On August 2nd, 1943, running under muffled engines in the darkness of a new moon, motor torpedo Boat PT-109 was run down by the Japanese destroyer Amagiri and was gravely damaged. Two servicemen were killed. The survivors decided to swim to a tiny deserted island, then swam to another island that had coconut trees and water. They survived 6 days before being rescued. Future U.S. President John F. Kennedy was one of these men.
Upon Kennedy's rescue, he quipped, "Where the hell have you guys been? I've been at this bus stop for a week."
We recently had the honor of hearing from Mr. Ted Robinson who participated in the rescue. Mr. Robinson believes himself to be the last man alive who can personally attest to the courage of John F. Kennedy during this event. He knew him as “Jack” and was a tent mate after the incident. He spoke of Jack as a selfless and fearless lieutenant of a PT boat in World War II.
Robinson says he personally intercepted a message from Kennedy that was delivered by island natives:
Nauru Isl … commander …native knows posit.. he can pilot…11 alive… need small boat…Kennedy
Thank you for your service Ted Robinson!