On September 5th, 1942, Charles Jackson French of Omaha saved 15 injured Navy sailors after their ship, the USS Gregory, had been attacked by the Japanese Navy. Towing 15 of his fellow sailors in a life raft, French swam for more than 6 hours through shark-infested waters to get the men to safety.

Many contend that, because he was a Black sailor during World War Two, he never got the kind of recognition he deserved for his heroism.

Now, after nearly 80 years, French’s memory is being honored.