PATROL TORPEDO BOAT  PT-109 Skipper John f. Kennedy, US Navy first day cover with a postmark from Keystone, SD dated June 14, 2024. Color printed painting on cachet #3617 by Alvin Eckert, USCS #9964. Cover franked with 5 cent JFK stamp # 1046 and a 68 cent flag coil stamp #5788 (FDOI).

Cover on an Archive Quality Envelope without gum on flap.

Cover with a DIY matte and 5x7 frame, makes a fine gift!

PT-109 was built by Elco Industries in New Orleans. This 80 foot patrol torpedo boat was commissioned in 1943 and operated out of Rendova Island in the South Pacific fighting armored barges and enemy destroyers at night. Her three aviation fuel guzzling engines pushed her up to a fast 41 knots. Her young skipper Lt(.jg), John F. Kennedy had trained stateside on PT boats.


She was cut in half by an enemy destroyer on the night of Aug 2, 1943 and the crew thrown into the dark water. Lt. Kennedy rescued the crewmen due to his swimming skill. However, he injured his back in the process, and he suffered back pain his entire life. (also see covers for PTF-26 and PT-305). Later, he became a successful Mass. politician and was elected to the US Senate and the US Presidency in 1961. He was assassinated in 1964.


Check out my other items! Listed on E-Bay are covers for a ship named for his late brother Joseph H. Kennedy, Jr. and two aircraft carriers named in his honor.

These items make fine USN gifts when mounted on a colored matte and placed in a 5x7 picture frame. Free US Shipping!