PT 109: John F. Kennedy in World War II

by Robert J. Donovan ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 14, 1961

With the spate of volumes appearing on President Kennedy, his life and his politics, we have at last a glimpse of his action-filled experiences in the U.S. Navy during the Second World War. Lt. Kennedy's background and Navy training are sketched in briefly as he is baptized by Japanese fire on arriving near Guadalcanal in May, 1943. His consequent experiences as a torpedo boat skipper, his log entries and the tension of sea battle going on around him, are documented in similar terse fashion. But his arduous and dangerous days ""shipwrecked"" on deserted Plum Pudding Island after his ship was sunk by a Jap destroyer---days in which he proved himself as a leader by saving his ten men--- are given all the close attention they are due. The story of Kennedy's later command on the PT 59, and his ultimate return to the U.S.A. because of injuries, provide a brief, vivid ending to the story. The book is well-researched, but lacks that insight into Kennedy the man which would have given it stature, and is further marred by a pedestrian style. Plus market for young people.

Pub Date: Nov. 14, 1961

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: McGraw-Hill

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 1961

Categories: NONFICTION