Like us on Facebook
The next photo is the PROMPT. Remember, all photos are property of the photographer, donated for use in Friday Fictioneers only. They shouldn’t be used for any other purpose without express permission. It is proper etiquette to give the contributor credit.
A note of thanks to those who sent photos. The response to my plea was overwhelming! I’m always open to quirky or intriguing shots. Send them to runtshell@gmail.com. 😉
PHOTO PROMPT © CEAyr
Click the frog to join the party.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
THE GREATEST GENERATION
Great-Grandpa Harry’s war stories made wonderful essays for my seventh-grade history class.
“I never seen anything like it.” His faded blue eyes brimmed. “Charles Jackson French. The ‘human tugboat’. Ever hear of him?”
“No, Grandpa.”
“A-course not. So Imma gonna tell you.”
I poised my pencil.
“After the Japs sank our ship, a few of us wounded escaped on a big’ol life raft. Charlie tied the tow rope around hisself. Eight hours o’dodging sharks and bullets, he swam us to safety. Never received the full honors due him.”
“Why?”
Great-Grandpa fisted his gnarled hand.
“Worst reason ever, son. Skin color.”
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Rochelle this is very topical,
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sadly it is, Michael, Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Definitely not a good reason
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nope.
LikeLike
A sadly too-familiar tale, m’lady
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear CE,
Unfortunately, WW2 was littered with similar stories.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Inspiring action and crushing intolerance summed up in 100 words.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Iain. This is one of those times I’d had a few more words. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a story of courage and scandal. We still haven’t learned though. One day…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Jenne,
One has to wonder if we’ll ever learn. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Story of courage & skill.
He must have got his due in the other world. God is always kind.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Anita,
We can only hope. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Dear Rochelle,
You know… one would think that a feat so heroic, so out of this world, would be lauded and applauded, regardless of the colour of a man’s skin. I guess not. And such a tragic shame. Thank goodness for the fine works of people like you to shine a light where it is needed!
Shalom and lotsa courageous love,
Dale
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Dale,
I don’t understand the reasoning in the color of a man’s skin negating an act of such heroism. It makes no bloody sense to me. Yet, that beautiful young woman who recited her gorgeous poem, was, only a few weeks later racially profiled. SMH.
Thank you.
Shalom and lotsa hugs while clutching my flashlight 😉
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Neither will I. My goodness. I’m sure (please tell me this is so) that the men he did save were grateful appropriately!
And as for Amanda Gorman. Seriously? Bloody hell…
LikeLike
So many true stories like this … Loved it. Didn’t see the pic request… I’ll see if I can find something intriguing for you. 🤓 back later to write.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Bear,
There are way too many stories like this. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I agree. I was out house hunting and went through one of the local stores in search of a snack. Met an old lady (86yrs by her reckoning) who “cornered” me to talk. Being who I am, I patiently listened, but she made my blood boil. She had white hair and sky blue eyes. Typical Aryan… and with the same attitude. She leaned close and whispered to me her sentiments about the black family shopping at the other end of the aisle. I couldn’t help it… I should have held my tongue… I told her just what I thought about her racist comment, then politely informed her that I , too, was a minority and didn’t appreciate her attitude. Then, I walked away. I don’t have to encourage that kind of language or opinion, even if she is my elder. I’ve seen enough of the “nazi” sentiments to see them for what they are. grrr…. Looking in her eyes…well, you could see the hatred even before she spoke, ya know. See the “serpent” within. I went on to grab my cookies and check out. The black family that was at the other end of the aisle was behind me. One of the little ones tugged my pant leg… he looked up at me in the “way too old for his age” look and thanked me for “telling her off.”. His mom smiled and said the same. It is what it is. I’m glad they felt they weren’t alone. It takes everyone of us standing up, don’t it. ~Shalom, Bear
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good for you, Bear. ❤
When I was a young married expecting our first child, we bought our first house. A "sweet" little old lady lived across the street. As we got more acquainted over lemonade and cookies on her front porch she told me how afraid she'd been that the house would sell to blacks. I bit my tongue. Needless to say I wasn't quite as bold as you, but seethed inside.
