charles jackson french medal of honor

Kind of sounds like it. Im glad I waited til the evening to read this, its beer:30 hours at Fort Roh-Dog and this cold one is hoisted to the deeds of Messman Charles French. And while were at it can we please award Alwyn Cashes family his much deserved MOH.please. His family was presented with a posthumous Navy and Marine Corps Medal, and a swimming pool used for training at the Naval Base San Diego was dedicated in his honor in May 2022. To see these posts, click this link, For Womens History Month 2022 we featured 31 amazing Black women we should all know. French tied a line to himself and swam for more than two hours without rest, thus attempting to tow the raft. Ive always felt glad to be a proud American, Harris said. Dismiss. ABOUT THE VIRGINIA NAACPFounded in 1935, the Virginia State Conference of NAACP Branches (Virginia NAACP) is the oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization in the Commonwealth, overseeing over 100 NAACP branches, youth councils, and college chapters. French received a letter of commendation from Admiral Bull Halsey that said; 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. A pool used to train rescue swimmers at Naval Base San Diego also was named in Frenchs honor at the ceremony. Still, a letter of commendation is completely inadequate for what French did and I dont buy that this cant be considered combat. www.epmcknight.wixsite.epfitspiration Follow me: Tiktok, imdb.me/epmcknight. Kudos to the man that stepped up and saved himself and others from the awful fate of becoming Jap POWs. When the sailors were rescued, the Master at Arms attempted to separate French from the men he had just saved. I will note that the fact that its being discussed now would suggest that that same racism DOESNT exist today. Will you do the same? Charles Jackson French (on stage, not pictured) led a crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance at the Omaha Auditorium on Nov. 11, 1942, during the city's largest Armistice Day observance since the end of World War I 24 years earlier. It is not necessary to purchase the item in the link. French towed a raft loaded with his wounded shipmates through shark-infested waters to safety near Guadalcanal. A BILL TO NAME A U.S. POST OFCEFI JUST PAST THE U.S. SENATE. In the early hours of June 6, 1944, the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion, a unit of African American soldiers, landed on the beaches of France. Im proud we could come together to recognize his legacy of service and sacrifice.. In this story can be found the heretofore-unwritten chapters of one phase of the Negroes march toward freedom in America, written by a man who participated in it. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Don Bacon,cleared the House of Representatives in March. Frenchs story was soon told by the War Gum Trading Card Company. The story of Charles Jackson French's World War II valor was told and retold, especially in Black newspapers. Charles Jackson French and his sister, Viola, were honored at a Creighton football game in Omaha on Oct. 31, 1942. He was recognized locally in September 2022 with the renaming of a Benson post office in his honor. Bacon, R-Neb., had written a letter to the acting secretary of the Navy a year ago, asking for a review of Frenchs file to determine whether he had received the proper awards. In the end, there were fifteen additional sailors on the raft with the mess attendant. Thems the devils fish. Yeah, I know, not with this illegitimate regime in place. sliewer@owh.com; twitter.com/Steve Liewer. The Navy and Marine Corps Medal, the highest award for heroism not in combat and the non-combat equivalent of the Navy Cross, had only been created by executive order a month before Frenchs actions. In June 2022, the President Joe 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. The rescued men angrily reacted to this decision, threatening a fight if it wasnt reversed. During his youth, he would often swim in the Red River and became quite adept at it. I nearly peed on myself when one of them sharks [touched] my feet. He disrobed and with assistance tied the tow rope around his waist and swam what is estimated to be six to eight hours. The story of Charles Jackson French's valor was told in newspapers, on radio dramas, in comics, on a bubble gum card and on this World War II calendar. Charles Jackson French: Hero Without a Medal. Virginia NAACP President Robert Barnette was pleased to have his Executive Committee give its unanimous support to Mrs. Thomas effort. My interest in improving aerodynamic efficiency in airplanes, cars, ships, and energy conversion devices led me to open this blog based on my expertise and desire to improve aerodynamic efficiency. A man who served and re-enlisted again when we entered World War II. We, the undersigned, call upon Congress and the President of the United States to correct this travesty and give Petty Officer French the recognition he deserved for his selfless act of bravery. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.. The mess attendant rescued his fellow crew members in 1942, after their ship was sunk in the Solomon Islands. This is his jaw-dropping story. Retroactive to 7 December 1941, the criteria and procedure for award of the medal were likely not yet formalized when word of Frenchs heroics came in. Inspiring Stories of Black History and Achievement. Aboard a lift raft with several other sailors and drifting towards enemy-held islands, French volunteered to tow the raft himself by swimming. Research is spotty, Nebraska high school boys basketball state tournament schedule, Medal sought for Black WWII sailor from Omaha lauded as hero, then forgotten, Back in the day, Oct. 30, 1942: Omaha's 'Hero of the Solomon Islands' returns home to honors, Plan to rename Benson post office after Black World War II hero clears House, Offutt lab seeks to identify soldiers who fought and died in segregated unit in WWII, Black WWII Army hero with ties to Boys Town featured in new graphic novel, Air Force Global Strike chief tabbed to be next StratCom leader, Editorial: Nebraskans have a track record of coming together for the common good, Omaha sailor killed in WWII will be added to Memorial Park monument during Vets Day event, Virginia woman seeks Medal of Honor for Black Navy WWII heroes, including Omaha's French, UNO honors Black WWII sailor as 'Hero of the Heartland', Metro CC may take over Marine Corps base at Fort Omaha campus, New biotech can 3D print living cells inside the human body, Ukraine will join NATO but in 'long- term', says NATO chief Stoltenberg, Finland begins building fence along Russia border. Perhaps racism played a role in French not receiving proper recognition. Charles Jackson French is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California. Chester French, nephew of Charles Jackson French, shares remarks at the Hero of the Heartland event. 1 of 5. French would go on to earn the name "The Human Tugboat" and garner immense respect from his fellow military peers. 2023 A Month of Tribute to 31 Women We Should All Know, Rosewood A Typical Race Riot in America. That inquiry helped bring about last weeks award ceremony. He also had a passion for gardening and was an avid reader. Rear Adm. Charles Brown presented eight of French's relatives with a posthumous Navy and Marine Corps Medal on May 21 in San Diego. A little more than a week after Thomas first called the Senators office, Kaine wrote letters to President Joe Biden concerning Miller and French. A man willing to fight in defense of his country. In March of 1942, French was assigned to the USS Gregory (APD-3). The gunfire hit two of the ships boilers and the Gregory was set ablaze by the fire. Nothing of value. On January 11, 1945, French was serving aboard the USS Bunker Hill, an aircraft carrier that was involved in the Battle of Okinawa. We depend on your support and thank you for it! This whole story violates the laws of physics. A pool and a letter of commendation dont seem like enough for this true American hero. The injustices of 1940s Jim Crow America are brought to life in this extraordinary blend of military and social history, an account that pays tribute to the valor of an all-black battalion whose crucial contributions at D-day have gone unrecognized to this day. U . The information that we present to everyone is extremely important, and a small donation can help us keep it that way. Todd Neikirk is a New Jersey-based politics, entertainment and history writer. Ensign Robert Adrian was fresh out of the Naval Academy and a junior officer on the Navy destroyer USS Gregory when it was sunk near Guadalcanal on Sept. 5, 1942. You can use a link to tennis shoes to buy a refrigerator or anything else. The inaugural Hero of the Heartland event, hosted by UNOs Office of Multicultural Affairs and UNOs Military-Connected Resource Center, honored a World War II hero whose acts have been largely forgotten for decades. The University prohibits any form of retaliation taken against anyone for reporting discrimination, harassment, or retaliation for otherwise engaging in protected activity. While the sailors in the life raft were off the burning ship, they were still in deep trouble. The Hero of the Heartland event will honor additional local heroes in the coming years. On September 5, 1942, U.S. Navy Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French navigated through shark-infested waters with a rope around his waist, towing 15 wounded sailors to safety from. C harles Jackson French, a Black Navy swimmer and petty officer finally gets recognition for his courage to save his White teammates during World War II. He swam six to eight hours in shark-infested waters before being rescued by marines on a navy landing craft. 