United States Navy Officer's Jacket
Artifact IDMO 83.47.1c
Object Type
Uniform, Military
Date
early 1940's
Medium
Wool twill
Physical DescriptionNavy blue double breasted jacket with brass button closure, buttons have raised eagle motif. Notched collar, straight cut with no back vent. Two front welt pockets, one front proper right chest welt pocket. Two rows of decorative gold braid at the edges of the sleeves; one raised embroidered gold star (1 1/2 diameter) on each sleeve sewn approximately 1/2 in. above decorative braid on the front of the sleeves. Two bars of military awards, including the Navy and Marine Corps ribbon, Purple Heart ribbon, American Defense Service ribbon, American Campaign ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign ribbon with 3 bronze service stars, and the World War II Victory ribbon.
Historical NoteThis Navy officer's jacket was worn by Lt. John F. Kennedy during his service in the Navy from 1942-1947. As a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy during World War II, John F. Kennedy commanded PT-109 in the South Pacific. Following the 1943 sinking of his vessel by a Japanese destroyer, Kennedy’s heroic efforts to save his crew—including swimming for hours while towing a wounded man—earned him national acclaim.
This jacket is adorned with the decorations Kennedy earned for his bravery and service:
Navy and Marine Corps Medal: Awarded for his "extremely heroic conduct" following the PT-109 collision.
Purple Heart: Awarded for injuries sustained during the sinking of his vessel.
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal: Representing his combat service in the Solomon Islands theater.
World War II Victory Medal: Awarded to all who served during the conflict.
Kennedy’s naval background was central to his political identity. During his 1960 presidential campaign, he frequently used his "war hero" status to demonstrate his courage and readiness to lead. As President, he kept the famous PT-109 coconut as a paperweight on his desk in the Oval Office.
Additional DetailsThis jacket is adorned with the decorations Kennedy earned for his bravery and service:
Navy and Marine Corps Medal: Awarded for his "extremely heroic conduct" following the PT-109 collision.
Purple Heart: Awarded for injuries sustained during the sinking of his vessel.
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal: Representing his combat service in the Solomon Islands theater.
World War II Victory Medal: Awarded to all who served during the conflict.
Kennedy’s naval background was central to his political identity. During his 1960 presidential campaign, he frequently used his "war hero" status to demonstrate his courage and readiness to lead. As President, he kept the famous PT-109 coconut as a paperweight on his desk in the Oval Office.
Custodial History NoteThis jacket was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by Mrs. Joseph P. Kennedy in 1979. It was previously owned by John F. Kennedy.
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.Not on view
