John F. Kennedy: Pt 109 Boat Commander
It was an epic time that has often been called the 'American Camelot. The presidency of John Fitzgerald Kennedy brought the leadership of a charismatic young Chief Executive to an America in the midst of one of its most turbulent eras. An amazing man in every regard, everything about him seemed to fit the American self-image. He was Intelligent, warm, and unwavering in his defense of American principles. He was destined for greatness, and for many, he was a national hero. However, few Americans knew that John F. Kennedy was a hero long before he became president.
It is not uncommon for American Presidents to first prove their leadership abilities on the battlefield. However, few have displayed the valor and the total lack of concern for personal safety demonstrated by John F. Kennedy. Kennedy enlisted in the Navy in 1941. He was appointed Ensign in the Naval Reserve and received training as a PT Boat officer. By 1943, he was in the Pacific, commanding his own PT Boat, the 109. In retrospect, it was a very dangerous assignment to have. In 1943, PT Boats were not very powerful fighting ships. They were constructed of plywood and lacked armor. Since most boats were not equipped with radar, night attacks were extremely difficult. Overall, PT Boats were a poor match for destroyers and other heavily armed warships. Such a contest was a PT Skipper's worst nightmare.
On the pitch-black night of August 2nd, Kennedy's worst nightmare came true.
He and his crew sailed into the Blackett Strait to disrupt enemy shipping. With no radar and forced to observe strict radio silence, Kennedy maneuvered blindly through the pass. In the early morning hours, the 109 was rammed by the Japanese destroyer Amagiri. The impact killed two men instantly and ripped a gaping hole in the 109's starboard side. For hours, Kennedy and ten surviving crewmembers clung to the floating wreckage and waited to be rescued. But no rescue came, and the young lieutenant made the first of many decisions that would ultimately save the lives of his men. Swimming through shark-infested waters, he led his crew on a grueling three-mile swim to a nearby island. Most of the crew clung to a wooden plank from the wreckage as they kicked their way to the island. One crewman, however, was too badly wounded to survive the trip without help. Clenching a strap of the injured man's life jacket in his teeth, Kennedy swam breaststroke through the water, towing the wounded sailor to the island.
Here they remained, with no food or water until August 4th, when they decided to swim over a mile to a larger island, nearer to the heavily trafficked Ferguson Passage. The men were deep in enemy territory and growing weaker by the day. Time was running out for the crew of the PT T 109. Again, Kennedy took decisive action. He swam south, from island to island, hoping to spot passing PT boats. It was on one of these islands that the young officer found two native scouts who worked with an allied coast watcher. Kennedy carved a famous message into a coconut shell: "Nauro Isl. commander... Native Knows Posit... He Can Pilot...11 Alive... Need Small Boat... Kennedy," The message was delivered, and on Saturday, August 7th, the coast watcher replied by sending eight natives, a message, and a large canoe to rescue Kennedy. All lead race rough Japanese patrolled waters as Kennedy concealed himself under palm fronds. Once he reached safety, the canon passed the mission to pick up his man in enemy-held territory. Under the cover of darkness, Kennedy guided a rescue boat to the small island, led by a base from which the men were waiting. By Sunday, August 8th, Kennedy and the survivors of PT 109 had safely returned to the Allied base from which they set out one week earlier. Kennedy received the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Medal in recognition of his courage, endurance, and leadership.
The heroic saga of John F. Kennedy and the PT 109 proves that one man can make a difference. Kennedy held on to the inscribed coconut husk throughout his Presidency, keeping it on his White House desk. It is now on display at the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum in Boston, Massachusetts.
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of "John F. Kennedy: PT 109 Boat Commander" will benefit the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum, the nation's official memorial to President Kennedy. The John F. Kennedy Library and Museum is a presidential library administered by the National Archives and Records Administration and supported, in part, by the Kennedy Library Foundation, a non-profit organization. The Kennedy Library and the Kennedy Library Foundation seek to promote, through educational and community programs, a greater appreciation and understanding of America's political and cultural heritage, the process of governing, and the importance of public service.
