Navy will name Destroyer after Charles French, the human tugboat

[aceplace57]

What an astonishing story of bravery and determination. French swam 8 hours and towed a raft of injured sailors to safety.

I’m glad he’s being honored.

Link Navy to name destroyer after WWII hero Charles French

Mess Attendant 1st Class French was among the very few left uninjured by the ship’s conflagrations. Despite standing at just 5′8 and 195 pounds, French was a strong swimmer and calmly swam around the sinking ship gathering his injured comrades.

Ensign Robert Adrian, who gradually came to after suffering injuries to his legs and blast fragments in his eyes, attempted to persuade French to join them aboard the raft and out of the shark-infested waters, Adrian later recalled.

French refused, responding that he was more afraid of the Japanese than the sharks. Against a strong current, French swam all night — away from enemy gunfire and the Japanese-held shoreline.

A unbelievably short-sighted and stupid decision.

French was recommended for the Navy Cross. However, likely due to his race, the cook only received a letter of commendation from Adm. William “Bull” Halsey, the commander of the Southern Pacific Fleet.

[silenus]

No “likely” about it.

Good for the Navy to finally recognize the hero.