Welcome to the Members and Friends of Americans for a Stronger Navy!
As we continue to advocate for a robust and formidable naval force, it’s essential to remember and honor the heroes who have exemplified the very essence of bravery and dedication in the history of the United States Navy.
Today, we turn the spotlight on an extraordinary figure: Charles Jackson French, a Navy hero whose story of valor during World War II continues to inspire.
The Night of Valor: USS Gregory and the Battle of Guadalcanal
On the night of September 4, 1942, the crew of the high-speed transport USS Gregory (APD 3) found themselves in a perilous situation. Patrolling between Savo Island and Guadalcanal, they encountered Japanese destroyers.
The USS Gregory, caught in a fierce battle and outgunned, began to sink, setting the stage for an incredible act of heroism.
Charles Jackson French: Early Life and Navy Career
Charles Jackson French, born on September 25, 1919, in Foreman, Arkansas, joined the Navy as a Mess Attendant—a position then largely designated for black men. His journey in the Navy brought him to the decks of USS Houston (CA-30) and, eventually, the USS Gregory.
A Hero Emerges Amidst Tragedy
As the USS Gregory sank, Mess Attendant 1st Class French took action that would etch his name in history. In a remarkable feat of endurance and courage, he swam through shark-infested waters for hours, towing a raft filled with injured shipmates. His bravery and strength saved the lives of more than a dozen sailors.
Legacy and Recognition.
The heroic actions of Charles Jackson French were not only a testament to his character but also a symbol of hope and resilience for the Navy community. In recognition, a rescue swimming training pool at Naval Base San Diego was dedicated in his honor in May 2022, immortalizing his legacy.
Conclusion
Charles Jackson French’s story is a powerful reminder of the courage and determination that run deep in the veins of our naval heroes. It is these qualities that Americans for a Stronger Navy continues to champion and uphold. We encourage our members and friends to carry on the legacy of heroes like French, ensuring our Navy remains strong, resilient, and ever-vigilant.
Welcome to ‘Charting the Course: Navigating the Future of American Naval Power’.
In this insightful episode, we have the honor of featuring Dr. Bruce Jones, a distinguished expert from the Talbot Center on Security, Strategy, and Technology, and the Center on East Asia Policy. Dr. Jones, known for his acclaimed work ‘To Rule the Waves’, brings a wealth of knowledge to our discussion on the critical issues shaping maritime power in our rapidly evolving global landscape.
Join us as we continue ‘Charting the Course’ for American Naval Power, exploring how maritime trade and security are pivotal in shaping the world order.”
In our dynamic global environment, we explore pressing questions:
Are we entering a new era of maritime power struggles due to climate change and intensified sea-based globalization?
What constitutes ‘ruling the waves’ in terms of maritime shipping dominance? How are factors like ship ownership, port control, and trade flow interconnected?
Dr. Jones discusses the vulnerability of container-based supply chains. Can he provide a specific incident of piracy or disruption that caused substantial economic impact?
What emerging threats, such as cyberattacks, climate disruptions, and political instability, are facing container shipping, and how can the US Navy and other stakeholders respond?
How will technological advancements like automation and AI reshape the future of container shipping, and what are the implications for efficiency, security, and workforce dynamics?
What is the current state of global trade, naval power, and the impact of climate change on oceans? What challenges and implications do these trends pose for the future world order?
Finally, how does the history of maritime trade and power mirror the patterns of post–Cold War globalization, with historical examples to support this relation?
Today, on Pearl Harbor Day, we at Americans for a Stronger Navy pause to remember and honor the sacrifices made on December 7, 1941. This day, a pivotal moment in our nation’s history, reminds us of the bravery and resilience of those who faced unimaginable adversity. As we reflect on the events of that day, we reaffirm our commitment to remembering our past and learning from it.
The attack on Pearl Harbor shaped the course of World War II and transformed the future of naval power. It’s a stark reminder of the need for vigilance, preparedness, and the continuous evolution of naval strategy. As we pay tribute to the heroes of that day, their legacy inspires us to ensure such history does not repeat itself.
