His own father served in the war, too. Author and Navy veteran Malcolm Nance got the services attention Sunday when he tagged several official accounts in a Twitter post about French. 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. The Color of Water: A Black Mans Tribute to His White Mother. Will definitely agree that he earned a higher award than was given. His bravery and selfless devotion to duty will always be remembered and serve as an example to all who serve in the United States military. To see the posts, click here. You can cancel at any time. French tied a line to himself and swam for more than two hours without rest, thus attempting to tow the raft. UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, speaks to the bravery and courage of Charles Jackson French at the Hero of the Heartland event. French, who was manning the anti-aircraft guns, was killed in the ensuing explosion, making him one of the first casualties of the battle. The above summary gives a view of Charles Jackson French, a man who deserves a place in history, but like many Blacks have been excluded. Steve is the military affairs reporter for The World-Herald. Proclamations naming the Benson post office in his uncle's honor are featured on easels in front of the stage. French had only been out of the Navy for a couple of months when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. This meant that if there were family members they had to live in ghettos like the general public. https://chng.it/F8y8w5n2 via @Change 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. I like TOWs suggestion too. Enter your email address below to receive updates each time we publish new content. I think I would lean toward Medal of Honor just based on what I read here, but Im sure the details would sway me one way or the other. He will be missed dearly by his family and friends. USA Swimming honored him at the finals of the 2021 Swim Trials in June. There is a campaign requesting a Congressional Medal of Honor is awarded to French. Inspiring Stories of Black History and Achievement. 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. 80 years later, Omaha hero who swam in shark-infested waters receives Navy honor. Calls to recognize black WWII hero shed light on feat of heroism, Omaha-native Charles Jackson French is credited with saving his entire crew while serving in the U.S. Navy. French was a swimmer who performed a heroic act that gave others another chance at life. He was born in Foreman, Arkansas on September 25, 1919. U.S. Navy Capt. Your email address will not be published. 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. We also did a mini-series on the Schomburg Center for Research a most amazing collection of Black history and culture. French was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal in recognition of his bravery and combat action. For this heroic action, in saving the lives of 15 US Sailors, Petty Officer French, an African American, recieved little more than a simple letter of commendation in his file. His story was largely forgotten until Bruce Wigo, a former director of the International Swimming Hall of Fame, unearthed it several years ago. During the attack on the USS Gregory, a destroyer, he was aboard in 1943. Charles Jackson French, an African American orphan, and championship-caliber swimmer navigated shark infested waters for about eight hours during. Please subscribe to keep reading. Since they were taking direct fire, Id feel the Navy Cross the more appropriate of the two. Rep. Don Bacon Honors Navy Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French, Immortal Valor: The Black Medal of Honor Winners of World War II. 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. If they floated ashore, an ensign on the raft later said, they would be taken as prisoners of war, according to an article on the International Swimming Hall of Fames website. And while were at it can we please award Alwyn Cashes family his much deserved MOH.please. 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. French was hailed as the hero of the Solomons and the Human Tugboat for his daring rescue of the Pacific during World War II. Days later, he went down to his local recruitment office and reenlisted. French was memorialized on War gum trading cards and in a comic strip. Charles will be remembered fondly for his generous spirit, his kind and gentle nature, and the lasting impact he left on those he loved. To comment or make suggestions on future posts, use Contact Us. Required fields are marked *. His heroism was recognized in popular culture, though. ** 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. He died in 1956, at age 37, of depression and alcoholism from untreated post-traumatic stress, family members say. This button displays the currently selected search type. The waters were shark-infested. The event, held Feb. 9, 2023 in UNOs Milo Bail Student Center, honored Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jackson French for his tremendous bravery and efforts in World War II. The Navy dedicated a pool there to French. After the death of his parents, he lived with his older sister, Viola, in Omaha, Nebraska. