Is PT-109 movie accurate?
Kennedy and co-starring Ty Hardin, James Gregory, Robert Culp, Robert Blake, Norman Fell and even an uncredited George Takei (Hikaru Sulu of Star Trek: The Original Series), the film is a fairly accurate depiction of JFK’s naval service in the South Pacific as the commander of a motor torpedo boat given the Navy …
Are any PT-109 survivors still alive?
Gerard Zinser, the last surviving crewman from the sinking of John F. Kennedy’s PT 109 in the South Pacific in World War II, died on Aug. 21 at a hospital in Orange Park, Fla. He was 82.
Was there a real PT 73?
The real-life PT-73 was finished on August 12, 1942 by Higgins Industries, Iinc., New Orleans. It was 78 feet (24 m) long, weighed 56 tons and had a top speed of 40 knots. It was assigned to Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 13 under the command of Commander James B. Denny, USN.
What happened to the PT boats used in the movie PT 109?
At the time the film was being planned it was found that the few surviving 80-foot Elco PT boats were not in operational condition. Though a further search was conducted it was determined that none could be located for use in the film, as almost all had been destroyed in-Theatre at the end of World War II.
Were PT boats used in Vietnam War?
PTFs were the Vietnam War’s version of the famous PT boats used in World War II. They were heavily armed, near-coastal gunboats, used mostly by special forces.
How far did John F. Kennedy Swim?
The night of 2 August, Kennedy swam 2 miles (3.2 km) to Ferguson Passage to attempt to hail a passing American PT boat. On 4 August, he and Lenny Thom assisted his injured and hungry crew on a demanding swim 3.75 miles (6.04 km) south to Olasana Island which was visible to all from Plum Pudding Island.
Did Japan have PT boats?
Nicknamed “the mosquito fleet” and “devil boats” by the Japanese, the PT boat squadrons were hailed for their daring and earned a durable place in the public imagination that remains strong into the 21st century. Their role was replaced in the U.S. Navy by fast attack craft.