“And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you -- ask what you can do for your country:” this is a quote from the 35th President of the United States John F. Kennedy. Kennedy as president did great things, but he also accomplished great things before he was president. With the help of his family and his own self-drive, Kennedy became one of the greatest presidents and Americans to ever live even though his life was cut short. He exhibited several traits that allow for him to be the epitome of a great American. John F. Kennedy is the quintessential American. John F. Kennedy possessed the trait of bravery. Bravery is showing courage in actions and character. His bravery was shown through his involvement in the Navy. …show more content…
These boats were “small, fast vessels that charged into close range of enemy ships to deliver a torpedo shot” (32). His first real chance to see parts of Asia and the South Pacific was when he was sent to the Solomon Islands in 1943. There he was given command of his own PT boat, the PT 109. His bravery was also shown through him saving several of his fellow sailors’ lives after they were shipwrecked. On August 2, 1943, Kennedy’s PT 109 was among five other boats that were sent out to make a night patrol of the Blackett Strait. Only one of the six boats on this trip had radar; also, all boats were to maintain a silence over the radio unless there was an emergency. The PT 109 was also only running on one of its three engines to keep the noise low. A Japanese destroyer was spotted, and due to the lack of engines, Kennedy could not shoot at the destroyer or the engine would give out. In result, the destroyer rammed into the side of Kennedy’s boat. This caused the gas tanks to explode, which led to the death of two of Kennedy’s crewmates; and Kennedy was propelled back against the ship into the cockpit, where he landed hard on his back on the deck. Due to past and current problems with his back, he was certain that he would