In this spirit, we are proud to introduce our educational series, ‘Charting the Course: Navigating the Future of American Naval Power.’ Hosted by me, Bill Cullifer, this series connects the enduring lessons of World War II to today’s naval challenges. Starting today, we embark on an eight-week journey exploring how the echoes of history inform our present and future naval strategies.
Through ‘Charting the Course,’ we aim to deepen our understanding of naval history and its impact on contemporary naval power. Join us as we discuss various topics from the evolution of shipbuilding to the role of AI in naval operations, all while keeping the lessons of Pearl Harbor and WWII at the forefront.
For more details on the series and to access our featured resource ‘Echoes of History: Steering the Future,’ visit StrongerNavy.org. Follow us on social media for updates and insights.
Let’s honor the past and responsibly steer our future. Together, we remember, we learn, and we grow stronger.
“Any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction: ‘I served in the United States Navy.'” JFK
Hello, members and friends of the Americans For a Stronger Navy. Today, we take a break from our podcast series to honor those who have served our nation with extraordinary bravery and sacrifice.
As part of our Medal of Honor Monday series, we will feature a different Navy hero every week, and share their stories of valor and service with you. We hope that by doing so, we can inspire you to appreciate and support the Navy and its mission, and to learn from the examples of courage and patriotism that these heroes have set in times of war and peace.
This week, we are proud to present Navy Rear Adm. Daniel Judson Callaghan, who commanded ships fighting against a massive enemy force during one of the deadliest battles of World War II. Callaghan did not survive the ordeal, but his leadership, foresight and courage helped lead his sailors to victory. That earned him a posthumous Medal of Honor.
Callaghan was born on 26 July 1890 in Oakland, California. He graduated from the Naval Academy in 1911, and served as an engineering officer, an executive officer, and a naval aid to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. By April 1942, he was promoted to rear admiral while commanding the cruiser USS San Francisco.
By November, he was in the middle of the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, where the Allies had retaken the island from the Japanese, who were desperately trying to take it back. On the night of 12 November, Callaghan learned that a large Japanese naval force was heading toward his position, which was in Iron Bottom Sound between Guadalcanal and Savo Island.
The Japanese ships were superior in numbers and in power, but Callaghan decided to engage them with his task force, which consisted of three light cruisers, eight destroyers and two heavy cruisers, including the San Francisco, the task force’s flagship. Hedevised a plan of attack, and led his forces into battle against tremendous odds.
The battle was chaotic and fierce, and the San Francisco was the first to face enemy ships by taking on the Hiei, a Japanese battleship, in a head-on duel. Callaghan and the San Francisco’s commanding officer, Capt. Cassin Young, were both on the ship’s bridge wing directing close-range operations. They were both killed by a shell from the Hiei, but not before they inflicted heavy damage on the enemy ship.
The blast also knocked the ship’s communications officer, Lt. Cmdr. Bruce McCandless, unconscious. When he woke up, he realized Callaghan and Young were gone, so he took command of the ship and the task force, and ordered them to continue their bombardment. He also managed to sink a destroyer and damage two other Japanese vessels.
Eventually, the Japanese admiral, who was commanding the enemy ships, lost his nerve and ordered his crews to withdraw and regroup. The battle was over, and the Allies had won a decisive victory. They had prevented the Japanese from bombarding Henderson Field, the airfield on Guadalcanal, and from delivering troops to the island’s shores. The battle was the last in a series that forced the Japanese to surrender Guadalcanal for good, handing the Allies a strategic victory.
The win came at a heavy price for the Allies, too. Nine U.S. ships were sunk while about a dozen more were damaged. More than 1,700 Americans lost their lives, including Callaghan. He was buried at sea, and his name is listed on the Wall of the Missing at the Manila Cemetery in the Philippines.
