The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Honoring United States Navy Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French

On September 5, 1942, United States Navy Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French, of Omaha Nebraska, swam through the night for 6 - 8 hours pulling a raft of 15 wounded sailors with a rope around his stomach through shark infested waters after the USS Gregory was hit by Japanese naval fire near Guadalcanal. French successfully brought the men to safety on the shores of the Solomon Islands. French was the first black swimmer to earn the Navy Medal for his heroism in 1943.

French's story first came to light when Robert N. Adrian a young ensign, told a reporter from the Associated Press about how Charles braved the Pacific Ocean to bring the men to safety.

Ensign Adrian was the only one on the bridge to survive and floated over into the water as the ship sank below him. Hearing voices, he found a life raft filled with 15 wounded men. Adrian, though superficially wounded, was able to hang on. “I knew that if we floated ashore we'd be taken as prisoners of war," he said. "Then French volunteered to swim the raft away from shore. He asked for help to tie a rope around his waist and towed them to safety." Adrian told him it was impossible that he would only be giving himself up to the sharks that surrounded them "French responded that he was not afraid. He was a powerful swimmer, and swam all night, 6 to 8 hours, until they were eventually saved by a landing craft."

Once Charles Jackson French was identified, he became a national hero. A depiction of French's heroic actions was included in the WWII Commemorative Card Set produced by Gum Inc., based in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. In addition to the War Gum trading card, his story was told in syndicated comic strips, on calendars and he made public appearances across the country to promote the sale of War Bonds. Pictured is Charles with his sister Viola during a public appearance at a football game in Omaha, Nebraska,1943. He is also recognized by the International Swimming Hall of Fame.

Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French passed away on November 7th, 1956 at the age of 37. Lest We Forget.

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Honoring Ann Margaret

Original Author Unknown

Richard, (my husband), never really talked a lot about his time in Viet Nam, other than he had been shot by a sniper. However, he had a rather grainy, 8 x 10 black and white photo he had taken at a USO show of Ann Margret with Bob Hope in the background that was one of his treasures.

A few years ago, Ann Margaret was doing a book signing at a local bookstore. Richard wanted to see if he could get her to Sign the treasured photo so he arrived at the bookstore at 12 o'clock for the 7:30 signing.

When I got there after work, the line went all the way around the bookstore, circled the parking lot, and disappeared behind a parking garage. Before her appearance, bookstore employees announced that she would sign only her book and no memorabilia would be permitted.

Richard was disappointed, but wanted to show her the photo and let her know how much those shows meant to lonely GI's so far from home.. Ann Margaret came out looking as beautiful as ever and, as second in line, it was soon Richard's turn.

He presented the book for her signature and then took out the photo. When he did, there were many shouts from the employees that she would not sign it. Richard said, "I understand. I just wanted her to see it."

She took one look at the photo, tears welled up in her eyes and she said, "This is one of my gentlemen from Viet Nam and I most certainly will sign his photo. I know what these men did for their country and I always have time for 'my gentlemen.'' With that, she pulled Richard across the table and planted a big kiss on him. She then made quite a to-do about the bravery of the young men she met over the years, how much she admired them, and how much she appreciated them. There weren't too many dry eyes among those close enough to hear. She then posed for pictures and acted as if he were the only one there.

That night was a turning point for him. He walked a little straighter and, for the first time in years, was proud to have been a Vet. I'll never forget Ann Margaret for her graciousness and how much that small act of kindness meant to my husband.

Later at dinner, Richard was very quiet. When I asked if he'd like to talk about it, my big, strong husband broke down in tears.. ''That's the first time anyone ever thanked me for my time in the Army,'' he said.

I now make it a point to say 'Thank you' to every person I come across who served in our Armed Forces. Freedom does not come cheap and I am grateful for all those who have served their country.

If you'd like to pass on this story, feel free to do so. Perhaps it will help others to become aware of how important it is to acknowledge the contribution our service people make.

A True Patriot Will Pass This On. A Foreigner In This Country Might Not.

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Honoring Eugene "Jacques" Bullard

In 1917, Eugene "Jacques" Bullard became the world’s first African-American military pilot to fly in combat, and the only African-American pilot in World War I.

Born in Columbus, Georgia, Bullard’s education was minimal, but he learned to read well which was a key to his later success. In 1912, Bullard resolved to leave the US in hopes of escaping racial discrimination, and stowed away on a German merchant ship bound for Aberdeen, Scotland. In Europe, he performed in a vaudeville troupe and earned money as a prizefighter.

At the beginning of World War I, Bullard joined the French army, serving in the Moroccan Division of the 170th Infantry Regiment. The French government awarded him the Croix de Guerre for his bravery at the Battle of Verdun. Twice wounded and declared unfit for infantry service, he requested assignment to flight training and amassed a distinguished record in the air.

Between the wars, Bullard owned nightclubs in the Montmartre section of Paris, where he emerged as a leading personality among such African-American entertainers as Josephine Baker, Louis Armstrong, and Sidney Bechet. In the late 1930s, Bullard joined a French counterintelligence group. When Nazi Germany conquered France in 1940, Bullard and his family escaped to New York City where he spent the rest of his life working in a variety of jobs, his last being an elevator operator at the Rockefeller Center, before passing away in 1961.

During his lifetime, Bullard was awarded 15 French war medals, was one of three men chosen to relight the everlasting flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Paris, made a Knight of the Legion of Honor, the highest ranking order and decoration bestowed by France, and was buried with full honors by the Federation of French War Officers.

Despite all of these honors, few in the US knew of his legendary accomplishments. His contribution to aviation wasn't formally recognized until 1994, when the United States Air Force posthumously commissioned him a Second Lieutenant.