At the same time, we were attending a Lamaze class and become quite close to a black couple expecting their second child. After our babies were born we invited them over for dinner. After dinner she and I went for a walk. My neighbor was on her porch. As we walked by, I instructed my friend to smile and wave at her as did I.
I hoped it would give my racist neighbor something to think about. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m not usually one to be so outspoken in “real” life…not like here online. Usually, I’m pretty silent. this lady just caught me at a time when I was feeling pretty tichy. It’s not like me to be that rude often.
LikeLike
A sad tale, but reading the linked story, at least his ship mates from the Gregory stood up for him, as well they should have!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Trent,
I was happy that his shipmates stood up for him. At least they realized what a hero he was. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
He picked a wrong era to be heroic. What a shame that his bravery was not acknowledged. He probably was not alone in those times. Plus I guess in his time the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder were not known and many service personnel and their families must have suffered silently.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Subroto,
I’ve heard or read more than one story of black war heroes who were honored posthumously. A little too late IMHO. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Too many stories like this, of incredible acts of heroism unrecognized. Even if the racist power structure doesn’t, he knows he’s a hero. And now so do your readers. God Bless him!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Lisa,
Definitely too many stories. Too many medals given posthumously. As I said before too little too late. Sadly the young hero, suffering from PTSD and alcoholism died in the 1950’s…homeless. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh no 😦 Rochelle, that breaks my heart.
Shalom,
Lisa
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mine, too, Lisa. 😦
LikeLiked by 1 person
He was a real hero for sure. I read his story in a recent copy of VFW magazine. Great story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Jan,
And may I say thank you for showing me that article which challenged me to dig deeper. 😉 Thank you, m’luv.
LikeLike
Worst reason of all. My kids are studying racism at school and it gives me hope for the future, but your story reminds me there were many white people who have stood with the black man in the past and it isn’t enough until we all do.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Jen,
At times I despair of all people standing together. There’s so much to be learned from other races and cultures.
Thank you for reading and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I’m with you on the despair. So much depth and variety in humanity, but we seem to insist on seeing differences as better or worse.
LikeLike
It’s amazing how people fought for, died for, went so far above and beyond for a country that repeatedly told them, showed them they weren’t welcome. That makes his feat that much more incredible.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Nobbin,
It is one of those things that make you go hmmm. So many of these dedicated and brave soldiers were discounted because of their skin color. Yet they pledged their (often dying) allegiance to this country. Thank you for swimming by. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Really your great-grandpa? Or made up? It’s just that I’m always filled with wonder when you find these things. And I’m very grateful you do.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Genia,
Nope not my great-grandpa. Actually my dad fought in WW2. 😉 The fact that it was real to you is a high compliment. Thank you. An article in one of my husband’s VFW magazines inspired this story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
A time when black lives mattered even less than they do today. Thanks for telling us about him Rochelle.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Keith,
Very different…but, sadly, not so different times. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a story, what a hero — and what a tragedy. Well told, Rochelle. The only remotely good thing I see happening these days is the increased awareness of systemic racism. In my country just as much as in yours, just not so ‘seen’.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Gabi
It’s great to see you back! 😀 Racism is rearing it’s ugly head everywhere, isn’t it? Frightening. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes indeed. It is frightening and hopefully eye-opening. It’s good to be back. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Here’s a link that I found a few days ago — it helps, a little.
LikeLike
Thank you for that, Genia. I had to wipe more than a few tears away.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
What a touching yet bittersweet story. Thank you for sharing this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Anne,
When I learned of this, how could I help but share it? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, again, dear Rochelle, for this important and oft-forgotten parts of history. Forgotten not because they do not matter, but because there were those who deliberately did not want them know, and kept them silenced, and pretended they did not take place, all to benefit themselves at the expense of others. We saw it then. We see it now still. Thank you for giving the deserving, a voice.