![G.I. Joe - Snake Eyes Pin Badge (#27, Enamel) - Funko - Pop! Cartoons Pin Series [Styles May Vary]](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/G_I_-Joe-Snake-Eyes-Pin-Badge-27-Enamel-Funko-Pop-Cartoons-Pin-Series-Styles-May-Vary_400x.webp?v=1723672763){kind=icon}
![G.I. Joe [Ninja Force Minimates] - Snake Eyes, Scarlett, Storm Shadow & Dr. Biggles-Jones Action Figures Set (2](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/G_I_-Joe-Ninja-Force-Minimates-Snake-Eyes-Scarlett-Storm-Shadow-Dr_-Biggles-Jones-Action-Figures-Set-2-Diamond-Select-Toys-NYCC-2022-Exclusive-Edition_400x.webp?v=1760529886)
![G.I. Joe [Special Missions: Cobra Island] - Firefly Action Figure - Hasbro - Classified Series](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/G_I_-Joe-Special-Missions-Cobra-Island-Firefly-Action-Figure-Hasbro-Classified-Series_400x.webp?v=1733486890)
![G.I. Joe [Special Missions: Cobra Island] - Baroness with Cobra C.O.I.L. Action Figure Set (6](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/G_I_-Joe-Special-Missions-Cobra-Island-Baroness-with-Cobra-C_O_I_L_-Action-Figure-Set-6-Hasbro-Classified-Series_b3836a31_400x.webp?v=1751888464)
![G.I. Joe [Special Missions: Cobra Island] - Cobra Viper Action Figure (6](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/G_I_-Joe-Special-Missions-Cobra-Island-Cobra-Viper-Action-Figure-6-Hasbro-Classified-Series_bfc894cc_400x.webp?v=1745581361)
![G.I. Joe [Classic Collection] - Tuskegee Bomber Pilot Action Figure (12](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/G_I_-Joe-Classic-Collection-Tuskegee-Bomber-Pilot-Action-Figure-12-Hasbro-1996_400x.webp?v=1767699890)
![G.I. Joe [Christmas] - Hero's Homecoming Army Soldier Action Figure (11](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/G_I_-Joe-Christmas-Heros-Homecoming-Army-Soldier-Action-Figure-11-Hasbro_400x.webp?v=1759924630)
![Hasbro Gaming [Monopoly] - Game Board Corner Spaces Hot Pad - Bioworld](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/Hasbro-Gaming-Monopoly-Game-Board-Corner-Spaces-Hot-Pad-Bioworld_400x.webp?v=1716378502)
![Marvel [WandaVision] - Agatha Harkness Action Figure (6](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/Marvel-WandaVision-Agatha-Harkness-Action-Figure-6-Hasbro-Legends-Series-Build-a-Figure-Hydra-Stomper_400x.webp?v=1742471811)
![Marvel [The Marvels] - Captain Marvel Action Figure (6](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/Marvel-The-Marvels-Captain-Marvel-Action-Figure-6-Hasbro-Marvel-Legends-Series-Build-a-Figure-Totally-Awesome-Hulk_400x.webp?v=1765454848)
![Star Wars: Episode I [The Phantom Menace] - Pod Racer Teemto Pagalies Action Figure (3.25](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/Star-Wars-Episode-I-The-Phantom-Menace-Pod-Racer-Teemto-Pagalies-Action-Figure-3_25-Hasbro-Collection-2-46-2002_400x.webp?v=1760183379)
![Star Wars: Episode II [Attack of the Clones] - Female Tusken Raider with Tusken Child Action Figure (3.75](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/Star-Wars-Episode-II-Attack-of-the-Clones-Female-Tusken-Raider-with-Tusken-Child-Action-Figure-3_75-Hasbro-Collection-2-08-2002_400x.webp?v=1760183417)
![Star Wars: Episode II [Attack of the Clones] - Jedi Master Ki-Adi-Mundi Action Figure (3.75](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/Star-Wars-Episode-II-Attack-of-the-Clones-Jedi-Master-Ki-Adi-Mundi-Action-Figure-3_75-Hasbro-Collection-2-44-2002_400x.webp?v=1760474206)
![Hasbro Gaming [Monopoly] - Mr. Monopoly Tuxedo Gag Gift Apron - Bioworld](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/Hasbro-Gaming-Monopoly-Mr_-Monopoly-Tuxedo-Gag-Gift-Apron-Bioworld_400x.webp?v=1719056131)