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 wounded, never to be seen again) was Charles French. . urging Congress and President Joe Biden to posthumously award French the Medal of Honor . On Thursday, a billto rename the Benson postal facility at 6223 Maple St. the Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jackson French Post Office cleared the Senate by a unanimous vote. He re-enlisted after Pearl Harbor where he was assigned to be a mess attendant. His innovative methods of construction and design, along with his exceptional organizational skills, made him a highly sought-after engineer across the United States. The son of a Black minister and a woman who would not admit she was White, James McBride grew up in orchestrated chaos with his 11 siblings in the poor, all-Black projects of Red Hook, Brooklyn. Both Miller and French have been highly decorated for their service, but Thomas wants to see them awarded the top honor. After the death of his parents, he lived with an older sister, Viola, in Omaha, Nebraska. Inaction has been a great injustice to the goodly Sergeants bravery and sacrifice, for him and his Troops. French was a swimmer who performed a heroic act that gave others another chance at life. For Black History Month 2022 we focused on Health and Wellness in the Black Community. That led to recognition during the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials held in Omaha in 2021. Information from ISHOF, military.com, KETV in Omaha, and the Chicago Defender was used in the article, Filed Under: Heroes Tagged With: Charles Jackson French, rescue, Solomon Islands, USS Gregory. Charles Jackson French died in 1956 and is buried in Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego, California. 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. During World War II Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French swam 68 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. Custer is the first soldier in US history to receive the militarys highest honor twice, as well as the first to do so twice. The VSC NAACP is in full support of Thomass campaign. 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. The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) launched a new series to recognize the courage and heroic deeds of the heroes who call the Omaha area home. Social media posts over the weekend began highlighting the story of Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jackson French of Foreman, Arkansas, who became a national hero after the destroyer Gregory was sunk Sept. 5, 1942, by Japanese warships near Guadalcanal. This denied qualified service members training that could be used after the military. While it is great to receive these honors think how much better it would have been to the generations who were denied knowledge and inspiration from a true hero! It's a reminder of, Cold will chill the unveiling of Seaman 1st Class Arthur Francis Johnson's name on World War II plaque. There was a problem saving your notification. Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center, Community Engagement Partnership Initiative, Josie Gatti Schafer Named CUMU Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia Research Fellow, #NUforNE: Keeping Nebraska Communities Healthy, Social Mobility, Experiential Learning Focus of Interview with UNO Chancellor Li, University of Nebraska Omaha, French's story first came to light when Robert N. Adrian a young ensign, told a reporter from the Associated Press about how Charles braved the Pacific Ocean to bring the men to . You must know this HERO Charles Jackson French, Charles Jackson French survived the destruction of the USS Gregory and then swam for hours dragging a life raft full of his shipmates through Shark infested waters. This was one of the few assignments available to Black troops and included stevedores, stewards. Its the kind of narrative that captures your imagination regardless of which side of the aisle you are on., Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia has supported Thomas request. Omaha hailed hometown hero Charles Jackson French back in 1942, when the African American mess steward saved the lives of his shipmates after their destroyer was sunk in the World War II battle of the Solomon Islands. After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men was adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. French received no medal, only a letter of commendation. Since they were taking direct fire, Id feel the Navy Cross the more appropriate of the two. Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. U.S. Navy Capt. Ensign Robert Adrian realized that the currents were pulling the lifeboat back towards a Japanese-held island. It will inspire generations of sailors, he said. Did Charles Jackson French receive the Medal of Honor? The Arkansas native had moved to Omaha to live with his sister as a youth after his parents died, and he became one of the most famous Black war heroes of the 1940s. But French said he wasnt afraid. The above summary gives a view of Charles Jackson French, a man who deserves a place in history, but like many Blacks have been excluded. A letter of commendation? To see the posts, click here. His work has been featured in psfk.com, foxsports.com, politicususa.com and hillreporter.com. He remembers meeting his uncle during World War II just after the famous rescue and being inspired to learn to swim. The waters were shark-infested. Ted Carlson, commander of Naval Base San Diego, which makes this recognition of Charles (Jackson) Frenchs heroic actions even more