In the early hours of August 2, 1943, a Japanese destroyer
rammed an American PT (patrol torpedo) boat, No. 109,
slicing it in two.
The destruction was so massive other American PT boats
in the area assumed the crew was dead.
Two crewmen were, in fact, killed, but 11 survived, including
Lt. John F. Kennedy.
Kennedy was ultimately awarded the Navy and Marine Corps
Medal, for gallantry in action.
John F. Kennedy shakes hands with Captain Conklin after
being presented with a medal for heroism.
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