![Marvel [Spider-Man: Far From Home] - Molten Man Action Figure (5.25](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/Marvel-Spider-Man-Far-From-Home-Molten-Man-Action-Figure-5_25-Hasbro_400x.webp?v=1759322628)
![Marvel [What If…?] - Warrior Gamora Action Figure (6](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/Marvel-What-If_-Warrior-Gamora-Action-Figure-6-Hasbro-Marvel-Legends-Series-Build-A-Figure-Hydra-Stomper-2023_400x.webp?v=1771414815)
![Nerf [Star Wars: The Mandolorian] - Din Djarin Dart Blaster - Hasbro](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/Nerf-Star-Wars-The-Mandolorian-Din-Djarin-Dart-Blaster-Hasbro_400x.webp?v=1746013176)
![Star Wars [Obi-Wan Kenobi] - LO-LA59 [Lola] Droid Electronic Toy Figure - Hasbro](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/Star-Wars-Obi-Wan-Kenobi-LO-LA59-Lola-Droid-Electronic-Toy-Figure-Hasbro_400x.webp?v=1765454892)
![Star Wars: Episode I [The Phantom Menace] - Captain Panaka with Blaster Pistol and Rifle Action Figure (3.75](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/Star-Wars-Episode-I-The-Phantom-Menace-Captain-Panaka-with-Blaster-Pistol-and-Rifle-Action-Figure-3_75-Hasbro-CommTech-Chip-Series-Collection-2-1999_eef9be80_400x.webp?v=1765280862)
![Star Wars: Episode I [The Phantom Menace] - Naboo Outfit Child Anakin Skywalker with Comlink Action Figure (3](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/Star-Wars-Episode-I-The-Phantom-Menace-Naboo-Outfit-Child-Anakin-Skywalker-with-Comlink-Action-Figure-3-Hasbro-CommTech-Chip-Series-Collection-2-1999_56f4bbc7_400x.webp?v=1765280885)
![Star Wars: Episode I [The Phantom Menace] - Naboo Royal Security with Blaster Pistol and Rifle Action Figure (3.75](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/Star-Wars-Episode-I-The-Phantom-Menace-Naboo-Royal-Security-with-Blaster-Pistol-and-Rifle-Action-Figure-3_75-Hasbro-CommTech-Chip-Series-Collection-2-1998_400x.webp?v=1764850374)
![Star Wars: Episode I [The Phantom Menace] - Neimoidian Senator Action Figure (3.75](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/Star-Wars-Episode-I-The-Phantom-Menace-Neimoidian-Senator-Action-Figure-3_75-Hasbro-Collection-2-51-2002_400x.webp?v=1760183355)
![Star Wars: Episode I [The Phantom Menace] - Obi-Wan Kenobi with Lightsaber and Comlink Action Figure (3.75](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/Star-Wars-Episode-I-The-Phantom-Menace-Obi-Wan-Kenobi-with-Lightsaber-and-Comlink-Action-Figure-3_75-Hasbro-CommTech-Chip-Series-Collection-2-1999_400x.webp?v=1764850367)
![Star Wars: Episode I [The Phantom Menace] - Sith Training Darth Maul Action Figure (3.75](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/Star-Wars-Episode-I-The-Phantom-Menace-Sith-Training-Darth-Maul-Action-Figure-3_75-Hasbro-Collection-1-42-2002_400x.webp?v=1760010334)
![Star Wars: Episode I [The Phantom Menace] - Yoda with Jedi Council Chair Action Figure (2](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/Star-Wars-Episode-I-The-Phantom-Menace-Yoda-with-Jedi-Council-Chair-Action-Figure-2-Hasbro-CommTech-Chip-Series-Collection-2-1998_400x.webp?v=1764850370)
![Star Wars: Episode II [Attack of the Clones] - Arena Confrontation Mace Windu Action Figure (3.75](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/Star-Wars-Episode-II-Attack-of-the-Clones-Arena-Confrontation-Mace-Windu-Action-Figure-3_75-Hasbro-Collection-1-02-2002_400x.webp?v=1760183345)
![Star Wars: Episode II [Attack of the Clones] - Bounty Hunter Zam Wesell Action Figure (3.75](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/Star-Wars-Episode-II-Attack-of-the-Clones-Bounty-Hunter-Zam-Wesell-Action-Figure-3_75-Hasbro-Collection-1-18-2002_400x.webp?v=1760183411)
