A Night of Courage: The Bravery of Charles Jackson French

On the night of September 5, 1942, during World War II, the USS Gregory was attacked and sunk by Japanese forces near the Solomon Islands. Amid the chaos, one man stood out for his extraordinary bravery U.S. Navy Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French of Omaha, Nebraska.

After the ship was hit, the French discovered a life raft carrying 15 injured sailors. Realizing they were drifting toward enemy-controlled waters, he made a bold decision. Tying a rope around his waist, he jumped into the dark, shark-infested sea and began swimming.

For nearly 6 to 8 hours, Charles Jackson French pulled the raft through dangerous waters, using only his strength and determination. Despite exhaustion and the constant threat of sharks, he kept going until he reached the safety of Allied forces.

Thanks to his courage, all 15 sailors survived. French’s heroic act became one of the most inspiring stories of bravery and selflessness in the U.S. Navy during World War II.