By: Tom Zart

After the attack on Pearl HarborHe applied for sea duty in the war. Where Lieutenant John F. KennedyBecame known for his bravery and more.In the dark hours before dawnOn August 2, of 43.Kennedy commanded a torpedo boatThrough the blackness of night at sea.PT – 109, was on Solomon’s patrolWith a 12-man crew in a plywood craft.A Japanese destroyer ploughed through the nightRamming and cutting Kennedy’s boat in half.Two of the crew just disappearedA third was badly burned. Kennedy himself was thrown to the deck,Where in pain his leadership he earned.Some of his men had never lurned to swimAs he gathered them on the bobbing bow.The hours passed tell it seemed it would sinkSo they made for an island and here’s how. He ordered those who could to swim The others were to hang on to a beam.Kennedy grabbed the injured sailorAnd off they tread through the ocean stream.With his teeth clenched on the burnt man’s vest strapsSkipper Kennedy swam 3 miles.5 hours later they all made itDespite their hardships, sharks, and trials.The next problem was how to summon up helpWithout arousing the enemy all around.After several attempts swimming to other islandsEventually two natives in a canoe were found.Kennedy scratch a note on a coconutTo be delivered to a base 38 miles away.The message made it and they were savedAnd their courage still lives us today.

KENNEDY= THE WAR YEARS PT-109
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