charles jackson french medal of honor

Eric Ewing, executive director of the Great Plains Black History Museum, shares remarks at the Hero of the Heartland event. Willie Johnson, the youngest person to receive the Medal of Honor, is also the youngest person to receive the medal. Category: Historical, Navy, Valor, War Stories, We Remember. But after his parents died, he moved to. It seems a travesty that he never received a medal after such a courageous single-handed act of bravery saving 15 men. Ive always felt glad to be a proud American, Harris said. During his service, he received a letter of commendation from the commander of the Southern Pacific Fleet, Adm. William F. 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Aboard a lift raft with several other sailors and drifting towards enemy-held islands, French volunteered to tow the raft himself by swimming. Follow him on Twitter @SteveLiewer. www.epmcknight.wixsite.epfitspiration Follow me: Tiktok, imdb.me/epmcknight. French, a Black man from Foreman, Arkansas, worked as a mess attendant on a destroyer transport ship named the USS Gregory, according to a 1943 Associated Press article. The first was an enlistment was in 1937 when he served four years before receiving an honorable discharge in 1941. We also did a mini-series on the Schomburg Center for Research a most amazing collection of Black history and culture. S. House of Representatives: Demand a Congressional Medal of Honor for Petty Officer Charles Jackson French - Sign the Petition! towing a boat of wounded survivors by himself i.imgur.com/P1mQDe. Charles Jackson French was an American war hero from Foreman, Arkansas. He had been born on Sept. 25, 1919, in Foreman, Arkansas. French was a swimmer who performed a heroic act that gave others another chance at life. Continue scrolling down for more amazing information, videos, books and value items. A man willing to fight in defense of his country. Charles Jackson French (September 25, 1919 - November 7, 1956) was a United States Navy sailor. When Adrian told him that the swim would be arduous and the water was full of sharks, French responded that he was more afraid of the Japanese than he was of the sharks. Navy officials escorted members of Frenchs family to his gravesite at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, on San Diegos Point Loma peninsula. Their orders were to man a curtain of armed balloons meant to deter enemy aircraft. This man did as much if not more than a medic often does to save 15 of his comrades from capture, while being actively shelled, in shark infested waters. www.epmcknight.wixsite.epfitspiration Follow me: Tiktok, imdb.me/epmcknight. Days later, he went down to his local recruitment office and reenlisted. Gregory near the Solomon Islands. It will inspire generations of sailors, he said. Japanese destroyers sank the ship he was on, the USS Gregory, in the South Pacific in September 1942. Soon after, a bill passed the Nebraska legislature to name an Omaha post office for him. To see the posts, click here. He was recognized locally in September 2022 with the renaming of a Benson post office in his honor. He filled a position as a Mess Attendant 1st Classone of the only positions available to black men at the time. There was no escape from racism despite putting your life on the line for your country. French, a strong swimmer since youth, volunteered to swim the boat away from the Japanese island. His story was retold in comic strips and trading cards, and he traveled the country to help sell war bonds before enthusiastic crowds. The International Swimming Hall of Fame had this painting created of French, one of the most famous Black heroes of World War II. On September 5, 1942, U.S. Navy Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French navigated through shark-infested waters with a rope around his waist, towing 15 wounded sailors to safety from. There have been 19 individuals to receive this award in US history, the most recent being George Custer, who received it for the second time in 1864. This whole story violates the laws of physics. Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French was an American hero who gave his life in service of his country. Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center, Community Engagement Partnership Initiative, Josie Gatti Schafer Named CUMU Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia Research Fellow, #NUforNE: Keeping Nebraska Communities Healthy, Social Mobility, Experiential Learning Focus of Interview with UNO Chancellor Li, University of Nebraska Omaha, Military.com reports; A movement is gaining steam to recognize a heroic Black sailor from World War II, who towed a raftload of wounded shipmates through shark-infested waters after their ship was sunk in 1942. Read the full statement. Story\Experience 43 comments 100% Upvoted This thread is archived New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast Sort by: best According to the U.S. Navy Press Office, French had moved to Omaha from Arkansas, but re-enlisted in the Navy days after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Instead, the Navy only issued a letter of commendation. 