USS PT-109

USS PT-109 was a PT boat that served in the Pacific Theater during World War II. The vessel was commanded by John F. Kennedy, the future President of the United States, and was known for its heroic actions during the war, including the rescue of its crew after being struck by a Japanese destroyer. The story of the USS PT-109 has been widely documented, including in books such as PT 109: John F. Kennedy in WWII by Robert J. Donovan and films like PT 109 (film) directed by Leslie H. Martinson. The ship's history is also closely tied to the Naval History and Heritage Command and the United States Navy.

● Introduction

The USS PT-109 was one of the many Elco PT boats built by the Elco Naval Division of the Electric Launch Company during World War II. These boats were designed to be fast and agile, with a shallow draft that allowed them to operate in coastal waters and attack larger enemy ships. The USS PT-109 was commissioned on July 10, 1942, and was assigned to the Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 2 under the command of Commander John D. Bulkeley. The ship's crew included John F. Kennedy, who would later become the 35th President of the United States, as well as other notable individuals such as Leonard J. Thom, George H. R. Ross, and Edmond J. Drewitch. The USS PT-109 was also supported by the United States Pacific Fleet and the Allied Pacific Forces.

● Design_and_Construction

The USS PT-109 was an Elco 80-foot PT boat with a length of 80 feet and a beam of 20 feet. The ship was powered by three Packard V-12 engines and had a top speed of 41 knots. The USS PT-109 was also equipped with four Mark 8 torpedoes and a variety of other weapons, including M2 Browning machine guns and 20mm Oerlikon cannons. The ship's design was influenced by the work of Andrew Jackson Higgins and the Higgins Industries company, which built many of the Higgins boats used during World War II. The USS PT-109 was also constructed with the support of the United States Navy Bureau of Ships and the National Defense Research Committee.

● Service_History

The USS PT-109 began its service in the Pacific Theater in August 1942, operating out of Tulagi Island in the Solomon Islands. The ship was involved in several patrols and skirmishes with enemy forces, including the Imperial Japanese Navy and the Japanese Army. The USS PT-109 was also supported by the United States Marine Corps and the United States Army during its operations. In October 1942, the USS PT-109 was part of the Battle of Cape Esperance, where it helped to sink several enemy ships, including the Japanese cruiser Furutaka. The ship's crew also included individuals such as Patrick McMahon, Raymond Albert, and Charles A. Harris, who were all part of the United States Navy Reserve.

● Sinking_and_Rescue

On August 1, 1943, the USS PT-109 was struck by the Japanese destroyer Amagiri while on patrol in the Blackett Strait. The collision caused significant damage to the ship, and it began to sink. The crew, led by John F. Kennedy, worked to save as many of their comrades as possible, and Kennedy himself helped to rescue several injured crew members. The survivors then clung to a piece of debris, a lantern and a life raft, and waited for rescue. The next day, the crew was rescued by the USS PT-157, and they were taken to the United States Naval Base at Rendova Island. The sinking of the USS PT-109 was also investigated by the United States Navy Board of Inquiry and the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.

● Legacy

The USS PT-109 has become a legendary ship in American history, and its story has been widely told and retold. The ship's heroic actions during World War II, particularly the rescue of its crew after being struck by the Japanese destroyer Amagiri, have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Navy and Marine Corps Medal and the Presidential Unit Citation. The USS PT-109 has also been the subject of several books, films, and documentaries, including PT 109 (film) and The Search for Kennedy's PT 109. The ship's legacy is also commemorated by the USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) and the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.

● Commanding_Officers

The USS PT-109 had several commanding officers during its service, including John F. Kennedy, who commanded the ship from April 1943 until its sinking in August 1943. Other notable commanding officers of the USS PT-109 included Bryant L. Larson and Robert J. Williams. The ship's crew also included individuals such as Leonard J. Thom, who was a United States Navy Lieutenant and a Navy Cross recipient, and George H. R. Ross, who was a United States Navy Ensign and a Silver Star recipient. The USS PT-109 was also supported by the United States Navy Bureau of Personnel and the Naval War College.

Category:World War II