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John F. Kennedy in Uniform

John F. Kennedy in Uniform

John F. Kennedy entered the navy in September 1941 and was commissioned a lieutenant junior grade in October 1942. He then became skipper of the assault boat PT-109. In the early morning of August 2, 1943, the Amagiri, a Japanese destroyer, rammed the PT-109 and tore away its starboard aft side, killing two seamen and throwing many others overboard into a blazing gasoline slick. Kennedy towed an injured crewman by a life jacket strap back to the damaged boat. After it capsized the crewmen swam to nearby land, with Kennedy again aiding his wounded comrade. For this deed he received the Purple Heart and the Navy and Marine Corps Medal.

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John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum/NARA

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