On 9 December 1942, his son, Navy Lt. j.g. Daniel J. Callaghan Jr., received the Medal of Honor on his father’s behalf from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. His citation read:
“For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty during action against enemy Japanese forces off Savo Island on the night of 12-13 November 1942. Although out-balanced in strength and numbers by a desperate and determined enemy, Rear Adm. Callaghan, with ingenious tactical skill and superb coordination of the units under his command, led his forces into battle against tremendous odds, thereby contributing decisively to the rout of a powerful invasion fleet, and to the consequent frustration of a formidable Japanese offensive. While faithfully directing close-range operations in the face of furious bombardment by superior enemy fire power, he was killed on the bridge of his flagship.”
Callaghan is a true Navy hero, who exemplified the values of courage, honor, and commitment. He showed us what it means to defend our country and our freedom, even in the face of overwhelming odds and danger. He also showed us what it means to lead and inspire our fellow sailors and our Navy family, even in the midst of chaos and pain. He is a role model and an inspiration for all of us, and we are grateful for his service and his legacy.
We hope that you enjoyed this week’s Medal of Honor Monday, and that you learned something new and valuable from Callaghan’s story. Please join us next week, as we feature another Navy hero who earned the Medal of Honor. Thank you for your attention and your support. Stay safe and stay strong. This is Bill, signing off.
Dale A. Jenkins, Senior Advisor – Americans for a Stronger Navy and son Dave Jenkins at Lone Star Flight Museum. Houston, Texas. They stand in front of a Douglas SBD Dauntless, a World War II American naval scout plane and dive bomber that was manufactured by Douglas Aircraft from 1940 through 1944.
Bill Cullifer, Founder
If you are a fan of aviation and history, you will love the Lone Star Flight Museum in Houston, says American for a Stronger Navy senior advisor, Dale A. Jenkins, a former Naval officer and author of Diplomats and Admirals, a book that explores the diplomatic and military aspects of World War II.
The museum displays more than 24 historically significant aircraft, and many artifacts related to the history of flight. Among its collection, there are several U.S. Navy planes that have served in various wars and missions, and tell the stories of courage and sacrifice of their pilots and crews.
Douglas SBD Dauntless is a World War II American naval scout plane and dive bomber that was manufactured by Douglas Aircraft from 1940 through 1944 sturdy enough for pilots to dive at a near-vertical 80 degrees. The US Navy’s primary dive-bomber at the war’s start, the bomber earned its reputation—and helped earn victory—at the 1942 Battle of Midway, sinking four Japanese carriers.
One of these planes is the Douglas SBD Dauntless, a dive bomber that played a crucial role in the Battle of Midway in 1942. The Dauntless was of particular interest to Dale, who has done extensive research on the Battle of Midway and the role of the Dauntless in turning the tide of the war in favor of the U.S. Dale said that it was touching to be there with his son, who shares his passion for aviation and history. “It was a wonderful experience to share with my son. He was fascinated by the planes and their stories,” said Dale.
Another plane is the Grumman F6F Hellcat, a fighter that dominated the skies over Iwo Jima and Okinawa. The plane on display at the museum was flown by David McCampbell, the Navy’s top ace of World War II, who shot down 34 enemy planes and received the Medal of Honor.
The Grumman F6F Hellcat is an American carrier-based fighter aircraft of World War II. Designed to replace the earlier F4F Wildcat and to counter the Japanese Mitsubishi A6M Zero, it was the United States Navy’s dominant fighter in the second half of the Pacific War.The Grumman TBF Avenger (designated TBM[1] for aircraft manufactured by General Motors) is an American World War II-era torpedo bomber developed initially for the United States Navy and Marine Corps, and eventually used by several air and naval aviation services around the world.
A third plane is the Grumman TBM Avenger, a torpedo bomber that was flown by future president George H.W. Bush. The plane on display at the museum was flown by Paul Newman, a pilot who participated in the Battle of Leyte Gulf and was shot down by a kamikaze.