Na’ama
LikeLiked by 1 person
Na’ama Y’karah,
It’s these obscure pieces of history that shouldn’t be obscure that make one want to go back and right all the wrongs. At the very least they should be shouted from the housetops, shouldn’t they? Thank you for your vote of confidence. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes! If we cannot right all wrongs, we can at the very least shout them from the rooftops so not more of these wrongs be done, and so the wrong of silencing, at least, is no longer maintained. You rock, my dear!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A very sad story yet inspiring one as well. Charlie was a true hero. Thank you for these wonderful stories where you bring to light these unsung heroes. May there be a day soon when all people are “judged by the content of their character rather than the color of their skin.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Brenda,
Amen to that, sister. <3. Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Makes my stomach twist. I’m glad, though, that he is remembered for his courage, and not his color.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Linda,
I’m certain those men he saved remembered him for his deed and not his complexion. Would that others did, too. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Rochelle,
“Worst reason ever” is right, and so many reasons for prejudice fall into that category. Racism, colorism. ageism, sexism, “I just don’t like your face”-ism. And so we live on to hate our neighbors another day. As always, your historical fiction takes me back in time and educates me. 💝
Shalom,
Dora
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Dora,
Racial prejudice boggles my mind. Thank you for your kind comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Querida Rochelle,
The unsung heroes who are never heard about. A sad testament to our servicemen who
do heroic things far beyond what one could imagine. Bravo to those who serve and keep us safe. May the bureaucracy start to change for these heroes. Bien escrito, mi amiga.
Abrazos y Carino,
Be Safe 😷 … Isadora 😎
LikeLiked by 1 person
Querida Isadora,
There are too many war heroes whose families are only receiving the accolades they should’ve received 70 years ago. We can only hope for positive change in this department. Gracias para sus palabras amables, mi amiga.
Shalom y abrazos,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really wish people were judged by character and deed. The world would be a much better place. What a hero.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Tanille,
It would be a better place wouldn’t it? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sadly all too familiar. You can see it in the picture’s caption – why qualify “swimmer” with his race? Why not “Hero swimmer”?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Ali,
I agree. Hero Swimmer would be a better caption.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Some thing it seems, never change. i am sure the survivors appreciated his courage.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear James,
The survivors did appreciate his courage and defended him to other bigoted soldiers. I’d like to think we’ve progressed some, but I’m not sure how much we have.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sad that heroes and villains are decided on the colour of their skin! Very topical, Rochelle.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Neel,
It is very sad. Skin color has nothing to do with the character of a person. Wish we could learn that. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
he deserved to receive the highest honor in his lifetime. unfortunately, it didn’t seem to be the case.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Plaridel
He did deserve top honors. It really makes my blood boil that he didn’t. His name should’ve been in our history books.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fortunately attitudes are changing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like to think so, Liz.
LikeLike
Rochelle – love the repurposing of stories for school essays.
And what a sad story of racism.
Shalom,
Ronda
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Ronda,
It is a sad, if not infuriating story of racism. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
OMG what an incredible man. And awful the treatment of him afterward. He needs his story told!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Laurie,
And that’s why I told this story. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Great story, and what an amazing true story, one I’d never heard of before. That’s expected I suppose. You kept your story true to life with the “Jap” reference. My late across the street neighbor had been in the navy during WWII, and still held a grudge against the “Japs.” Oddly, not so many held the same feelings for the Germans. Maybe soon after the war, but not into the 2000s. I wish those attitudes would die out with that generation, but here we go again it seems.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Lisa,
My dad fought in WWII and referred to the Japanese as Japs. Of course the term JAP also refers to Jewish American Princess. 😉 (of which I am one). Attitudes toward people make me pronuclear. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
How quickly someone like Audie Murphy came to center stage from WWII (not that he didn’t do a brave, courageous act) but not someone like Charles Jackson French, only because of skin color. Thank you for sharing, Rochelle, as otherwise I would never have known.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Sascha,
I agree. Mr. French should’ve been on a level playing field with Mr. Murphy. Quite unfair. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a hero! You tell his story eloquently, Rochelle.
Shalom
Penny
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Penny. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Rochelle,
That has to be the worst reason for not giving a hero the honors he deserved. Thanks for sharing his story.
Shalom,
Adele
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Adele,
When my husband showed me the article in his VFW magazine, I just had to dig deeper. Glad to share. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
A moving story of courage and heroism that saved lives. I hope it can inspire people to be more tolerant and accepting of difference.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Francine,
I huge amen to that! Character is what defines a person…not skin. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
A poignant tale Rochelle. Many never receive their due. Very moving.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Shelley,
To be sure, there were more heroes than we’ll ever hear of. Sad. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person