Tonight we learn about the first Black swimmer to win the Navy medal for heroism. Charles Jackson French, 23, a “Negro mess attendant” from Foreman, Arkansas, was commended by Admiral William Halsey, Jr. and awarded the Navy Medal in 1943 for swimming 6 – 8 hours in shark invested waters, towing a raft filled with 15 wounded (white) sailors to safety, after their ship was sunk by the Japanese off the Solomon Islands. The raft was drifting toward Japanese occupied territory and if it had washed ashore, the sailors would have either been taken prisoners of war or killed. The raft was eventually rescued at sea by an American craft. “His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the naval service.”

I can’t even imagine swimming 6-8 hours, let alone in shark infested water! French definitely earned his medal! Also of note is the year. 1943 was very segregated back in America. I wonder what life was like for this hero after he returned home.