In Harm’s Way: JFK, World War II, and the Heroic Rescue of PT 109: JFK, World War II, and the Heroic Rescue of PT 109 - Iain C. Martin

Written by Iain C. Martin
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In October 1941, young Jack Kennedy was appointed an Ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve. After completing training and eager to serve, he volunteered for combat duty in the Pacific and was appointed commander of PT-109.
On August 2, 1943, Kennedy’s PT-109 and two others were on a night mission to ambush an enemy supply convoy when they were surprised by a massive Japanese destroyer. The unsuspecting Americans had only seconds to react as the Japanese captain turned his ship to ram directly into Kennedy’s. PT-109 was cut in half by the collision, killing two of Kennedy’s twelve crewmen and wounding several others in the explosion.
In Harm’s Way tells the gripping story of what happened next as JFK fought to save his surviving crew members who found themselves adrift in enemy waters. Photographs round out the exciting narrative in the first book to cover this adventurous tale for young readers.

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Praise for In Harm’s Way:

The oft-told story of young John F. Kennedy’s World War II heroism is recounted in a fast-paced, gripping narrative… Martin tells the story in vigorous prose amply laced with quotations, taking care to include the stories of the Melanesian men who rescued Kennedy and his crew… An admiring, inspiring portrait of a courageous and selfless natural-born leader. — Kirkus

In this well-researched, dramatic account of JFK’s life, with a particular emphasis on his naval career, Martin reprises famous events in short, riveting chapters enhanced by abundant photographs, World War II facts and trivia, Kennedy family scrapbook items, and quotations from contemporary writings. — Publisher’s Weekly

Martin deftly breathes new life into the familiar story of John F. Kennedy; the 1943 sinking of his boat, the PT-109, off the Solomon Islands; and the breathtaking survival of JFK and 10 members of his crew… It’s an epic story that deserves being discovered by a new generation of readers for whom it will be a revelation and may well inspire further reading. –Michael Cart, Booklistonline.com

An engaging war story about a popular president, this title will entice those with interest in presidential and military history.–Margaret Nunes, Gwinnett County Public Library, GA – School Library Journal