Benson Post Office renamed in honor of local World War II hero
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - World War II hero Charles Jackson French was honored Friday with the renaming of the Benson Post Office.
The Petty Officer was aboard the U.S.S. Gregory the night it was sunk by Japanese destroyers on September 5, 1942. Facing death, French swam all night through shark infested waters saving dozens of crew members with a raft tied to his waist.
French moved to Omaha from Arkansas when he was 18, enlisting in the Navy shortly after. He served for four years and then made his return to Nebraska. However, he reenlisted just days after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, assigned to the U.S.S. Gregory. A few months later, he would be a hero.
In 2022, Congressman Don Bacon introduced the bill to rename the building, which passed unanimously. Two years later, a historical marker now sits in front of the soon to be renamed government building.
Bacon first heard about this incredible true story while reading the newspaper. He took it as an opportunity to honor the Omaha hero. “I believe he changed the heart of the 15 guys he was with,” said Bacon. “Here is an African American, he was treated like a second class guy on the ship. When they were back rescued they were going to put him in a segregated hotel and those guys said no, so you can tell there was a heart change,” explained the Congressman.
Congressman Bacon was joined by Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert, city officials, local churches and French’s family during the unveiling of the marker.
His nephew Chester French tells six news the honor was “awesome.” He is hopeful it can help tell more people about his uncles incredible story and inspire the next generation. “Its history,” said French. “Its for the young adults to learn and be achievers...this might encourage others to join perhaps the Navy and go in and do some good,” said Chester.
The honor does not stop in Benson, Officer French will have a destroyer named after him once its completed in 2030, according to French’s family.
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