Whilst JFK is most famously known for being the 35th president of the United States, it’s a lesser known fact that he also served in the U.S Navy.
During World War Two, Kennedy joined his older brother to fight in the U.S Navy. Kennedy’s tenure as a naval combat officer was a pivotal and defining period of his life. He served in the U.S Navy from 1941 until 1945 and was eventually made a Lieutenant (Lt.). His service was most famously remembered by his brave actions on the boat PT 09.
Kennedy’s journey to the military didn’t follow the standard path, but his family connections ensured him a place in the navy.
Early Military Years
Whilst growing up in a wealthy and privileged family, Kennedy suffered many ailments including chronic back pain. As a fresh 23-year-old, Kennedy had just graduated from Harvard, just as the United States was entering World War II. On September 24th, 1941 Kennedy joined the United States Naval Reserve after his father intervened to have him admitted, despite his chronic pain.
Kennedy’s big break came in 1942 when he was given the opportunity to attend Officers Training School which utilized his skills that he had gained growing up around Cape Cod. Within a year he was promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade and was finally given the responsibility he so longed to have dreamed of.
Prestigious War Medals
Whilst stationed in the Solomon Islands, Kennedy was commanding a Patrol Torpedo boat which was attacked by the Japanese. It was an extremely tough environment, just days before their boat had dodged two Japanese bombs.
On the evening of August 1st, 1943, Kennedy’s boat was hit and two of his men were killed. Against all odds, he led the ten survivors of his crew through a brutal three-mile swim to a deserted island. For six days they survived on coconuts and rainwater until they were found by local islanders. This is a huge testament to the leadership, resilience, and stamina that Kennedy possessed.
You can watch the recount of a man who helped save these troops below.
For this, he was awarded the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Medal and the Purple Heart Medal for his heroism. Kennedy humbly spoke of the experience afterward saying “It was involuntary. They sunk my boat.”
You can find a further explanation of this below.
Kennedy was plunged into the spotlight on his return to America and he was recruited to go on a speaking tour to build morale for the troops. His older brother Joseph Jr., who was his father’s choice to become president one day, was killed in action during a top-secret operation in Europe. After his death, Kennedy had planned to pursue a career in journalism or academics. However, the pressure from his family to become president now rested on JFK’s shoulders.
Honorable Discharge
John F. Kennedy was honorably discharged in 1945 after he needed numerous operations to fix his back which had worsened with his war injuries. In 1963, Kennedy wrote, “Any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction, ‘I served in the United States Navy,”.
From Lieutenant To President
Following his military service, Kennedy served three terms in the house of representatives before serving in the senate. On January 20th, 1961, John F Kennedy was sworn into the presidency. He faced complicated issues ahead including the Cuban Missile Crisis, The Civil Rights Movement, and The Vietnam War. In 1963 Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. His murder remains one of the most notorious political murders that we have seen in the 20th century. His death is clouded in suspicion, outrage, and controversy.
The relationship between Kennedy and the U.S Navy was so strong that shortly after his death, one of the most important U.S Navy ships was named after him. He is remembered as a sailor, shipmate, lieutenant, husband, and president.