JFK RECUPERATING AT CASTLE HOT SPRINGS, ARIZONA ON D-DAY
Castle Hot Springs, Arizona (JFK+50) On D-Day, June 6, 1944, Lt. John F. Kennedy, United States Navy, was in the hospital here in Castle Hot Springs* recuperating from injuries suffered in August 1943 when his patrol boat PT109 was cut in two by a passing Japanese destroyer off the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific.
Lt. Kennedy and his surviving crew were rescued several days after the collision. On June 12, 1944, JFK received the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for "courage, endurance and excellent leadership (that) contributed to the saving of several lives and was in keeping with the highest standards of the United States Navy."
Lt. Kennedy also received a Purple Heart for wounds received.
JFK+50 NOTE
JFK took command of the PT59 in October 1943 but by the following year his injuries "sent him stateside to receive treatment and physical therapy."
June 6, 2024 is the 80th anniversary of the successful D-Day invasion of Nazi held France during World War II. President Biden was in Normandy today to take part in the ceremonies in remembrance of the day.
*Castle Hot Springs, located 50 miles north of Phoenix, Arizona was used by Apaches for healing. A commercial resort was established here in the Bradshaw Mountains in 1896 & was used by the Rockefellers & Roosevelts.
SOURCES
"Castle Hot Springs," Daily JFK, www.dailyjfk.com/
"JFK receives medals: June 12, 1944," This Day In History, www.history.com/
"John F. Kennedy: World War II Naval Hero," National Park Service, www.nps.gov/