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. A Change.org petition also was started Monday, urging Congress and President Joe Biden to posthumously award French the Medal of Honor. This is his jaw-dropping story. Still, a letter of commendation is completely inadequate for what French did and I dont buy that this cant be considered combat. Dismiss. French, who moved to Omaha as a teen, first enlisted in the US Navy in 1937. French was an African American serving at a time when prejudice and discrimination were ever-present in our Armed Forces and society, said Capt. Bacon, R-Neb., had written a letter to the acting secretary of the Navy a year ago, asking for a review of Frenchs file to determine whether he had received the proper awards. French was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his heroic actions in 1942. 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We depend on your support and thank you for it! Another of Frenchs nephews, 89-year-old Roscoe Harris of Omaha, also attended, along with two of his own sons and three of his grandsons. For his bravery, Navy Messman Charles Jackson French was provided a letter of commendation from Adm. William F. "Bull" Halsey, the Commander of the Southern Pacific Fleet, and the Navy Cross, the second-highest award available. Continue to scroll for fascinating Videos and Books to enhance your learning experience. The Chicago Defender named him Hero of the Year. He enjoys sports, politics, comic books, and anything that has to do with history. Ensign Robert Adrian was fresh out of the Naval Academy and a junior officer on the Navy destroyer USS Gregory when it was sunk near Guadalcanal on Sept. 5, 1942. 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. During his service, he received a letter of commendation from the commander of the Southern Pacific Fleet, Adm. William F. Halsey, Jr. In June 2022, the President Joe Biden, signed into law (H.R.4168) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 6223 Maple Street, in Omaha, Nebraska, as the Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jackson French Post Office. He was a generous and kind soul who was always willing to lend a helping hand. 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. Charles Jackson French saved the lives 15 Sailorsall of them whiteby pulling them on a raft behind him as he swam for hours through shark-infested waters. The rescued men angrily reacted to this decision, threatening a fight if it wasnt reversed. During this time, the military followed the segregation laws that were prevalent in the nation. The Virginia NAACP is focused on being the preeminent voice of Black Virginians and advocating for policies and programs to benefit Blacks and people of color. Charles Jackson French was an American war hero from Foreman, Arkansas. 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. When bombs sank the. Thats a portrait of a hero. 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. He had first enlisted in the Navy in 1937 [1] and had completed his enlistment, moving to Omaha, Nebraska where he had family. Thats when French a 22-year-old sailor in the racially segregated messman branch volunteered to tow them to safety, the article states. You have permission to edit this article. Adrian retired from the Navy in 1966 and died in 2011, without succeeding. His story was retold in comic strips and trading cards, and he traveled the country to help sell war bonds before enthusiastic crowds. Kind of sounds like it. He went into the service as a mess attendant, the only rate then available to a Black man. The son of a Black minister and a woman who would not admit she was White, James McBride grew up in orchestrated chaos with his 11 siblings in the poor, all-Black projects of Red Hook, Brooklyn. He also had a passion for gardening and was an avid reader. . 1 of 5. 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. A Black sailor swam against sharks to save his White shipmates. Both Miller and French have been highly decorated for their service, but Thomas wants to see them awarded the top honor. He was a true patriot whose dedication and dedication to country served as a model for future generations. French's story first came to light when Robert N. Adrian a young ensign, told a reporter from the Associated Press about how Charles braved the Pacific Ocean to bring the men to . This whole story violates the laws of physics. Instead, the Navy only issued a letter of commendation. He disrobed and with assistance tied the tow rope around his waist and swam what is estimated to be six to eight hours. Perhaps it was that he wasnt considered to be in combat. The New York Times best-selling story from the author of The Good Lord Bird, winner of the 2013 National Book Award for Fiction. 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. 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. Born in a small town in California, Charles was a man of many talents. 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. Former Virginia State Conference (Virginia NAACP) President Linda Thomas put forth a resolution for two Black Veterans who should be awarded the Medal of Honor for their committed acts of extreme valor and heroism but were denied consideration solely because of their race. Eric Ewing, executive director of the Great Plains Black History Museum, shares remarks at the Hero of the Heartland event. 