Steward's Mate 1st Class Charles Jackson French - Black History Month Feature [Image 7 of 7]

UNITED STATES

02.13.2023

Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Rebekah Watkins 

Chief of Naval Personnel

A graphic celebrating Steward's Mate 1st Class Charles Jackson French for Black History Month (U.S. Navy Graphic by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Rebekah Watkins).

Suggested post copy:
As we continue to celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth, we recognize Steward's Mate 1st Class Charles Jackson 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.
For this action, French received a letter of commendation from Adm. William F. Halsey, Jr. in May 1943. 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.”

To learn more about how the Navy has honored the legacy of French:
https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/Article/3039777/navy-dedicates-rescue-swimmer-training-pool-and-presents-posthumous-award-to-ww/

To learn more about how MyNavy HR’s N17 Office works to ensure all Sailors have the opportunity to succeed in today’s Navy, visit:
https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Support-Services/Culture-Resilience/

• Date Taken: 02.13.2023
• Date Posted: 02.13.2023 15:05
• Photo ID: 7631361
• VIRIN: 230213-N-UJ486-435
• Resolution: 2560x2560
• Size: 1.9 MB
• Location: US