![Star Wars: Episode II [Attack of the Clones] - Coruscant Informant Dexter Jettster Action Figure (3.75](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/Star-Wars-Episode-II-Attack-of-the-Clones-Coruscant-Informant-Dexter-Jettster-Action-Figure-3_75-Hasbro-Collection-2-16-2002_400x.webp?v=1760010366)
![Star Wars: Episode II [Attack of the Clones] - Coruscant Security Royal Guard Action Figure (3.75](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/Star-Wars-Episode-II-Attack-of-the-Clones-Coruscant-Security-Royal-Guard-Action-Figure-3_75-Hasbro-Collection-2-19-2002_400x.webp?v=1760010361)
![Star Wars: Episode II [Attack of the Clones] - Geonosian Escape Darth Tyranus Action Figure (3.75](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/Star-Wars-Episode-II-Attack-of-the-Clones-Geonosian-Escape-Darth-Tyranus-Action-Figure-3_75-Hasbro-Collection-1-03-2002_400x.webp?v=1760183360)
![Star Wars: Episode II [Attack of the Clones] - Geonosian Warrior Action Figure (3.75](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/Star-Wars-Episode-II-Attack-of-the-Clones-Geonosian-Warrior-Action-Figure-3_75-Hasbro-Collection-2-15-2002_400x.webp?v=1760183389)
![Star Wars: Episode II [Attack of the Clones] - Hangar Duel Anakin Skywalker Action Figure (3.75](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/Star-Wars-Episode-II-Attack-of-the-Clones-Hangar-Duel-Anakin-Skywalker-Action-Figure-3_75-Hasbro-Collection-1-22-2002_89045bbe_400x.webp?v=1760474159)
![Star Wars: Episode II [Attack of the Clones] - Jedi Starfighter Pilot Obi-Wan Kenobi Action Figure (3.75](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/Star-Wars-Episode-II-Attack-of-the-Clones-Jedi-Starfighter-Pilot-Obi-Wan-Kenobi-Action-Figure-3_75-Hasbro-Collection-1-36-2002_400x.webp?v=1760183349)
![Star Wars: Episode II [Attack of the Clones] - Padmé's Head of Security Captain Typho Action Figure (3.75](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/Star-Wars-Episode-II-Attack-of-the-Clones-Padmes-Head-of-Security-Captain-Typho-Action-Figure-3_75-Hasbro-Collection-2-09-2002_400x.webp?v=1760183365)
![Star Wars: Episode II [Attack of the Clones] - Slave I Pilot Jango Fett Action Figure (3.75](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/Star-Wars-Episode-II-Attack-of-the-Clones-Slave-I-Pilot-Jango-Fett-Action-Figure-3_75-Hasbro-Collection-1-47-2002_400x.webp?v=1760183375)
![Attack on Titan [Season 3] - Eren Standee Figure (Acrylic) - ABYstyle - Acryl Series](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/Attack-on-Titan-Season-3-Eren-Standee-Figure-Acrylic-ABYstyle-Acryl-Series_400x.webp?v=1749850243)
![Attack on Titan [Season 3] - Levi Standee Figure (Acrylic) - ABYstyle - Acryl Series](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/Attack-on-Titan-Season-3-Levi-Standee-Figure-Acrylic-ABYstyle-Acryl-Series_400x.webp?v=1749850250)
![DC Comics [Batman] - Harley Quinn with Hammer Standee Figure (4.25](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/DC-Comics-Batman-Harley-Quinn-with-Hammer-Standee-Figure-4_25-Acrylic-ABYstyle-Acryl-Series_400x.webp?v=1763052831)
![DC Comics [Batman] - Running Batman Standee Figure (4.25](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/DC-Comics-Batman-Running-Batman-Standee-Figure-4_25-Acrylic-ABYstyle-Acryl-Series_400x.webp?v=1763052826)
![DC Comics [Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice] - Batwing Ship Figure Model Kit (Steel, Challenging Difficulty) - Fascinations - Metal Earth Series](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/DC-Comics-Batman-v_-Superman-Dawn-of-Justice-Batwing-Ship-Figure-Model-Kit-Steel-Challenging-Difficulty-Fascinations-Metal-Earth-Series_400x.webp?v=1764158965)
![DC Comics [Batman: The Dark Knight] - Bat Signal Figure Model Kit (Steel, Challenging Difficulty) - Fascinations - Metal Earth Series](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/DC-Comics-Batman-The-Dark-Knight-Bat-Signal-Figure-Model-Kit-Steel-Challenging-Difficulty-Fascinations-Metal-Earth-Series_400x.webp?v=1764244545)