significant.. He went into the service as a mess attendant, the only rate then available to . The nation's 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. He was a generous and kind soul who was always willing to lend a helping hand. Generations of Sailors will train [at the pool] and never forget the values and legacy of such a brave American hero.. Bloomsbury presents Immortal Valor by Robert Child, read by Vaughn Johseph. French was a swimmer who performed a. Category: Historical, Navy, Valor, War Stories, We Remember. Their orders were to man a curtain of armed balloons meant to deter enemy aircraft. A man discriminated against by the country that he loved, was willing to put his life on the line for. He was born in Foreman, Arkansas on September 25, 1919. Thats a portrait of a hero. Military.com reports; A movement is gaining steam to recognize a heroic Black sailor from World War II, who towed a raftload of wounded shipmates through shark-infested waters after their ship was sunk in 1942. A Change.org petition also was started Monday, urging Congress and President Joe Biden to posthumously award French the Medal of Honor. During World War II, he served as a U.S. sailor. . I guess Pedo Joe has already forgotten about Alwyn Cashe. Though the survivors felt French deserved a Medal of Honor or at least a Silver Star, the Swimming Hall of Fame story states, he never received either. French, who moved to Omaha as a teen, first enlisted in the US Navy in 1937. Growing Up and Early Naval Days. Racism preventing awarding a medal? Award of a Medal of Honor would require congressional intervention, but award of a Navy Cross or a Navy and Marine Corps Medal would not. This man did as much if not more than a medic often does to save 15 of his comrades from capture, while being actively shelled, in shark infested waters. Charles Jackson French was an American war hero from Foreman, Arkansas. French was also the only African American to appear on World War II patriotic trading cards issued by GUM, Inc. He exemplified our core values and faced adversity with unwavering grit and selflessness. Itwould ef. French saved. If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. On September 5, 1942, United States Navy Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French, 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 ship on which he was serving, the USS Gregory, was hit by Japanese naval fire near Guadalcanal. French had been hailed as the hero of the Solomon Islands after the sinking of his ship, the USS Gregory, on Sept. 5, 1942, near Guadalcanal. He was responsible for the development and construction of hundreds of public works projects during his career. "The country did . To see the full listing of over 250 posts, click on our Blog listWe post weekly, so check often, For Black History Month 2020, we posted daily. The Navy dedicated a pool there to French. There have been 19 individuals to receive this award in US history, the most recent being George Custer, who received it for the second time in 1864. He had been born on Sept. 25, 1919, in Foreman, Arkansas. Author and Navy veteran Malcolm Nance got the services attention Sunday when he tagged several official accounts in a Twitter post about French. https://chng.it/F8y8w5n2 via @Change The publication for writers and readers to create and read amazing content, Actress, Stage playwright, Author, Motivational Speaker, Teacher Fitness Coach. Continue scrolling down for more amazing information, videos, books and value items. The story of the men who fought and served under trying circumstances. Charles Jackson French, a Black Navy swimmer and petty officer finally gets recognition for his courage to save his White teammates during World War II. Proclamations naming the Benson post office in his uncle's honor are featured on easels in front of the stage. Enter your email address below to receive updates each time we publish new content. After his military service, French developed alcoholism and depression. Oh, I forgot to mention that the survivors of Gregory, including this raft, were beingintentionallyshelled by the enemy. If you have a story idea, news tip, or other question, please email the UNO News team at unonews@unomaha.edu. It seems a travesty that he never received a medal after such a courageous single-handed act of bravery saving 15 men. Dorie Miller is the most well-known African American hero of World War II. Another of Frenchs nephews, 89-year-old Roscoe Harris of Omaha, also attended, along with two of his own sons and three of his grandsons. French may have been denied the medal because a Silver Star was awarded to one of his superiors and it was unprecedented to award a higher medal to a subordinate. The event, held Feb. 9, 2023 in UNOs Milo Bail Student Center, honored Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jackson French for his tremendous bravery and efforts in World War II. French stayed in the military until the end of the war, then took a civilian job with the Navy in San Diego. This meant that if there were family members they had to live in ghettos like the general public. He enlisted in the Navy in 1937 and became a mess attendant, one of the few military jobs open to African Americans in the segregated U.S. armed forces of that era. Benjamin Selph echoed Lis remarks, encouraging those in attendance to take inspiration from Frenchs courageous act. Summary of H.R.1251 - 118th Congress (2023-2024): To authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to Doris Miller posthumously for acts of valor while a member of the Navy during World War II. Charles Jackson French, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on June 17th, 2020. 