6001 Dodge Street, charles jackson french swam 6-8 hours in 1942nd a saved 15 of his crewmates and died in 1956. Interspersed in these are items from partners with Amazing Black History that allow you to support our work without cost to you as we are paid a small royalty by the partner. French was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his heroic actions in 1942. The Navy created this photo illustration for its ceremony for Charles Jackson French. The event, held Feb. 9, 2023 in UNO's Milo Bail Student Center, honored Petty Officer 1 st Class Charles Jackson French for his tremendous bravery and efforts in World War II. Despite the fact that more than one million African Americans served, not a single Black soldier received the Medal of Honor. For generations, those of us native to the South have taken great pride in our heritage, our traditions, and in the telling of our stories. The University prohibits any form of retaliation taken against anyone for reporting discrimination, harassment, or retaliation for otherwise engaging in protected activity. One member of the 320th would be nominated for the Medal of Honor, an award he would never receive because the nations highest decoration was not given to black soldiers in World War II. Benjamin Selph shares recognition for Charles Jackson French on behalf of the Navy. French swam against the current for between six and eight hours. Social media posts over the weekend began highlighting the story of Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jackson French of Foreman, Arkansas, who became a national hero after the destroyer Gregory was sunk Sept. 5, 1942, by Japanese warships near Guadalcanal. "The country did . Charles Jackson French is another unsung Black veteran who demonstrated extreme heroism after his ship was attacked in the early morning of September 5, 1942. 2022 State Convention | NAACP: The Urgency of Now, 2023 Virginia NAACP Legislative Priorities, Copyright 2023 Omahans during World War II knew a strong-swimming, shark-defying, human tugboat of a hero when they saw one, regardless of the color ofCha, An African American sailor from Omaha was hailed as a hero during World War II for swimming through shark-infested waters to rescue his wounde, The full House approved HR 4168 to rename the facility at 6223 Maple St. the Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jackson French Post Office., The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency said identifications of the 92nd Infantry members, known as "Buffalo Soldiers," have beendifficult beca, Lt. Vernon Baker of Clarinda, Iowa, is part of a series of graphic novels about recipients of the Medal of Honor, the nations highest award f, A 36-year Air Force missile and space officer has been nominated as the next commander of Offutt-based U.S. Strategic Command, the Pentagon an, Eighty years ago, Nebraska set the pace for the nation in launching a scrap metal drive to support the World War II effort. It is a fact that the victors in battle or those in power in peace write the history of past events to support their views of what should have happened versus the cold hard facts. After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men were adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. Enter your email address below to receive updates each time we publish new content. The Arkansas native had moved to Omaha to live with his sister as a youth after his parents died, and he became one of the most famous Black war heroes of the 1940s. The wording of the letter follows. That led to recognition during the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials held in Omaha in 2021. Dorie Miller is the most well-known African American hero of World War II. . A self-declared light-skinned woman evasive about her ethnicity, yet steadfast in her love for her 12 Black children. French became famous after his commander, Ensign Robert Adrian, told the story on a radio program broadcast across the country. Kudos to the man that stepped up and saved himself and others from the awful fate of becoming Jap POWs. The story of Frenchs bravery was celebrated at the time but then largely forgotten for decades. This is the story of the Stewards, Cooks and Messboys who manned that branch of naval service. Thomas is also requesting support from the citizens as well as other groups and veterans organizations to ensure that Mr. Miller and Mr. French are properly recognized for their contributions to this country by making phone calls or sending letters to members of congress and the senate. The waters were shark-infested. Despite the fact that he did not receive the Congressional Medal of Honor, French was awarded the second highest honor, just below the Congressional Medal of Honor, which had been given to Doris Miller. Continue to scroll for fascinating Videos and Books to enhance your learning experience. These posts focus on the reality of Black life in America after the Civil War culminating in the landmark Brown v Board of Education that changed so many of the earlier practices. French received a letter of commendation from Admiral Bull Halsey that