Omaha City Wire

Rep. Don Bacon and representatives from the City of Omaha, including 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 1st Class Charles Jackson French at the U.S. Charles Jackson French Post Office, located at 6223 Maple Street in Omaha.

French was a World War II hero with ties to Omaha. He served as a mess attendant on the USS Gregory during a time when the military was racially segregated. Despite this, he rescued fifteen injured fellow sailors when their ship was attacked and sunk by Japanese gunfire. French helped his crewmates into a life raft and swam for over six hours through nightfall and shark-infested waters until they were rescued.

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

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

WHO: Rep. Bacon; representatives from City of Omaha including Mayor Jean Stothert; Nebraska Historical Society; Great Plains Black History Museum; French Family

WHEN: Friday, October 4, 2024, at 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 for Petty Officer French can be viewed here: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URdIyOjghWo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URdIyOjghWo)