PT 109

In the spring of 1943, Lt. (j.g.) John F. Kennedy requests a new assignment to the PT boat base located in Tulagi, Solomon Islands. This marks the beginning of his journey into active duty amidst the backdrop of World War II.

Upon his arrival, Kennedy meets Commander C.R. Ritchie, the senior maintenance officer, who shares his tough standards for boat readiness. He also encounters his commanding officer, Lt. Alvin Cluster, establishing crucial military relationships.

Kennedy takes command of PT 109, an old and damaged PT boat that lacks a crew. Determined to get the boat ready for action, Kennedy is given one week to prepare it for combat missions.

With the help of Ensign Leonard Thom and a crew of nine enlisted men, Kennedy works tirelessly to restore PT 109's operational capabilities. Their efforts culminate in the boat meeting Ritchie's standards just in time for a trial run.

After some refueling delays, Cluster orders Kennedy on an emergency rescue mission to assist in the evacuation of Marines from Choiseul. Under heavy fire, Kennedy and his crew successfully save a platoon but face danger as they run out of fuel.

As PT 109 drifts dangerously close to enemy fire, another PT boat arrives just in time to tow them to safety. Though three crew members are wounded, the crew is soon transported to the new base at Rendova.

Ritchie manages to secure his transfer to Rendova with Kennedy and his crew, following a confrontation with the flotilla commander. This decision proves critical as they prepare for increased conflict in the area.

Upon reaching Rendova, the crew faces their first challenge when a Japanese fighter plane attacks them. Ritchie takes initiative on the 20-mm machine gun and successfully shoots down the enemy aircraft.

While attempting a high-speed maneuver, Kennedy inadvertently crashes PT 109 into a maintenance shed, leading to a fierce reprimand from Ritchie. However, the impending air raid demands their immediate attention.

PT 109 is tasked with a late-night patrol to intercept the 'Tokyo Express' heading towards Guadalcanal. The crew members, including torpedoman Andrew Kirksey, express foreboding, fearing that danger is imminent.

In the pitch-black waters of Blackett Strait, PT 109 is suddenly rammed by a Japanese destroyer, effectively slicing the boat in half. Many crew members are injured or thrown overboard amidst the chaos and destruction.

With the remains of the boat burning around them, Kennedy leads the uninjured crew in a desperate swim towards the nearest island. Unfortunately, they lose two crew members who are never found.

Upon reaching an uninhabited island, Kennedy and his men narrowly escape detection from Japanese patrol boats. They also miss a chance to signal passing American reconnaissance planes for help.

Despite dwindling hope, Kennedy swims out into open waters over two nights to try and flag down American patrols. His determination to survive and protect his crew is unwavering.

Kennedy successfully contacts Reginald Evans, a nearby Australian coastwatcher, after receiving help from native Solomon Islanders. Evans relays the message of the survivors, essential for their rescue.

Eventually, after enduring immense hardships, Kennedy guides his crew to safety aboard PT 157, where they are finally rescued. Despite the ordeal, he refuses to take leave, opting to continue serving with his fellow crew members.