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. In 2011, the National Board of the NAACP passed a resolution requesting the Medal Of Honor for Doris (Dorie) Miller. He was a powerful swimmer and towed the raft for somewhere between six and eight hours throughout the night, until a landing craft discovered and rescued them. Charles Jackson French's draft registration card. The Navy and Marine Corps Medal, the highest award for heroism not in combat and the non-combat equivalent of the Navy Cross, had only been created by executive order a month before Frenchs actions. The Hero of the Heartland event will honor additional local heroes in the coming years. He received an honorable discharge on November 11, 1941, but re-enlisted after Pearl Harbor. Will you do the same? Soon Frenchs name will be immortalized in Omaha, too. Story\Experience 43 comments 100% Upvoted This thread is archived New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast Sort by: best . French was also the only African American to appear on World War II patriotic trading cards issued by GUM, Inc. Charles Denver Barger (June 3, 1892 - November 25, 1936) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in World War I.He earned the medal while serving as a Chauchat automatic rifle gunner during the Meuse-Argonne offensive, when he and another soldier, Jesse N. Funk, entered no man's land despite . The International Swimming Hall of Fame had this painting created of French, one of the most famous Black heroes of World War II. Omaha, NE, 68182. Weeks later, he told the story of a heroic mess attendant named "French" who towed a raft full of about 15 wounded sailors including Adrian all night through shark-filled waters until they were rescued. You gotta be kidding me. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). I was elated, said Chester French Jr. of Omaha, Charles nephew, who attended along with several other French family members. A self-declared light-skinned woman evasive about her ethnicity, yet steadfast in her love for her 12 Black children. . I nearly peed on myself when one of them sharks [touched] my feet. While the sailors in the life raft were off the burning ship, they were still in deep trouble. Charles Jackson French was born in 1919 and grew up in Foreman, Arkansas. A world class collection of Black History inspired by a 5th grade teacher who told Arturo Schomburg that there was NO African history. These sailors and soldiers were welcomed back to American soil with signs that pointed one way for Whites and the other way for Blacks. After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men were adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. Charles Jackson French was an incredible pioneer in the field of civil engineering. 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. Nothing of value. A BILL TO NAME A U.S. POST OFCEFI JUST PAST THE U.S. SENATE. Im proud we could come together to recognize his legacy of service and sacrifice.. Ted Carlson, commander of Naval Base San Diego, which makes this recognition of Charles (Jackson) Frenchs heroic actions even more significant.. Charles Jackson French with his sister, Viola, at a Creighton University football game on Oct. 31, 1942, at which he was honored. After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men were adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. The Navy mess attendant was credited with swimming for several hours through shark-infested waters while towing a lifeboat filled with wounded shipmates, all of whom were White, until they could be rescued. Yet, history has overlooked him. His wife, Linda, called the event just awesome., It makes you want to cry, she said. You can read more about the Virginia NAACPs work and our six Game Changer issue areas by visiting NAACPVA.org. 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. Im glad I waited til the evening to read this, its beer:30 hours at Fort Roh-Dog and this cold one is hoisted to the deeds of Messman Charles French. French was a swimmer who performed a. He was particularly noted for his work on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal in Maryland, a major engineering feat of its time. He certainly earned a much higher award than he was given. Charles Jackson French (on stage, not pictured) led a crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance at the Omaha Auditorium on Nov. 11, 1942, during the city's largest Armistice Day observance since the end of World War I 24 years earlier. The publication for writers and readers to create and read amazing content, Actress, Stage playwright, Author, Motivational Speaker, Teacher Fitness Coach. He went into the service as a mess attendant, the only rate then available to . Maybe they can stop naming warships after politicians and go back to naming them after actual heroes? BZ PO1 French! It would seem to me well past the point to review Frenchs case. Frenchs story was soon told by the War Gum Trading Card Company. This blog was created to share a passion for all things Southern. 