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In 1942, US Navy Messman Charles Jackson French successfully swam through the night for 6-8 hours pulling a raft of 15 wounded soldiers w a rope round his waist in shark infested waters. He was the first black swimmer to receive the Navy medal of heroism in 1943. —On September 5, 1942, United States Navy Messman Charles Jackson French 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. The U.S. Navy Ship the U.S.S. Gregory was hit by Japanese naval fire in the South Pacific. Many were wounded and killed. French successfully brought these 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. We remember Charles Jackson French and commemorate his heroism and incredible swimming. Thank you for your service and your valor, Mr. French.