GUADALCANAL (WOWT) - On this day in 1942, an Omaha sailor became a true hero.

You may have seen the Benson Post Office renamed in his honor.

In 1942, Charles Jackson French rescued 15 wounded sailors after the ship he was serving on, the USS Gregory, was bombed and sunk by Japanese destroyers.

He tied a rope around his waist and swam in shark-infested waters for six hours, keeping the sailors out of enemy hands until they could be rescued.

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