From Collision to Courage: The Incredible Rescue of PT-109’s Crew by John F. Kennedy

August 2 marks one of the most nail-biting episodes from World War II, when future President John F. Kennedy showed that bravery and quick thinking can turn a disaster into a legendary tale. His patrol boat, PT-109, had a little run-in with the Japanese destroyer, Amagiri, and it didn’t end well for the boat—think less yacht party and more Titanic. Yet, instead of sinking into despair, Kennedy jumped into action, rescuing most of his 12-man crew, proving that heroes can emerge from the most chaotic scenes.

The event unfolded after Kennedy and his crew had been given orders to patrol at night, leading to the unfortunate rendezvous with the Amagiri. You might say it was a case of “wrong place, wrong time”—except this was war. With only one operational engine, Kennedy couldn’t escape the Japanese vessel and was struck on the starboard side, which resulted in an explosion that claimed a few lives and left many injured. But if there’s one takeaway from this story, it’s that Kennedy had more grit than a sandpaper factory as he towed a severely injured crew member for hours just to get them to safety.

In a world that too often glorifies celebrity without substance, Kennedy’s actions remind us that courage is timeless. His transformation from a young officer caught in warfare to a legendary figure reflects a kind of heroism that feels even more relevant today. So, what do you think—a moment of heroism can come in many forms, right? Is it the brave acts during war or everyday risks? Let’s discuss!

About the Author

View All Posts