How accurate is the movie PT-109?
Overall, PT-109 does a good job with keeping things accurate. However, they altered one significant part of the story with the sole purpose of writing ethnic minorities out of history. In real life, two native islanders played a pivotal role in rescuing the crew of PT-109.
What happened to the crew of PT-109?
On August 1, 1943, a Japanese destroyer rams an American PT (patrol torpedo) boat, No. 109, slicing it in two. The destruction is so massive other American PT boats in the area assume the crew is dead. Two crewmen were, in fact, killed, but 11 survived, including Lt.
What happened to JFK’s PT boat?
Although the wreckage was still afloat, it was taking on water, and it capsized on the morning of August 2. After a discussion of options, the men abandoned the remains of PT 109 and struck out for an islet three and a half miles away.
What boat did JFK command in ww2?
Last month, in a muddy spot near Harlem River’s North Cove inlet, a crane dredged up the remnants of what is believed to be PT-59, a patrol boat commanded by John F. Kennedy during World War II.
What did President Kennedy think of PT 109?
But Beatty said the President told him, “you were right about that movie.” Naftali notes Kennedy’s back became the ultimate critic: Too long a sit and it would get agitated. On a White House recording, Kennedy called ‘PT 109’ a “good product,” but worried about the 2 hour, 20 minute length.
What happened to JFK’s older brother Joe during WWII?
Joseph Patrick Kennedy Jr. A US Navy lieutenant, he was killed in action during World War II while serving as a land-based patrol bomber pilot, and posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.
What engine was in a PT boat?
With the exception of the experimental PT boats, all U.S. PT boats were powered by three marine modified derivations of the Packard 3A-2500 V-12 liquid-cooled, gasoline-fueled aircraft engine.
Did PT boats have radar?
Radar & The PT Boat. As many of you know, late in World War II, USN PT boats carried the SO-Type radar and later, the SO-3 Type radar. The SO Type had the familiar dome as you see in photos of mid-war to late war PTs and on scale models of mid to late war PTs. The SO-3 were fitted to late war (1945) PT boats.
How old was JFK when he was on PT 109?
25-year-old
In April 1943, 25-year-old John F. Kennedy arrived in the Pacific and took command of the PT-109. Just months later, the boat collided with a Japanese ship, killing two of his men. The most famous collision in U.S. Navy history occurred at about 2:30 a.m. on August 2, 1943, a hot, moonless night in the Pacific.
What was the PT-109?
PT-109 was an 80′ Elco PT boat (patrol torpedo boat) last commanded by Lieutenant (junior grade) John F. Kennedy, future United States president, in the Pacific theater during World War II. His actions in saving his surviving crew after the sinking of PT-109 made him a war hero.
What happened to the PT 109 in the Solomon Islands?
Patrol Torpedo boat 109 was idling in Blackett Strait in the Solomon Islands. The 80-foot craft had orders to attack enemy ships on a resupply mission. With virtually no warning, a Japanese destroyer emerged from the black night and smashed into PT-109, slicing it in two and igniting its fuel tanks.
Why did the PT-109 have mufflers on its engines?
The mufflers were both to mask the engines’ noise from the enemy and to improve the crew’s chance of hearing enemy aircraft. PT-109 armament in August 1943; a forward 37 mm antitank gun, aft 20 mm autocannon, two twin .50 caliber machine gun turrets and four torpedo tubes.
How long does it take to watch the PT 109 video?
The tale of that coconut is the heroic story of PT 109. Rentals include 30 days to start watching this video and 48 hours to finish once started. By ordering or viewing, you agree to our Terms.