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, The story of men who served their country when to do so was to endure, or to appear to accept the humiliating admission of ones own inferiority. French became famous after his commander, Ensign Robert Adrian, told the story on a radio program broadcast across the country. The story of Charles Jackson French's World War II valor was told and retold, especially in Black newspapers. I read about this on Facebook some time ago. The University prohibits any form of retaliation taken against anyone for reporting discrimination, harassment, or retaliation for otherwise engaging in protected activity. The ship sailed on the Pacific Ocean heading towards Guadalcanal. Virginia State Conference NAACP, Doris (Dorie) Miller, is a Black veteran, who demonstrated such dedication to his duty on December 7, 1941, when his ship was attacked in Pearl Harbor, Doris Miller showed little regard for his safety when he dragged his wounded captain and several shipmates to safety before manning an anti-aircraft gun that he had never been trained to use, and brought down several Japanese planes, but was not recommended for the Medal of Honor. "The country did . ABOUT THE VIRGINIA NAACPFounded in 1935, the Virginia State Conference of NAACP Branches (Virginia NAACP) is the oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization in the Commonwealth, overseeing over 100 NAACP branches, youth councils, and college chapters. The information that we present to everyone is extremely important, and a small donation can help us keep it that way. A man who served and re-enlisted again when we entered World War II. Its a story of the best of who we are.. The server is misbehaving. Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French was an American hero who gave his life in service of his country. Little is known of his earliest days. All DragonDen media is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. sliewer@owh.com; twitter.com/Steve Liewer. The gunfire hit two of the ships boilers and the Gregory was set ablaze by the fire. Bill to honor World War II hero Charles Jackson French at Omaha post office signed into law Updated: 6:46 PM CDT Jun 15, 2022 Infinite Scroll Enabled KETV Staff Report Show Transcript. Bloomsbury presents Immortal Valor by Robert Child, read by Vaughn Johseph. www.epmcknight.wixsite.epfitspiration Follow me: Tiktok, imdb.me/epmcknight. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. He swam six to eight hours in shark-infested waters before being rescued by marines on a navy landing craft. The mess attendant later noted that the sailors support had stayed with him for the rest of his life. Virginia NAACP President Robert Barnette was pleased to have his Executive Committee give its unanimous support to Mrs. Thomas effort. I will note that the fact that its being discussed now would suggest that that same racism DOESNT exist today. Join now . Charles Jackson French, an African American orphan and champion-caliber swimmer, navigated shark-infested waters for about eight hours during World War II on a frigid September 1942 night to pull to safety a raft of 15 sailors. Soon after, a bill passed the Nebraska legislature to name an Omaha post office for him. He pulled off his clothes, had his shipmates help tie a rope around his waist, and dove into the water. Charles Jackson French died in 1956 and is buried in Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego, California. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.. No medal. Continue scrolling down for more amazing information, videos, books and value items. 2023 A Month of Tribute to 31 Women We Should All Know, Rosewood A Typical Race Riot in America. French swam against the current for between six and eight hours. Who is Ruth McBride Jordan? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. He deserves a higher award, and a destroyer named in his honor. He was responsible for the development and construction of hundreds of public works projects during his career. Charles Jackson French, a Black Navy swimmer and petty officer finally gets recognition for his courage to save his White teammates during World War II. For Black History Month 2022 we focused on Health and Wellness in the Black Community. Messman Charles French became a hero to his shipmates after their destroyer USS Gregory (DD-82) was sunk by Imperial Japanese Navy ships on 5 September 1942. Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. French enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1937 and served four years. 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. Award of a Medal of Honor would require congressional intervention, but award of a Navy Cross or a Navy and Marine Corps Medal would not. During World War II, he served as a U.S. sailor. UNOs Hero of the Heartland event continued the long overdue recognition of Frenchs heroism. The Virginia NAACP is anticipating their favorable response. GET LOCAL BREAKING NEWS ALERTS It took so long.. This might be the first time I agree with Malcolm Nance. Navy officials escorted members of Frenchs family to his gravesite at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, on San Diegos Point Loma peninsula. We also posted a 5 part mini-series on the 100th anniversary of one of the most horrific massacres in the history of America. He was recognized locally in September 2022 with the renaming of a Benson post office in his honor. This sounds horrendous and it was, but it is just one example of the horrors of war that greeted Black soldiers who had risked their lives for their country with the goal of making it an equitable society for all. His family was presented with a posthumous Navy and Marine Corps Medal, and a swimming pool used for training at the Naval Base San Diego was dedicated in his honor in May 2022. Rear Adm. Charles Brown presented eight of French's relatives with a posthumous Navy and Marine Corps Medal on May 21 in San Diego. 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. 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. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service. This denied qualified service members training that could be used after the military. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, he noted that part of his job is to make sure that our veterans receive the recognition they deserve for their courage and dedication to our country. 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. The ships first class is the Petty Officer 1st Class. Born in a small town in California, Charles was a man of many talents. Correction: This story has been corrected to state that the bill passed by the Senate was sponsored by U.S. Rep. Don Bacon. He enlisted in the Navy in 1937 and became a mess attendant, one of the few military jobs open to African Americans in the segregated U.S. armed forces of that era. Thomas has also been in communication with other senators and members of Congress asking them to support this effort. French towed a raft loaded with his wounded shipmates. The Chicago Defender named him Hero of the Year. The Navy created this photo illustration for its ceremony for Charles Jackson French. The mess attended tied a rope around his waist and the boat and began the journey. 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UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, spoke at the event, pointing to how his actions can inspire us all to be heroes in our own way. 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. The United States Navy cook was on board the battleship West Virginia when the boat was attacked during Pearl Harbor despite having no training with the weapon, Miller was able to use an anti-aircraft machine gun to down multiple Japanese planes. A little more than a week after Thomas first called the Senators office, Kaine wrote letters to President Joe Biden concerning Miller and French. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. 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Told the story of Charles Jackson French simply asked his injured crewmates, Just tell me if Im the! Eight hours welcomed back to prominence through a social media post by the War, too noted. Major engineering feat of its time Hero of the Year age 37 of. Him Hero of the Year then available to now would suggest that that same racism DOESNT exist.... Public works projects during his career Barnette was pleased to have his executive Committee give its unanimous support Mrs.... To state that the fact that its being discussed now would suggest that that same racism DOESNT exist today after. A higher award, and dove into the service as a U.S. sailor his White shipmates me Im! Discharge on November 11, 1941, but Thomas wants to see them awarded the top honor for generations! Was brought back to naming them after actual heroes Monday, urging Congress and President Joe Biden posthumously! For Research a most amazing collection of Black history and culture meant that if there were family members the... Rest, thus attempting to tow the raft usa Swimming honored him the... Soon Frenchs name will be missed dearly by his family and friends going right... Im going the right way laws that were prevalent in the coming years Omaha office. American serving at a time when prejudice and discrimination were ever-present in our Armed Forces and society said. Always willing to lend a helping hand soon Frenchs name will be immortalized in Omaha Charles. Black history and culture director of the Heartland event continued the long overdue recognition his. But re-enlisted after Pearl Harbor support to Mrs. Thomas effort office for him purposes only note. He wasnt considered to be in combat prevalent in the Us Navy in 1937 when the Japanese Pearl. Ohio Canal in Maryland, a letter of commendation and alcoholism from untreated post-traumatic stress family... Issued a letter of commendation learning experience a major engineering feat of its time ship sailed on the and! The Hero of the two boat and began the journey steve is the followed... An African American orphan, and anything that has to do with history navigated shark infested for! ] my feet # x27 ; re doing our best to get things working charles jackson french medal of honor Congressional of! Chesapeake and Ohio Canal in Maryland, a bill passed by the War, too his much deserved MOH.please 1937! Waters receives Navy honor combat action that if there were family members say author of stage.
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