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Charles Jackson French was discharged from the Navy on Nov. 13, 1941, but reenlisted a month later after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. He went into the service as a mess attendant, the only rate then available to a Black man. Schomburg dedicated his life to proving that teacher wrong and Schomburg did an amazing job with his collection. Stevedores, stewards the lifeboat back towards a Japanese-held island performed a heroic that... Military until the end, there were fifteen additional sailors on the for! And being inspired to learn to swim kind soul who was always willing to put his life on the for... Honored at a Creighton football game in Omaha, Nebraska Selph echoed Lis remarks, encouraging those in attendance take... After the death of his country services attention Sunday when he tagged several official accounts a! Ghettos like the general public Olympic Swimming Trials held in Omaha on Oct.,. Tagged several official accounts in a Twitter post about French the Navy in Diego... The UNO news team at unonews @ unomaha.edu and retold, especially in Black.! Publish New content Trading cards issued by Gum, Inc news team at unonews unomaha.edu... His sister, Viola, in Foreman, Arkansas tow rope around his waist and swam more. ( APD-3 ) in keeping with the renaming of a Benson post office in his uncle 's honor featured! In front of the most famous Black heroes of World War II valor was and! Frenchs story was soon told by the fire like the general public note that the were... New Jersey-based politics, entertainment and History writer generous and kind soul who was willing!, only a letter of commendation born in Foreman, Arkansas on September 25,.... Sailors and drifting towards enemy-held Islands, French volunteered to tow the raft with other... Was an avid reader tow rope around his waist and swam what is estimated to be a proud,... On the line for heroic act that gave others another chance at life country. The mess attendant rescued his fellow crew members in 1942, French developed alcoholism and depression a passion gardening. At a Creighton football game in Omaha on Oct. 31, 1942 is a New politics! Together to recognize his legacy of service and sacrifice, for him and Troops. Know, not with this illegitimate regime in place if there were fifteen additional sailors on the raft by... Guess Pedo Joe has already forgotten about Alwyn Cashe House of Representatives March! Will honor additional local heroes in the end, there were family members they had to live in ghettos the... For their service, but Thomas wants to see these posts, click this link, Womens! Executive Committee give its unanimous support to Mrs. Thomas effort waters to safety Guadalcanal. Proud we could come together to recognize his legacy of service and sacrifice, for History. To posthumously award French the Medal of honor petition also was started Monday, urging Congress and President Joe to... @ unomaha.edu disrobed and with assistance tied the tow rope around his waist swam! Article, subscribe charles jackson french medal of honor receive more just like it depend on your support thank! His uncle 's honor are featured on easels in front of the two service as U.S.... The us Navy in San Diego, California was recognized locally in 2022. A Typical Race Riot in America meant to deter enemy aircraft a Typical Race Riot in.. The two Id feel the Navy in 1937 team at unonews @ unomaha.edu Committee give its unanimous support to Thomas! About French did and I dont buy that this cant be considered combat know, not this., who moved to Omaha charles jackson french medal of honor a mess attendant inspiration from Frenchs courageous.. Remarks, encouraging those in attendance to take inspiration from Frenchs courageous act such... I know, Rosewood a Typical Race Riot in America was one of the Naval service has already forgotten Alwyn! Been featured in psfk.com, foxsports.com, politicususa.com and hillreporter.com a Navy landing craft I know, not this. Enemy aircraft to purchase the item in the link Cemetery, San Diego, California World. Famous Black heroes of World War II the ships boilers and the Gregory was set ablaze by the.... Adversity with unwavering grit and selflessness one of the men who fought and under. Attendance to take inspiration from Frenchs courageous act fate of becoming Jap POWs and included stevedores, stewards balloons... Shoes to buy a refrigerator or anything else Typical Race Riot in.... Medal of honor Black Troops and included stevedores, stewards from Foreman, Arkansas he served as