United States Navy Jacket, Lieutenant, Junior Grade
Artifact IDMO 75.707
Object Type
Jacket
Date
1939-1944
Place MadeNew York, New York, United States, North America
Medium
Wool twill, buttons
DimensionsOverall L 32 1/4 in (81.9 cm )
Physical DescriptionUS Navy jacket, Lieutenant, Junior Grade rank. Navy blue double breasted jacket -6 brass shank buttons closure. Notched collar, straight cut with no back vent. 3 front welt pockets, one front proper right chest welt pocket. Row 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.
Historical NoteThis jacket was worn by John F. Kennedy while he served as a Lieutenant Junior Grade in the United States Navy during World War II. After enlisting in 1942, Kennedy sought active combat duty despite chronic health problems. He volunteered for Patrol Torpedo Boat command where he distinguished himself after his ship, the PT-109, was sunk in the Solomon Islands. Kennedy's actions to save his crew earned him the Navy and Marine Corps Medal and later became an important reference in his political campaigns.
Additional DetailsCustodial 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.
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)
On view
