On August 2, 1943, during World War II, the United States Navy boat PT-109, commanded by 26-year-old Lieutenant John F. Kennedy, was struck by a Japanese destroyer in the Pacific Theater. The collision occurred on a moonless night, killing several crew members and leaving the survivors stranded in the water.

Kennedy, known for his strong swimming abilities, displayed remarkable leadership and bravery. He towed injured crewmates to the safety of a nearby island, swimming for hours through dangerous waters. In a heroic effort, he then swam another 4 kilometers to a different island in search of food and aid. Upon his return, Kennedy led his remaining men to land.

To signal for rescue, Kennedy carved a distress message into a coconut husk, which he entrusted to two local islanders. The islanders delivered the message to Allied forces, prompting a rescue mission that ultimately saved the crew. Kennedy kept the coconut shell as a memento, displaying it on his desk when he became president. Today, it is preserved at the John F. Kennedy Library in Boston.

In May 2002, the wreckage of PT-109 was discovered on the ocean floor, bringing renewed attention to this incredible wartime story of survival and heroism.