Why wasn’t J. F. Kennedy was court-martialed after sinking PT 109? John F. Kennedy was not court-martialed after the sinking of PT-109 during World War II for several reasons:
Heroism and Leadership:
Kennedy’s actions following the sinking demonstrated significant heroism and leadership. After PT-109 was struck by a Japanese destroyer, Kennedy helped his surviving crew members reach safety, including swimming to a nearby island while towing an injured crew member by holding a strap of the man’s life jacket in his teeth. His efforts to save his crew were highly commendable.
Survival and Communication:
Kennedy and his crew survived on a deserted island for several days. Kennedy’s efforts to communicate with Allied forces, including sending messages carved into coconuts, eventually led to their rescue. His resourcefulness in ensuring the survival and rescue of his men was viewed positively.
Navy Investigation and Reports:
The U.S. Navy conducted an investigation into the incident. The conclusion was that the collision was not due to negligence on Kennedy’s part but rather the result of a combination of factors, including the challenging operational environment and the limitations of the PT boats. Reports indicated that the Japanese destroyer was traveling at a high speed and that the PT boat had minimal time to react.
Political and Public Sentiment:
Kennedy’s actions received significant public and media attention, casting him in a heroic light. The narrative of his bravery and leadership overshadowed any potential criticism of his actions leading up to the collision. This positive public sentiment likely influenced the Navy’s decision not to pursue a court-martial.
Military Context:
During wartime, the focus often shifts to survival, resilience, and success in subsequent missions rather than solely on the incidents of loss or failure. Kennedy’s subsequent conduct and the overall context of his service contributed to the decision not to court-martial him.
These factors combined to prevent any formal charges or court-martial against Kennedy, allowing his military service to be remembered more for his bravery and leadership than for the loss of PT-109.
