PT 109 audiobook

This book is a well-researched historical document that reads like a novel, at least it did for me, but then I have always had a special interest in JFK and World War 2. Before reading this book, I had watched the PT-109 movie countless times, read the book directly connected to it, watched the National Geographic special on PT-109 and had visited the JFK Library. Yes, I have seen the coconut! Where this book differs, is it tell us the whole story. The book starts with how and why JFK joined the Navy, proceeds to tell the PT-109 story and then discusses how it impacted Kennedy's political career up until his untimely assassination.The book discusses the sinking and survival of the PT-109 in great detail, based on interviews with actual participants, including the Captain of the Japanese destroyer which rammed PT-109. As you may remember, Kennedy would swim out into the ocean at night, leaving the island hiding place and his crew, in an attempt to attract the attention of patrolling PT boats with a battle lantern. During an interview with one of the PT boat commanders that served with Kennedy, the author asks what PT boats would have done if they saw an unidentified swimmer in the water at night. He responded that they would have open fired with everything they had and then investigated. The commander asks if Kennedy would have been aware of their response and he indicates that Kennedy would have. This action suggests that Kennedy knew that even if he attracted help, he would be sacrificing his life for his crew. That makes his actions even more courageous than what he has been recognized for doing.The book follows up with the rescue of Kennedy and his crew and their life after the rescue. It discusses the role of the PT-109 story in Kennedy's political life. If you have an interest in John F. Kennedy or World War 2, you will enjoy this books.

Like a lot of people, I knew something about John F. Kennedy's command of the PT 109 in WW II. I heard the story of him towing a wounded crewman with his teeth to shore, and of his repeated attempts to find food.William Doyle's new book about the incident, based on recently declassified files and interviews with survivors, is a rich tribute to the man's courage and honour under fire.We learn that Kennedy also personally led a rescue mission for 10 Marines following his recuperation from the disaster, and of his undying loyalty to his crews.But my favourite parts of the book recount his letters to the former commander of the Japanese warship that sunk his boat. Although they never met in person, Kennedy and this man had formed a life-long bond.This book is very strongly recommended.

An exciting account of JFK's WWII experiences in the South Pacific. Lots of little known details including Kennedy's personal transcripts and rare photos make this an intriguing book.

The theme of (PT 109) is even if things are going bad they'll always be good as when JFK's boat sunk and they were castaways on an island and had to dodge the Japanese patrols they still were rescued and he went on to be the 25th president.

A thrilling--even mythic--account of JFK's extraordinary story of survival in the South Pacific. Much of this is good, solid reporting and storytelling, but some of it is simply transcendent. When Kennedy swims out at night into the "thousand-foot-deep" Ferguson Passage in hopes of hailing a passing PT boat, you get the sense he is swimming into a current of history. The odds that he will survive are slim, and yet the current carries him back to the island--to life.Later, Kennedy's desire to meet and befriend the captain of the Japanese destroyer that almost killed him and his crew is remarkable.Like Kennedy, my father was a product of Cape Cod, Harvard, and the U.S. Navy. During World War II, his ship, the destroyer USS Russell, cruised many of the same dangerous Solomon Island waters as JFK's PT boat. Their inspiring lives played a significant role in my decision to join the Peace Corps and serve in Western Samoa, from 1976 to 78, a high point in my life. This book hit many powerful notes for me. A great read.

3.5 StarsWhen I was in the fourth grade I first discovered the Landmark series of history books, one of my favorites was PT-109 by Richard Tregaskis. Therefore I had high hopes for this book. The account is well written and researched, however the author makes a critical mistake that would've been easy to check, he states that Admiral "Bull" Halsey's middle initial is E, when it is actually F for Fredrick. In these days when fact checking is almost instantaneous, mistakes like these are unforgivable to me.