![DC Comics [Batman] - Unpainted Batwing Figure Model Kit (Steel, Challenging Difficulty) - Fascinations - Metal Earth Series](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/DC-Comics-Batman-Unpainted-Batwing-Figure-Model-Kit-Steel-Challenging-Difficulty-Fascinations-Metal-Earth-Series_400x.webp?v=1753443451)
![Pokemon TCG [Sword & Shield: Rebel Clash] - Zacian Theme Deck - The Pokemon Company International - (2020)](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/Pokemon-TCG-Sword-Shield-Rebel-Clash-Zacian-Theme-Deck-The-Pokemon-Company-International-2020_400x.webp?v=1776080352)
![WWE [Legends] - Undertaker Action Figure (7](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/WWE-Legends-Undertaker-Action-Figure-7-Mattel-Elite-Collection-Series-19-2023_400x.webp?v=1776080358)
![Barbie [Disney: Mickey Mouse & Friends] - Barbie & Friends Gift Doll Set - Mattel - Toys](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/Barbie-Disney-Mickey-Mouse-Friends-Barbie-Friends-Gift-Doll-Set-Mattel-Toys-R-Us-Special-Limited-Edition-1991_400x.webp?v=1776080336)
![LEGO [Seasonal] - Good Fortune Building Set - Chinese Traditional Festival Series (80117)](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/LEGO-Seasonal-Good-Fortune-Building-Set-Chinese-Traditional-Festival-Series-80117_400x.webp?v=1775907808)
![The Lord of the Rings [Book Series] - The Shadow Balrog Action Figure (6.75](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/The-Lord-of-the-Rings-Book-Series-The-Shadow-Balrog-Action-Figure-6_75-Toy-Vault-Middle-Earth-Toys-Series_400x.webp?v=1775735000)
![G.I. Joe [Classic Collection] - Tuskegee Bomber Pilot Action Figure (12") - Hasbro (1996)](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/G_I_-Joe-Classic-Collection-Tuskegee-Bomber-Pilot-Action-Figure-12-Hasbro-1996_medium.webp?v=1767699890)
![G.I. Joe [Classic Collection] - Tuskegee Bomber Pilot Action Figure (12") - Hasbro (1996)](http://poggers.com/cdn/shop/files/G_I_-Joe-Classic-Collection-Tuskegee-Bomber-Pilot-Action-Figure-12-Hasbro-1996-2_medium.webp?v=1767699891)
![Mega Bloks [Destiny] - Cabal Interceptor Building Set (DPJ11)](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0400/9767/7479/files/Mega-Bloks-Destiny-Cabal-Interceptor-Building-Set-DPJ11_501x501.webp?v=1743075806)
![Mega Bloks [Call of Duty] - Mob of the Dead Building Set - Mega Bloks Collector Series (06857)](https://judgeme.imgix.net/poggers/1775243986__img_5735__original.jpeg?auto=format&w=1024)
![Mega Bloks [Assassin's Creed] - Fortress Attack Building Set](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0400/9767/7479/files/Mega-Bloks-Assassins-Creed-Fortress-Attack-Building-Set_ce2585cb_501x501.webp?v=1740842484)
![LEGO [BrickHeadz] - Batman 8 in 1 Building Set - DC Comics Super Heroes Series (40748)](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0400/9767/7479/files/LEGO-BrickHeadz-Batman-8-in-1-Building-Set-DC-Comics-Super-Heroes-Series-40748_501x501.webp?v=1759924572)
![Marvel [X-Men] - Iceman Statue Figure (11", Limited Edition: 1 of 3,000) - Diamond Select Toys - Premier Collection Series](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0400/9767/7479/files/Marvel-X-Men-Iceman-Statue-Figure-11-Limited-Edition-1-of-3000-Diamond-Select-Toys-Premier-Collection-Series_501x501.webp?v=1760461505)
![DC Comics [Green Lantern] - Classic Comic Design Watch & Collector Tin - Eaglemoss - Collection Wave 2](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0400/9767/7479/files/DC-Comics-Green-Lantern-Classic-Comic-Design-Watch-Collector-Tin-Eaglemoss-Collection-Wave-2_501x501.webp?v=1761320004)