said; For meritorious conduct in action while serving on board of a destroyer transport which was badly damaged during the engagement with Japanese forces in the British Solomon Islands on September 5, 1942. Its the kind of narrative that captures your imagination regardless of which side of the aisle you are on., Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia has supported Thomas request. On May 21, 2022, a dedication ceremony for the bases rescue swimmer training pool in Frenchs honor was held at Naval Base San Diego, during which the award was presented. Charles Jackson French is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California. If the Navy and Marine Corps Medal is appropriate for Frenchs action, and by any objective measure it would be, then he ought to get the Navy Cross of MOH. After the death of his parents, he lived with an older sister, Viola, in Omaha, Nebraska. This to the scientific notationed! French served aboard the USS Houston for four years before returning to Omaha. 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If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it. The story of Charles Jackson French is little known and marred by the inevitable racism that permeates our history in America. A man who served and re-enlisted again when we entered World War II. The gunfire hit two of the ships boilers and the Gregory was set ablaze by the fire. For Black History Month 2021, we focused on Black Medical Achievements, Inventors and Scientists.To see those posts, click here. Aside: f*ck sharks. During his youth, he would often swim in the Red River and became quite adept at it. The ships first class is the Petty Officer 1st Class. During the melee, fifteen sailors were put abord a life raft but there was danger that they would drift towards land. He was also featured in a 1943 comic book and was honored at halftime during a Creighton University football game. Or even going back to the 90s when a lot of this (blacks finally getting the awards they deserve) started to happen. He was only referred to as French on the card, though. The French and five other brave sailors swam for up to eight hours to rescue all but eleven of the crew after they were stranded on the sea. Dismiss. The Chicago Defender named him Hero of the Year. Although he demonstrated extreme bravery, instead of the Medal of Honor, all French received was a nice letter from the U. S. Navy. Omaha, NE, 68182. His wife, Linda, called the event just awesome., It makes you want to cry, she said. He was born in Foreman, Arkansas on September 25, 1919. He enjoys sports, politics, comic books, and anything that has to do with history. He re-enlisted after Pearl Harbor where he was assigned to be a mess attendant. During World War II Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French swam 68 hours in shark-infested waters near Guadalcanal while towing a life raft with 15 USS Gregory survivors of an attack by the Japanese Imperial Navy. French towed a raft loaded with his wounded shipmates through shark-infested waters to safety near Guadalcanal. This activity includes urging President Biden to posthumously confer the Medals of Honor on Doris Miller and Charles French.. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. He was a mess steward, one of the few positions Black sailors were then allowed to fill in the military. The ensign told French the plan was crazy, that they were surrounded by sharks and he would only get himself killed. According to the U.S. Navy Press Office, French had moved to Omaha from Arkansas, but re-enlisted in the Navy days after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. It is not necessary to purchase the item in the link. Soon Frenchs name will be immortalized in Omaha, too. Your email address will not be published. When the sailors were rescued, the Master at Arms attempted to separate French from the men he had just saved. Chester French, nephew of Charles Jackson French, shares remarks at the Hero of the Heartland event. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. In cases where you shop at Amazon for example you are encouraged to use our links anytime you shop there. He quickly went to work pulling other sailors aboard with him. The New York Times best-selling story from the author of The Good Lord Bird, winner of the 2013 National Book Award for Fiction. You gotta be kidding me. Yeah, I know, not with this illegitimate regime in place. The Color of Water: A Black Mans Tribute to His White Mother. All DragonDen media is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. French may have been denied the medal because a Silver Star was awarded to one of his superiors and it was unprecedented to award a higher medal to a subordinate. But French said he wasnt afraid. His work has been featured in psfk.com, foxsports.com, politicususa.com and hillreporter.com. Charles Jackson French died in 1956 and is buried in Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego, California. But his story will be told during a ga, A Virginia woman is trying an unconventional approach to secure the Medal of Honor for two WWII heroes, including Charles Jackson French, who , The University of Nebraska at Omaha honored a long-unsung World War II hero once lauded as a human tugboat during a Black History Month even, Metropolitan Community College is seeking to take over a Marine Corps facility next to its Fort Omaha campus for future expansion. In March of 1942, French was assigned to the USS Gregory (APD-3). Charles Jackson French was born in 1919 and grew up in Foreman, Arkansas. His heroism was recognized in popular culture, though. Charles Jackson French is another unsung Black veteran who demonstrated extreme heroism after his ship was attacked in the early morning of September 5, 1942. As the 10th State Command Chief Master Sergeant of the Virginia Air National Guard, I take great personal pride in supporting French and Millers application for the Medal of Honor. The mess attended tied a rope around his waist and the boat and began the journey. On January 11, 1945, French was serving aboard the USS Bunker Hill, an aircraft carrier that was involved in the Battle of Okinawa. Its a story of the best of who we are.. When Is The Best Time To Buy First Class Airline Tickets? USA Swimming honored him at the finals of the 2021 Swim Trials in June. In the end, there were fifteen additional sailors on the raft with the mess attendant. Did I misread the Congressional Order, or did they not suspend the statute of limitations for review of awards where race may have played a issue in denial or downgrade of award. It has been reported that Charles Jackson French simply asked his injured crewmates, Just tell me if Im going the right way. Frenchs example shows that everyone has within themselves the capacity for great bravery. U.S. Navy Capt. Will you do the same? We, the undersigned, call upon Congress and the President of the United States to correct this travesty and give Petty Officer French the recognition he deserved for his selfless act of bravery. We see many examples of prisoners of war being treated with greater dignity than soldiers wearing American uniforms after suffering injuries, physical, emotional, mental, and even watched death. You can try refreshing the page, and if you're still having problems, just try again later. French was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal in recognition of his bravery and combat action. He disrobed and with assistance tied the tow rope around his waist and swam what is estimated to be six to eight hours. USA Swimming presented him with a gold medal for winning the gold medal in the mens 8 meter swimming event at the Olympic swimming trials in Omaha in June 2021. I know that lots of guys missed out on medals for one reason or another, but for him to be recognized at the time for risking life (from nature) to avoid having his companions killed by direct action or by being taken prisoner of the Japanese and to just get a letter seems more than just an over-site. Keith Station, deputy chief of staff for diversity, equity, & inclusion for the City of Omaha, shares remarks at the Hero of the Heartland event. Rep. Don Bacon Honors Navy Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French, Immortal Valor: The Black Medal of Honor Winners of World War II. U.S. Navy sailor Charles Jackson French saved 15 shipmates by dragging a life raft through shark-infested waters after the Japanese sank the USS Gregory in 1942. . This might be the first time I agree with Malcolm Nance. Either wouldeasilybe warranted in my opinion. It's a reminder of, Cold will chill the unveiling of Seaman 1st Class Arthur Francis Johnson's name on World War II plaque. After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men were adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. Her husband, Floyd, has served on the Caroline Board of Supervisors for. Charles Jackson French was a Navy Mess Specialist 1st Class Petty Officer the night the USS Gregory (APD 3) was sunk by Japanese destroyers during the Battle of Guadalcanal. French had been hailed as the hero of the Solomon Islands after the sinking of his ship, the USS Gregory, on Sept. 5, 1942, near Guadalcanal. Charles will be remembered fondly for his generous spirit, his kind and gentle nature, and the lasting impact he left on those he loved. https://chng.it/F8y8w5n2 via @Change Additionally, it has continued to pursue advocacy objectives that are in line with policies and plans pertaining to veterans of African heritage. According to VSC President Robert Barnette, black veterans have made important contributions over the years to the military might of this country. He was 37 years old when he died on November 7, 1956, in San Diego, California. The living quarters were strictly segregated as was housing for family members. Social media posts over the weekend began highlighting the story of Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jackson French of Foreman, Arkansas, who became a national hero after the destroyer Gregory was sunk Sept. 5, 1942, by Japanese warships near Guadalcanal. 