He rescued 15 sailors in shark-infested waters. Now this Black Navy swimmer is finally getting his due.
Written by Black Hot Fire Network on February 21, 2023
Charles Jackson French died young, his World War II heroism mostly forgotten, even in the place he called home: San Diego.
Now, 80 years after the Navy petty officer swam hours through shark-infested waters, towing a raft holding 15 injured shipmates to safety, he’s getting his due.
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His name adorns a pool at Naval Base San Diego that’s used to train rescue swimmers . . .
