What happened to JFK during WW2?

During World War II, John F. Kennedy (JFK) served in the United States Navy. He joined the Navy in 1941 and was initially stationed in Washington, D.C., where he worked in the Office of Naval Intelligence. Later, he requested active sea duty and was assigned to the South Pacific as the commanding officer of PT-109, a patrol torpedo boat.

In August 1943, PT-109 was involved in a collision with a Japanese destroyer and was sunk. Kennedy displayed leadership and courage, helping to rescue crew members and swimming to safety with an injured crewmate by towing him with a life jacket strap clenched in his teeth. This incident earned Kennedy a Navy and Marine Corps Medal for heroism and marked a significant chapter in his wartime service.

JFK's military service in World War II, particularly his actions during the PT-109 incident, contributed to his reputation as a war hero and helped launch his political career after the war.