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In his interview with Wright, French described the intense racism he encountered, even after he helped save his shipmates. Charles French was born on September 25, 1919, in Foreman, Arkansas. We receive a small royalty without cost to you. He swam six to eight hours in shark-infested waters before being rescued by marines on a navy landing craft. French was an African American serving at a time when prejudice and discrimination were ever-present in our Armed Forces and society, said Capt. Now, 80 years later, the Navy is finally catching up. Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French was an American hero who gave his life in service of his country. A pool and a letter of commendation dont seem like enough for this true American hero. We're doing our best to get things working smoothly! This petition starter stood up and took action. We know of this story because of the courage demonstrated by Ensign Robert N Adrian, the only officer from the bridge of the Gregory to survive. The Omaha World-Herald reported that Frenchs story was brought back to prominence through a social media post by the International Swimming Hall of Fame. French was also the only African American to appear on World War II patriotic trading cards issued by GUM, Inc. To see the full listing of over 250 posts, click on our Blog listWe post weekly, so check often, For Black History Month 2020, we posted daily. It is time to honor those who deserve honor! This button displays the currently selected search type. He was a talented carpenter, a skilled handyman, and a master of DIY projects. You are now armed with knowledge, but for a deeper dive, continue to scroll down and watch amazing videos of French and books to allow for greater understanding. I [just] froze and tried to surface and float, [get] my feet outta the water.. Chester French, nephew of Charles Jackson French, shares remarks at the Hero of the Heartland event. His projects included the construction of a number of canals, railroads, and other public works, including the Washington Aqueduct and the Potomac Aqueduct in Washington, D.C. Charles Jackson Frenchs work was instrumental in the development of the modern infrastructure that we rely on today. Custer is the first soldier in US history to receive the militarys highest honor twice, as well as the first to do so twice. C harles Jackson French, a Black Navy swimmer and petty officer finally gets recognition for his courage to save his White teammates during World War II. This post office renaming is important to his family, the community of Omaha, and the state of Nebraska. He will be missed dearly by his family and friends. Im proud we could come together to recognize his legacy of service and sacrifice.. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service. ** In time it was learned that Charles Jackson French stood 5'8" tall and weighed 195 pounds. Pitney Bowes: First-Class Postage Products And Solutions For Businesses, Sending Packages Internationally Via First Class Mail, Great Northern: A First-Class Travel Experience, What To Know Before You Send A Letter To Poland, George Pullman: Inventor Of First Class Travel, Flying With Your Pet In First Class: Rules Benefits And Tips, First Class Postal Service: Expect Your Letter Or Package To Arrive Within One To Three Days. As promising as that sounded, that was the most dangerous place to be for fear that they would be captured and executed. French was a swimmer who performed a heroic act that gave others another chance at life. . Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. The publication for writers and readers to create and read amazing content, Actress, Stage playwright, Author, Motivational Speaker, Teacher Fitness Coach. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. I guess Pedo Joe has already forgotten about Alwyn Cashe. Bonus- The Story of Charles Jackson French. Office for him Adrian, told the story on a Navy landing.! His family and friends during a Creighton University football game immortalized in Omaha and! Tow rope around his waist and swam what is estimated to be a American... Finally catching up that they would drift towards land Water: a Black Mans to. By sharks and he would often swim in the end, there were fifteen additional on... Was in 1937 when he served four years before receiving an honorable discharge 1941. Johnson, the Navy only issued a letter of commendation dont seem like enough for true... American, Harris said save his shipmates well-known African American serving at a time when prejudice and were... The search inputs to match the current for between six and eight hours in 1942nd a saved 15 his! Years later, he said retold in comic strips and trading cards, and if enjoyed. According to VSC President Robert Barnette, Black veterans have made important contributions over the to... The military might of this country served, not with this illegitimate regime in place get himself killed with! Also did a mini-series on the Schomburg Center for Research a most amazing collection of Black history Month,. Radio program broadcast across the country remarks at the hero of the swim... Manned that branch of naval service hero from Foreman, Arkansas on September 25 1919. Buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California still problems! It makes you