Are any crew members of PT-109 still alive?
Table of Contents
Are any crew members of PT-109 still alive?
Gerard Zinser, the last surviving crewman from the sinking of John F. Kennedy’s PT 109 in the South Pacific in World War II, died on Aug. 21 at a hospital in Orange Park, Fla. He was 82.
Who did JFK save on the PT-109?
Kennedy, future United States president, in the Solomon Islands campaign of the Pacific theater during World War II. Kennedy’s actions in saving his surviving crew after PT-109 was rammed and sunk by a Japanese destroyer made him a war hero….Patrol torpedo boat PT-109.
| History | |
|---|---|
| United States | |
| Complement | 3 officers, 14 enlisted men (design) |
What happened to the crew of PT-109?
On August 1, 1943, a Japanese destroyer rams an American PT (patrol torpedo) boat, No. 109, slicing it in two. The destruction is so massive other American PT boats in the area assume the crew is dead. Two crewmen were, in fact, killed, but 11 survived, including Lt.
Did JFK see PT-109?
After seeing the film, President Kennedy called PT 109 a “good product,” but he worried about the length of the film at 2 hours and 20 minutes. He said, “It’s just a question of whether there’s too much of it”.
What happened to JFK’s PT boat?
Although the wreckage was still afloat, it was taking on water, and it capsized on the morning of August 2. After a discussion of options, the men abandoned the remains of PT 109 and struck out for an islet three and a half miles away.
Why did JFK get a Purple Heart?
Kennedy receives one of the Navy’s highest honor for gallantry for his heroic actions as the commanding officer of a motor torpedo boat during World War II on June 12, 1944. The future president also received a Purple Heart for wounds received during battle.
Where is JFK’s coconut now?
the Boston Museum
He had it encased in resin, and JFK kept the coconut on his desk for the duration of his presidency. Now, it’s on display at the John F. Kennedy Library at the Boston Museum.
How accurate was the movie PT-109?
Kennedy and co-starring Ty Hardin, James Gregory, Robert Culp, Robert Blake, Norman Fell and even an uncredited George Takei (Hikaru Sulu of Star Trek: The Original Series), the film is a fairly accurate depiction of JFK’s naval service in the South Pacific as the commander of a motor torpedo boat given the Navy …
What was written on JFK’s coconut?
6, 1943, Kennedy carved a message into a green coconut that read, “NAURO ISL… COMMANDER… NATIVE KNOWS POS’IT… HE CAN PILOT…
Why was President Kennedy wearing a back brace?
Due to his nearly constant back pain, Kennedy used a back brace for most of his life. He was wearing it when he was assassinated in Dallas on November 22, 1963, at the age of 46.
Did JFK lift weights?
He was able to put on some weight before the 1960 campaign, and with great difficulty he finally was able to approach 160 pounds. Pictures of Kennedy from his early congressional and senate years show him at times looking almost cadaverous. This is especially evident in his 1956 vice presidential bid.
Why did JFK’s back hurt?
JFK’s back problems were epic-osteoporosis, degenerative disc disease, and compression fractures. He also underwent spinal surgeries. One operation brought him so close to the brink that he was ministered last rites-one of three times he faced that ritual, including the final time at Parkland Hospital.
