The Benson post office branch at 63rd and Maple Streets in Omaha has been named for World War II Navy hero Charles Jackson French. (Cate Folsom/Nebraska Examiner)
LINCOLN — A new state historical marker honoring the heroism of an Omaha man serving during World War II in the Navy will be dedicated at 2 p.m. Friday in the Benson area of Omaha.
In 1942, Charles Jackson French risked his life in the shark-infested waters of the Pacific Ocean to save his fellow sailors from drowning after a Japanese attack sank their warship, the USS Gregory.
French helped gather 15 of his comrades on a nearby raft, tied a rope around himself and then towed the raft, by swimming, to safety.
The state historical marker will be located at the U.S. Post Office at 6223 Maple St., which was renamed in his honor.
It is among a trio of honors French has received in recent months.
In January, the U.S. Navy announced that it was naming an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer after French. Construction of the ship is set to begin in 2026.