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John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA, photography credit Joel Benjamin
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA, photography credit Joel Benjamin
PT-109 Lapel Pin
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA, photography credit Joel Benjamin

PT-109 Lapel Pin

Artifact IDMO 76.681
Object Type Pin, Lapel
Date c. 1943
Maker
Medium Silver, gold wash
DimensionsOverall H 3/8 in x W 2 1/2 in x D 1/4 in (1 cm x 6.4 cm x 0.6 cm )
Physical DescriptionWWII United States Navy “Officer’s” PT Boat badge (unofficial) in gilt nickel (or possibly unmarked silver) made by the ELCO Company. The badge is in the shape of a PT Boat and reads: “PT” on the bow. The reverse reads: “ELCO”, “DESIGN COPYRIGHTED © ELCO NAVAL DIVISION”
Historical NoteLt. John F. Kennedy wore this pin during WWII when he was commander of PT 109. JFK presented this pin to his mother shortly after the sinking of his boat and the heroic rescue of his crew.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteItem is from the personal collection of President Kennedy. It was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by Mrs. Joseph P. Kennedy in 1976.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of Mrs. Joseph P. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesJohn F. Kennedy Personal Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676959)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Exhibitions
Not on view