Naval History and Heritage Command
Lt. John F. Kennedy's NMCM citation
THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
WASHINGTON
The President of the United States takes pleasure in
presenting the NAVY & MARINE CORPS MEDAL to
LIEUTENANT JOHN FITZGERALD KENNEDY
UNITED STATES NAVAL RESERVE
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
"For extremely heroic conduct as Commanding Officer of Motor Torpedo Boat 109 following the collision and sinking of that vessel in the Pacific War Area on August 1-2, 1943. Unmindful of personal danger, Lieutenant (then Lieutenant, Junior Grade) Kennedy unhesitatingly braved the difficulties and hazards of darkness to direct rescue operations, swimming many hours to secure aid and food after he had succeeded in getting his crew ashore. His outstanding courage, endurance and leadership contributed to the saving of several lives and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
For the President,
Secretary of the Navy
16 August 1997