Never before heard the story of PT109 although I knew President Kennedy was involved. Also had no clue how famous this event was, how it was exploited in the media, and how it propelled him eventually to the White House. The book is an exceptional read and had my attention throughout. Having no previous knowledge of small unit WWII Navy operations in the South Pacific, I learned a lot and have a greater appreciation for those that served in this manner. With only this book as my knowledge base, I assume the overall failure of the PT boats to achieve much tactical success led to the current lack of such boats in today's Navy.. although I could be wrong. I do believe Iran utilizes similar vessels in the Gulf but as they are stationed close to "home" they are probably easier to maintain and better armed than a WWII torpedo. A few great excerpts are below. - The PT brass were the greatest con artists of all times. They got everything they wanted, the cream of everything, especially personnel. But the only thing PT's were really effective at was raising War Bonds.- Japanese assessment: The biggest problem of all was the destruction of our supply lines as a result of air attack upon shipping.- We had not yet learned that hopeless searches should still be made, so that those of us who still go out night after night would know that, if we did not return, our comrades would look for us and would fight to save us beyond any reasonable expectation. We should have gone back.

William Doyle’s thorough treatment of John F. Kennedy’s experiences as a PT-boat captain explores the naval and military history that led up to the sinking of Kennedy’s boat by a Japanese destroyer, the heroic actions of Kennedy and his crewmen in the aftermath of the attack, and the long-term effects of the episode on Kennedy and his presidency. Doyle’s book differs from previous accounts because it reveals information contained in a narrative from Kennedy himself recently discovered in the archives of the Kennedy presidential library. I especially liked the epilogue detailing what happened to many of those involved in the episode, including the commander of the Japanese destroyer, the Solomon Island natives who rescued Kennedy and his crew, and the others who served with Kennedy.

I really enjoyed this read about how the PT 109 crash shaped John F. Kennedy into the political power-house that he became. The book focuses on JFK's service in the Navy particularly on PT 109 but it also briefly summarizes his Naval career before and after time on the 109. It also wraps up his career in politics with the marketing of his service time, mainly his heroism, after the PT 109 crash. Kennedy did some things that I was not aware of and it speaks volumes to his character. It really is a great look at the man before the presidency and I highly recommend it.

For my December book review I read the book PT 109. The book PT 109 is about JFK before his presidency. This book tells how the ship that he was lieutenant on was sunk in enemy waters and how he led his men through a three mile swim to an enemy island that they took shelter in. It helps to tell how he was shaped to become the President. Overall I would rate this book as a 4/5 star because it held my attention from the beginning. I would recommend this book to anyone that is wishing to learn more about JFK and likes non-fictional books.

How many books have been written about John F. Kennedy and his World War II service in the navy on PT-109. While there are likely scores, few if any compare with the extensive before/during/after content provided in William Doyle's 2015 edition. In particular, Doyle provides a terrific perspective as to how his war experiences played into forming JFK's political maturity, as well as how much it was used as a campaign weapon throughout his political career. Doyle's "PT-109" is a very good look into the military life of JFK, presenting a side of this extraordinary man that few others provide.

Liked the book, the author tells how the sinking, and the events of the marooning of his ship mates , and their ordeal shapes JFK out look and his will to be a congressman, and the president and how he became one of the most beloved presidents. To lead The USA when it needed direction and leadership. Cold war, nuclear missile crisis in Cuba, War on poverty, segregation racial, space program, and the escalation of the Vietnam war.

A prequel, adventure story and sequel all in one. Doyle does an admirable job of filling in a lot of the holes in the PT-100 story we’ve known for 60-plus years. He can’t quite disguise his admiration for JFK, and you won’t be able to, either, after reading about this truly brave and heroic man who could have sat out the war in comfort.

This is one of the best books I have ever read. Until I read the book, I had no idea that PT109 had such a significant impact on the presidential campaign of of John F Kennedy. I highly recommend this book. I want to read it again. The photos were amazing. Do yourself a favor and read this book!

Very good book, I always had respect for John Kennedy and after reading this book I have even more, What he did to save himself and his crew, after being crashed into on the PT 109, was truly a man who had inner strength. He never wanted honor after being rescued, he certainly was deserving of it.