Was J. F. Kennedy Considered for the Medal of Honor for His Heroism During WWII?

In the annals of American history, John F. Kennedy is often remembered for his leadership and bravery during World War II. One of the most renowned stories is his heroic actions on PT-109, where he saved his crew after their boat was ripped in half by a Japanese destroyer. However, when it came time to award recognition for his valor, the story takes a different turn. Did J. F. Kennedy ever considered for the Medal of Honor? If not, why not?

Heroism and Awards

On the night of August 2, 1943, during the Battle of Lae-Sananibelle in the Solomon Islands, 15 PT boats, including PT-109, were on a mission to ambush a fleet of 4 Japanese destroyers. The ambush, however, turned out to be a fiasco, with all 30 torpedoes fired by the PT boats proving to be ineffective. The remaining three PT boats, including PT-109, stayed to engage any additional destroyers. Unfortunately, they were met with a single enemy ship, which ran over PT-109, causing it to explode and split in half.

Kennedy's Merits and Awards

Irrespective of the circumstances, J. F. Kennedy's leadership and efforts to save his crew were commendable. He was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his extraordinary leadership in rescuing his comrades. Additionally, he received the Purple Heart for a back injury sustained earlier in the war, which left him disabled for life. The Purple Heart is a testament to the severe injury Kennedy faced during his service.

The Question of Heroism

While Kennedy's actions on PT-109 were undoubtedly heroic, the question remains: why was he not considered for the Medal of Honor? The answer lies in the nature of the combat and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Context of the Medal of Honor

The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is awarded for the most conspicuous act of valor, self-sacrifice, or risk of life in the presence of the enemy, above and beyond the call of duty. In the case of PT-109, while Kennedy's leadership was commendable, the actual combat circumstances did not meet the stringent criteria required for a Medal of Honor.

Father's Influence and Circumstances

Joseph P. Kennedy, JFK's father, lobbied his friend, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, to consider his son for the Medal of Honor. However, his friend General Douglas MacArthur, who was the Supreme Commander of the Southwest Pacific, recommended that Kennedy be court-martialed due to his initial incompetence that led to the sinking of PT-109. This incident raised questions about Kennedy's ability to command effectively, thereby making him less likely to receive the Medal of Honor.

Recognition and Legacy

Despite not receiving the Medal of Honor, Kennedy went on to command another PT boat and was later promoted. Due to his back injury, he was relieved of duty and discharged in 1944 to recover. His service did not go unrecognized, and he received the Purple Heart for his injury and the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his courage, endurance, and leadership in rescuing his shipwrecked crew. The Navy and Marine Corps Medal is the highest non-combat award in the Navy, emphasizing the value of his post-action leadership.

Conclusion

While J. F. Kennedy did not receive the Medal of Honor for his actions during his assignment on PT-109, his leadership and heroism are still widely acknowledged today. The circumstances of the incident, combined with the Naval criteria for the Medal of Honor, provide a nuanced understanding of why recognition did not come his way. Nonetheless, his legacy as a military leader and hero endures, shining a light on the complexities of military heroism and recognition.

Related Keywords: