember his heroism. His actions that fateful night in 1942 exemplify putting others before oneself, persevering against insurmountable odds, and rising above barriers with undeniable courage.
I respectfully request that you consider reviewing Messman Second Class Charles Jackson French’s military service and heroism to determine if he deserves additional recognition for his bravery and service to our grateful nation.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
Styron Powers
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