The Future Outlook-
Greensboro, NC
6/26/1943
Mess Attendant on U.S.S. Gregory Cited For Bravery
A commendation has been awarded Charles Jackson French, a Negro Mess Attendant, for his courage in attempting to save a group of his shipmates on the U.S. S. Gregory from shelling by Japanese naval forces following the sinking of that ship.
French's citation, from Admiral William F. Halsey, Jr., U.S. A. Commander, South Pacific Area and South Pacific Forces reads:
"For meritous conduct in action while serving on board a destroyer transport which was badly damaged during the engagement with Japanese Forces in the British Soloman Islands on Spetember 5, 1942. After engagement, a group of about 15 men were adrift on a raft which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese Naval Forces. French tied a line to himself and swam for more than two hours without rest, thus attempting to tow the raft. His conduct was in keeping with the highest of the Naval Service."
French, who carried the rating of Mess Attendant, Second Class, U.S.N. is 23 years old. He makes his home in Foreman Arkansas, where his sister Mrs Viney Harris, also lives.
Charles Jackson French was the son of Jackson & Louise Norwood, born 9/25/1919 in Foreman Arkansas, and died 11/7/1956 in San Diego, California.
He is buried in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego California along side of his wife Jettie Mae.