Model of PT-109
Artifact IDMO 63.1212
Object Type
Ship Model
Date
1945-1962
Date PresentedDecember 1962
Medium
Plastic composite
DimensionsOverall H 15 in x W 13 in x D 49 in (38.1 cm x 33 cm x 124.5 cm )
Physical DescriptionCast-plastic model of the torpedo boat PT-109. The boat is grey with a brown hull. It has metal propellers and sits on three metal feet. The deck is outfitted with four torpedoes, and three anti-aircraft machine guns, one at rear and two on the opposite corners of the cockpit, and a small rescue boat on the forward deck.
Historical NotePresident John F. Kennedy was presented with this PT-109 model by representatives of the Washington International Boat and Sport Show in December 1962. Kennedy displayed it in a meeting room in the White House's west wing that had been known as the Fish Room since Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration. The PT model is accurate and consistent with the official model of the U.S. Navy created by Elco Naval Division model maker Donald C. Rosencrantz . However, the day before PT-109's last mission, the crew removed the rescue boat and installed an anti-tank gun on the foredeck, which this model lacks.
Additional DetailsCustodial History NoteItem was a gift from a member of the general public to the President and Mrs. Kennedy received by the Executive Office of the President betwen 1961-1963 and held by the General Service Administration until it was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from Public (National Archives Identifier 1677327)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteThis material is not subject to any known copyright or other image use restrictions.In Collection(s)
Not on view