A fourth plane is the Douglas A-1 Skyraider, an attack aircraft that served in Korea and Vietnam. The plane on display at the museum was flown by Ed Olander, a pilot who flew over 200 combat missions and rescued a downed airman in enemy territory.
These are just some examples of the U.S. Navy planes that you can see and learn more about at the Lone Star Flight Museum. The museum also offers flight experiences for those who want to feel what it is like to fly in a vintage aircraft.
“The Lone Star Flight Museum is an amazing place to see and appreciate the history and heritage of U.S.Naval aviation. The planes are not only museum pieces, but also flying legends that inspire us to be stronger and better,” said Dale. “I highly recommend it to our members and friends of the Americans for a Stronger Navy and anyone who loves our Navy and our country.”
The USS Yorktown was one of seven large vessels that sank during the Battle of Midway. Ocean Exploration Trust / NOAA
Introduction: Welcome to our latest post. Today, we dive into the depths of World War II history, exploring the pivotal Battle of Midway through the lens of recent underwater archaeological discoveries. This intriguing story, originally reported by Sarah Kuta for Smithsonian Magazine, offers fresh insights into one of the most significant naval battles of the 20th century.
The Battle of Midway: A Turning Point in WWII In June 1942, the Pacific Ocean was the stage for a critical showdown between American and Japanese forces. The Battle of Midway, lasting four intense days, turned the tide of the war in the Pacific. While it resulted in the tragic loss of lives and significant material damage on both sides, it marked a crucial victory for the United States and hindered Japanese expansion.
A Deep-Sea Voyage into History Recently, the non-profit Ocean Exploration Trust embarked on an ambitious project to explore the watery graves of three aircraft carriers from the battle: the USS Yorktown of the United States and the IJN Akagi and IJN Kaga of Japan. These explorations, taking place more than 16,000 feet below the surface within the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, are revealing new details about these historic vessels and the battle itself.
Exploring the Iconic Battle of Midway
Uncovering the Past: The Ocean Exploration Trust’s Findings Using advanced remotely operated underwater vehicles, researchers captured stunning images and videos of the wreckage. They were able to closely examine features like the anti-aircraft guns, still ominously pointing skyward, offering a glimpse into the battle’s final moments. Remarkably, this marked the first time the Akagi was seen since it sank, though it was located in 2019, and the first live observation of the Yorktown since its discovery in 1998.
Historical Context: The Strategic Importance of Midway The Battle of Midway, fought near Midway Atoll—a key U.S. naval base some 1,000 nautical miles northwest of Honolulu—was pivotal. U.S. codebreakers had deciphered Japanese messages, giving American forces a crucial advantage. This intelligence enabled them to thwart Japan’s plans to occupy Midway and use it as a base for further assaults, most notably against Pearl Harbor.
The Legacy of Midway: Remembering and Learning The underwater survey and the subsequent findings are more than just a technological achievement. They symbolize the enduring significance of the Battle of Midway in U.S.-Japanese relations, turning a once bitter conflict into a collaborative effort for understanding and remembrance. It’s a powerful reminder of how history shapes our present and future, encouraging us to honor the sacrifices made during those turbulent times.
Conclusion: As we reflect on these revelations from beneath the Pacific, it’s important to acknowledge the role such discoveries play in keeping history alive. The Battle of Midway remains a testament to the bravery, strategy, and sacrifice of those involved. In exploring these wrecks, we not only pay homage to the past but also learn invaluable lessons for the future.
Thank you for reading and for your continued support of the Americans for a Stronger Navy. We invite you to join us in exploring more of our naval history and its ongoing influence on current defense strategies.
Check out, “Wings of Victory: How Naval Aviators Transformed WWII from Battleships to the Skies and won the Pacific War” is a collaborative exploration into WWII with Dale A. Jenkins and the Americans for a Stronger Navy. A Blog Series. February 7. 2024. The cost is free. Click here for additional event detail and registration.
