In 1942, French selflessly saved 15 of his shipmates after their ship, USS Gregory (APD 3), sank following assaults from Japanese forces.
“The story of Charles Jackson French must be informed and shared for generations to return,” stated Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Mike Gilday. “He exemplified our core values and confronted adversity with unwavering grit and selflessness.”
Throughout the Battle of Guadalcanal, Japanese forces close to Solomon Islands sank USS Gregory. French and his fellow Sailors discovered themselves on a raft drifting in direction of enemy fireplace. French tied a rope round his waist and jumped into shark-infested waters to tug the raft away from mortal hazard. He swam for greater than six hours at the hours of darkness till an plane noticed the raft and pleasant forces despatched a touchdown craft to select them up. In 1943, the Commander of South Pacific Space and South Pacific Pressure awarded French a Letter of Commendation with ribbon licensed (which is the equal of at this time’s Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal).
“I’m proud to announce the Navy is dedicating a rescue swimming coaching pool right here at Naval Base San Diego to Mess Attendant First Class Charles Jackson French in honor of his heroic actions,” stated Gilday. “Generations of Sailors will practice there and always remember the values and legacy of such a courageous American hero.”
The pool, beneath the command of Naval Aviation Faculties Command (NASC), is used to coach Navy rescue swimmers to efficiently and safely conduct crucial search and rescue missions at sea.
“We’re completely elated and really humbled to have our coaching pool devoted in honor of Charles Jackson French,” stated Capt. Edgardo Moreno, NASC commanding officer. “His courageous and brave actions embody the easiest in our Navy and his story is a compelling instance to all Sailors for generations to return.”
The selection to call the Naval Aviation Faculties Command pool after French not solely commemorates the heroic rescue of his 15 shipmates, but in addition displays his ties to San Diego. After the conflict, French lived in San Diego and was later buried at Fort Rosecrans Nationwide Cemetery. The rescue swimmer coaching faculty at Naval Base San Diego is a becoming dedication to hold on French’s legacy.
“It’s a privilege to be the regional commander at the moment to endorse this key motion in recognizing the heroism of Charles Jackson French,” stated Rear Adm. Stephen D. Barnett, commander of Navy Area Southwest. “He exemplified the Navy’s values of honor, braveness and dedication, and it’s nicely previous time that we acknowledge his actions on this method.”
A proper dedication ceremony will likely be held in Could.
