5.2K views · 105 reactions | After his company's boat was torn apart by a Japanese destroyer in the early morning hours of August 2, 1943, young Lieutenant John F. Kennedy towed pulled his wounded crewmate in the water, swimming for three and half miles before reaching safety on a deserted island. It would take several days and additional grueling swims through dangerous waters before Kennedy and his crewmates were rescued. | American Experience | PBS | Facebook

The night of August 1, 1943 was hot and starless — and one that would distinguish a young Skipper John F. Kennedy. | American Experience | PBS

#OTD in 1943, LTJG John F. Kennedy's PT 109 was rammed by Japanese destroyer Amagiri. JFK was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his courage in leading the 10 crewmen who survived the collision to safety. The incident was depicted in the 1963 film "PT 109" starrring Cliff Robertson as JFK. #MovieMonday | U.S. Naval Institute

To surprise John F. Kennedy on #InaugurationDay in 1961, PT-796 was repainted to appear as PT-109 and then hauled down Pennsylvania Ave. JFK's face lit up when he saw nine of the crewmen who were with him when the real PT-109 was rammed and sunk by a Japanese destroyer in 1943. | U.S. Naval Institute