President Kennedy's Military Life
JFK suffered from chronic lower back pain his entire life. He was disqualified for health reasons from the US Army and subsequently entered the US Navy in September of 1941. JFK earned the position of commander of a patrol torpedo (PT-109). While on a routine patrol on August 2, 1943, JFK's PT-109 was attacked in the Solomon Islands by a Japanese destoryer, Amagiri. JFK personally saved a burned crew member by towing the man to an island through the water with the man's life jacket strap in his teeth. JFK received the Navy and Marine Corp Medal of Honor for his bravery. In October of 1943, JFK was made commander of a PT-89 in Choiseul Islands. He was subsequently released from active duty in 1944 due to his back injuries. During his military service, JFK was awarded the following commendations: Purple Heart, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, 3 Bronze Stars and World World II Victory Medal.