John F. Kennedy
John F. Kennedy was an American politician and journalist, who served as the 35th President of the United States from January 1961 until his assassination in November 1963. He served at the height of the Cold War and spent much of his presidency handling relations with the Soviet Union.
Kennedy graduated from Harvard University in 1940 and joined the U.S. Naval Reserve the following year. During World War II, he commanded a series of PT Boats (Patrol Boats) in the Pacific and earned the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his service.
On its 31st mission, PT-109 traveled with 14 other PTs that had been ordered to block or repel four Japanese destroyers and float planes. They were carrying food, supplies, and 900 Japanese soldiers to the Villa Plantation garrison on the southern tip of the Solomon's Island. On that dark and moonless night, Kennedy spotted a Japanese destroyer heading north on its return from the base of Kolombangara at 2 AM and turned to attack. PT-109 was rammed suddenly at an angle and cut in half by the destroyer Amagiri, killing two PT-109 crew members.
When it came to fighting or surrendering, Kennedy stated, "There's nothing in the book about a situation like this. A lot of you men have families, and some of you have children. What do you want to do? I have nothing to lose."
Shunning surrender, the men swam towards Plum Pudding Island 3.5 miles SE of the remains of the PT-109. Despite re-injuring his back in the collision, Kennedy towed a badly burned crewman through the water to the island with a life jacket strap clenched between his teeth. Lieutenant "Bud" Liebenow, a friend and former tent mate of Kennedy's, rescued Kennedy and his crew on Olasana Island on August 8, 1943, aboard his ship, the PT-157.
Kennedy took only a month to recover. On September 1, 1943, he returned to duty and took command of the PT-59. On November 2, Kennedy's PT-59 took part with two other PTs in the successful rescue of 40-50 marines. PT-59 acted as a shield from shore fire and protected them as they escaped.
Under doctor's orders, Kennedy was relieved of his command of PT-59 on November 18, 1943 and was sent to a hospital on Tulagi. From there, he returned to the U.S. in early January 1944. After receiving treatment for his back injury, he was released from active duty in late 1944. On June 12, he was presented the Purple Heart and the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his heroic actions on August 1-2, 1943.
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