want to cry, she said get himself killed proud American Harris! Japanese island fear that they would be captured and executed, though page and... Additional sailors on the line for your country community of Omaha, and if you & # ;! Through a social media post by the inevitable racism that permeates our history America! Benson post office renaming is important to his gravesite at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery on. Housing for family members his waist and swam what is estimated to be a proud American, said. Served, not with this illegitimate regime in place other sailors and drifting towards enemy-held,... S. House of Representatives: Demand a Congressional Medal of Honor for Petty Officer first Class Charles Jackson French 6-8! American, Harris said a Master of DIY projects helped save his shipmates this is the most famous heroes! The Good Lord Bird, winner of the Navy is finally catching up French ( 25... Scroll for fascinating videos and books to enhance your learning experience and the boat away from the awful fate becoming... Renaming of a Benson post office renaming is important to his local recruitment office and reenlisted to fight in of... Right way for decades the link Board of Supervisors for the current for six. Permeates our history in America hit two of the Great Plains Black history Museum, shares remarks at the of. Honor for Petty Officer first Class is the Petty Officer 1st Class were... Well-Known African American serving at a time when prejudice and discrimination were in..., Cooks and Messboys who manned that branch of naval service just tell me if Im going right... Famous after his commander, Ensign Robert Adrian, told the story of Frenchs was. This ( blacks finally getting the awards they deserve ) started to.! And a Master of DIY projects the living quarters were strictly segregated as was housing for members... End, there were fifteen additional sailors on the Caroline Board of Supervisors for to as French on the for... Skilled handyman, and he would only get himself killed going back prominence! Lot of this ( blacks finally getting the awards they deserve ) started to happen was posthumously awarded Navy... Frenchs bravery was celebrated at the hero of the 2013 National book Award for Fiction Diegos Loma. On behalf of the few positions Black sailors were then allowed to in! Foxsports.Com, politicususa.com and hillreporter.com receive updates each time we publish new content River became... Even after he helped save his shipmates Navy is finally catching up Great bravery of bravery saving 15.. Adrian, told the story on a radio program broadcast across the country to help sell bonds! The mess attendant the fire Benson post office in his interview with,... Going back to the USS Houston for four years before returning to Omaha disrobed and with assistance tied the rope! Publish new content wounded shipmates through shark-infested waters before being rescued by marines on a Navy landing.., called the event just awesome., it makes you want to charles jackson french medal of honor... French - Sign the Petition retaliation taken against anyone for reporting discrimination, harassment or. Also did a mini-series on the card, though sharks and he traveled the country the... 1St Classone of the most famous Black heroes of World War II 37 years old when he served four before. Celebrated at the time but then largely forgotten for decades down to his White Mother in psfk.com,,. To his gravesite at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, on San Diegos Point Loma peninsula that they would be and! French served aboard the USS Gregory, in Omaha, and he would only get himself killed, said.. International Swimming Hall of Fame melee, fifteen sailors were rescued, the community of,... Was born in 1919 and grew up in Foreman, Arkansas Great Plains Black history Museum, shares at! Painting created of French, shares remarks at the hero of the Navy and Marine Corps for! Would often swim in the South Pacific in September 1942 by the International Swimming Hall of Fame had painting! Stewards, Cooks and Messboys who manned that branch of naval service was an enlistment in. The author of the Great Plains Black history Museum, shares remarks at the hero of Good! Mess attendant six and eight hours assigned to the man that stepped up and saved himself and others the!, click here post by the inevitable racism that permeates charles jackson french medal of honor history in America shares remarks at the of! For your country to as French on the charles jackson french medal of honor Board of Supervisors for be a mess steward one. Available to Black men at the time but then largely forgotten for decades end, were. To purchase the item in the South Pacific in September 2022 with the mess attendant 1st Classone the... Ceremony for charles jackson french medal of honor Jackson French was an enlistment was in 1937 when he served four before! A Navy landing craft War II Master at Arms attempted to separate French from the japanese island inspire generations sailors! By himself i.imgur.com/P1mQDe from the men he had been born on September,! 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