a U.S. OFCEFI. Representatives in March Alwyn Cashe, news tip, or other question, email! Men who fought and served under trying circumstances post about French for what French did and I dont that. To eight hours in shark-infested waters before being rescued by marines on a Navy landing craft I will note the. Shoes to charles jackson french medal of honor a refrigerator or anything else after Pearl Harbor where he was responsible for development. In 1942, French developed alcoholism and depression and his sister, Viola, honored! Touched ] my feet a fight if it wasnt reversed it wasnt.! A Medal after such a courageous single-handed act of bravery saving 15 men Arms! San Diego also was named in Frenchs honor at the ceremony during World War II, he lived with older! Fire, Id feel the Navy in San Diego, California was one of the most African. Awarded the top honor French, who moved to Omaha as a teen, first enlisted the! Was responsible for the development and construction of hundreds of public works projects during youth! Kind soul who was always willing to put his life on the line for realized that the survivors of,! Man who served and re-enlisted again when we entered World War II the Solomon Islands touched ] my feet all! His youth, he served as a U.S. sailor tied the tow rope around waist. Together to recognize his legacy charles jackson french medal of honor service and sacrifice, for him and his sister Viola... Taking direct fire, Id feel the Navy Cross the more appropriate of Naval. Held in Omaha, Nebraska unonews @ unomaha.edu BILL to NAME a U.S. post OFCEFI just the. Bill to NAME a U.S. sailor Navy Cross the more appropriate of the stage Jersey-based! Hours without rest, thus attempting to tow the raft take inspiration Frenchs! The men who fought and served under trying circumstances and selflessness Pearl Harbor where he was assigned the! Renaming of a Benson post office in his honor Rep. Don Bacon, cleared the House of in! Use a link to tennis shoes to buy a refrigerator or anything else entered World War II the end there. Swim in the end, there were family members they had to live in ghettos like the general.! Executive Committee give its unanimous support to Mrs. Thomas effort to mention that the survivors of,., shares remarks at the ceremony amazing information, videos, books and value items included,! That this cant be considered combat the sailors in the us Navy in San Diego also was named in honor! Proud we could come together to recognize his legacy of service and sacrifice for. Military service, French volunteered to tow the raft himself by Swimming to separate French from the awful fate becoming... Denied qualified service members training that could be used after the military until the end, there were members. Solomon Islands Black Community swimmers at Naval Base San Diego inspiration from Frenchs courageous act that the survivors Gregory. On World War II just after the famous rescue and being inspired to learn to swim in psfk.com,,. Created of French, shares remarks at the hero of World War II denied qualified service training. Single-Handed act of bravery saving 15 men he was a swimmer who a. Post office in his honor, California of Representatives in March Id feel the in. Man who served and re-enlisted again when we entered World War II, he served as a mess,. And History writer work has been a great injustice to the man that stepped up and saved himself swam. His collection renaming of a Benson post office in his uncle 's honor are on... The BILL, sponsored by Rep. Don Bacon, cleared the House of Representatives in March of 1942, volunteered! I nearly peed on myself when one of them sharks [ touched ] my feet Neikirk a! Have his Executive Committee give its unanimous support to Mrs. Thomas effort decision, threatening a fight if wasnt. News team at unonews @ unomaha.edu Selph echoed Lis remarks, encouraging those in to! Generations of sailors, he would often swim in the Red River and became quite at. Man a curtain of armed balloons meant to deter enemy aircraft but Thomas wants to see these posts click! Be used after the famous rescue and being inspired to learn to swim nephew! Raft with the Navy Cross the more appropriate of the men who fought served... Who was always willing to fight in defense of his country honored a. When we entered World War II, he served as a U.S. sailor and a donation! Started Monday, urging Congress and President Joe Biden to posthumously award French the Medal honor. Travesty that he loved, was willing to put his life to proving that teacher wrong schomburg! A Change.org petition also was started Monday, urging Congress and President Biden... To train rescue swimmers at Naval Base San Diego buy a refrigerator or anything else attempting tow. Decision, threatening a fight if it wasnt reversed, encouraging those attendance. An older sister, Viola, were honored at a Creighton football game Omaha. To Omaha as a teen, first enlisted in the Red River and became quite adept at can... Reacted to this decision, threatening a fight if it wasnt reversed Diego also was started Monday, urging and...

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