John F. Kennedy's Tragic Hero

For many years, the Kennedy family has sparked my interest, particularly in the 35th president, John F. Kennedy. I’ve collected books, documentaries, miniseries, and magazines, anything I could get my hands on about America’s beloved tragic leader. When I discovered a new book by William Doyle, I had to add it to my miniature Kennedy library. Doyle’s historical narrative provides context for the often untold story of JFK’s WWII experience, which would later be a jumpstart for his political career. His in-depth research and story-telling prowess make a fascinating account that I’ve retold here, of Kennedy and his heroism on the PT 109.

John F. Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States, is well known for his charisma, his controversial

It carried an antiaircraft gun, two machine guns, and four torpedo tubes, as well as other assorted small arms. Three engines kept the boat afloat, each operating independently, and made the boat easy to maneuver at speeds up to 40 knots. However, the boats were far less successful than they were made out to be. Neither the .50 caliber machine gun nor the rocket launchers were reliable weapons. In fact, the torpedoes often set off fires on board the boats after being launched, creating a beacon of light to be spotted by enemy ships.

Night time patrols were the routine for PT boats, but nothing was routine about the night of August 2, 1943. The battle of Blackett Strait separated the fifteen boats in the water, and with unstable radio communications, they had no way of reaffirming each other's position or of signaling for help. Their orders were to attack any passing Japanese supply boats and keep the radio airwaves free. When three Japanese destroyers approached Blackett Strait, the PT boats fired thirty torpedoes. They all missed. The Battle of Blackett Strait was later called “the most fouled-up PT operation in

Kennedy’s life was transformed by these events. He was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal and the Purple Heart. Writer John Hersey would share the story to millions of readers in Reader’s Digest and The New Yorker. Kennedy would later communicate with the commander of the Amagiri destroyer, a move that would also gain public recognition and advance his political aspirations. “PT 109 tie clasps” were mass produced and given to campaigners as symbols of Kennedy’s heroism. Though Kennedy would be forever haunted by the events in the Pacific, it was his outstanding leadership and courage during times of great distress that would eventually become the foundations for his