Military Service (1941 - 1945)
Even though he was medically disqualified to join the military due to lower back problems, John F. Kennedy enrolled in the U.S Navy during the military service in 1941. Influenced by his older brother Joseph Kennedy, who died during battle, Kennedy became a rank lieutenant in commanding a patrol torpedo boat (PT). The role of PT boats were to attack Japanese shipping's, also known as the "Tokyo Express."
On August 2, 1943, Kennedy along with his crew mates were riding in a PT 109, performing night patrols near New Georgia in the Solomon islands. While paroling, the boat was rammed by the Japanese destroyer Amagiri. Kennedy surrendered then gathered himself and his badly burned crew members from the wreckage to the second island while sustaining an injured back.
In 1945, Kennedy was released from the military hospital that treated his injured back after Japan surrendered, marking the end of WWII. His heroic act rewarded him with the Navy and Marine Corps Medal.
On August 2, 1943, Kennedy along with his crew mates were riding in a PT 109, performing night patrols near New Georgia in the Solomon islands. While paroling, the boat was rammed by the Japanese destroyer Amagiri. Kennedy surrendered then gathered himself and his badly burned crew members from the wreckage to the second island while sustaining an injured back.
In 1945, Kennedy was released from the military hospital that treated his injured back after Japan surrendered, marking the end of WWII. His heroic act rewarded him with the Navy and Marine Corps Medal.