Naval History and Heritage Command

Title: PT-109 Model Kit
Accession #: NHHC 2019.013.057
Circa: 1963
Size: 13.75 x 6.75 x 2"
Medium: Plastic
Location: Headquarters Artifact Collection, Naval History and Heritage Command

This is an unassembled 1/72 scale plastic model kit for PT-109, the famous Patrol Torpedo Boat commanded by then Lieutenant (Junior Grade) John F. Kennedy. The model was produced by Revell of Venice, California, the largest producer of plastic model kits in the US at the time. The box top features a painting of PT-109 at sea, in the heat of battle, by American artist John Steel, a USMC veteran of World War II and the Korean and Vietnam Wars. The kit contains such details as four torpedo tubes, two twin .50 caliber machine guns, a 20mm cannon, and four crew figures.

This model kit reflects the fascination with Kennedy’s heroic effort to save his crew after its fateful encounter with the Japanese Navy in August 1943. While his feat was well-publicized immediately after the event, the story was revived during his various campaigns for political office and his tenure as President of the United States.  The kit was first released in 1963, the year of Kennedy's assassination, and has been in production almost continuously since its introduction, attesting to the popularity of President Kennedy

The Assembly Instructions include a section of Interesting Facts:

“Because of extremely cramped quarters and tight clearances about the boat, PT crews were generally agile and athletic men. These men possessed great skill and courage as the fragile boat was in grave danger if her target was not immediately destroyed. A smoke screen generator on the stern afforded some protection, allowing the boats to maneuver without becoming targets.”