Charles Jackson French: the Human Tugboat

Saved many lives by towing wounded on a raft in shark infested water

When French’s ship the USS Gregory was sunk off the coast of Gadualcanal in 1942 by Japanese warships, many of the crew abandoned ship gravely wounded. French gathered many wounded men (15) to the life raft until the Japanese started shooting survivors in the water. Sharks were circling the survivors but French jumped into the water with a rope attached to the life raft and began to tow the raft away from the Japanese warships, putting as much distance between them and the few men left. He swam with the rope attached to his waist all night and eight hours the next day till they were rescued by a Marine patrol boat. All but 11 crew were saved that night thanks to his valiant efforts.

His valor was overlooked and ignored for decades but his brave deeds came to light and the Navy is naming a destroyer in his honor: USS Charles J. French. Valor is in you. Set it free.