Historical markers commemorating World War II heroes

LINCOLN — A new state historic monument will be dedicated in Omaha’s Benson area at 2 p.m. Friday to honor the heroism of an Omaha man who served in the Navy during World War II.

Charles Jackson French. (Nebraska History)

In 1942, Charles Jackson French risked his life to save his fellow sailors in the shark-infested waters of the Pacific as their battleship, the USS Gregory, was attacked by the Japanese sink.

French helped 15 of his comrades gather on a nearby raft, tied himself with a rope, and then swam tow the raft to safety.

The state historical marker will be located at the U.S. Post Office at 6223 Maple Street and renamed in his honor.

It is one of a trio of honors France has received in recent months.

In January, the U.S. Navy announced it would name an Arleigh Burke-class missile destroyer after France. Construction of the vessel is scheduled to begin in 2026.

Dignitaries attending Friday’s dedication of the historic marker included Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert, U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., and Eric Yoo, executive director of the Great Plains Black History Museum. because.

The Nebraska Historical Society administers the state historical marker program.

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