Omaha, Neb. – Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) and representatives from the City of Omaha to include Mayor Jean Stothert, the Nebraska Historical Society, the Great Plains Black History Museum, and the French Family, will unveil a historical marker recognizing Petty Officer 1^st Class Charles Jackson French at the U.S. Charles Jackson French Post Office, 6223 Maple Street, Omaha, NE.

A World War II hero with ties to Omaha, Petty Officer French served as a mess attendant on the USS Gregory, when the military was racially segregated. However, this did not stop him from rescuing fifteen of his injured fellow sailors when their ship was attacked and sunk by Japanese gunfire. French helped his crewmates into a life raft and tied it to himself, swimming for nearly six plus hours through nightfall and swarming sharks until they were finally identified and rescued.

In addition to the naming of the post office, Petty Officer French was posthumously awarded the Navy Marine Corps Medal on May 19, 2022, for his courageous acts of heroism during the Second World War. The Navy also renamed the Naval Aviation Schools Command aquatic facility the “Charles Jackson French Training Pool.” In January of this year, it was announced that the U.S. Navy will name an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer after French. Construction of the ship is set to begin in 2026, with delivery in 2031.

“French’s actions are truly admirable. His story of devotion and service is one that we all should know and learn from. As a three-decade veteran, I am inspired by French’s bravery and sacrifice to save his injured mates off the coast of the Guadalcanal,” said Rep. Bacon. “This marker culminates all of the previous steps taken to honor him. We have finally given Charles Jackson French and his family the recognition he deserves.”

The public is invited to attend the event:

WHAT: Historical Marker Unveiling honoring Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jackson French

WHO:   Rep. Bacon, and representatives from the City of Omaha to include Mayor Jean Stothert, the Nebraska Historical Society, the Great Plains Black History Museum, and the French Family

WHEN:                 Friday, October 4, 2024, 2:00 p.m. 

WHERE:              Charles Jackson French Post Office 6223 Maple Street, Omaha, NE 68104

Parking:              Omaha Benson Baptist Church 

6319 Maple St, Omaha, NE 68104

Video compilation of recognition of Petty Officer French: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URdIyOjghWo

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