How true is the PT-109 movie?

Overall, PT-109 does a good job with keeping things accurate. However, they altered one significant part of the story with the sole purpose of writing ethnic minorities out of history. In real life, two native islanders played a pivotal role in rescuing the crew of PT-109.

How can I watch PT-109?

Streaming on Roku. PT 109, a biography movie starring Cliff Robertson, Ty Hardin, and James Gregory is available to stream now. Watch it on HBO Max, Prime Video, Vudu Movie & TV Store, VUDU or Apple TV on your Roku device.

Is there a movie called PT-109?

PT 109 is a 1963 American Technicolor Panavision biographical war film depicting the actions of John F. Kennedy as an officer of the United States Navy in command of Motor Torpedo Boat PT-109 in the Pacific theater of World War II.

When did PT-109 sink?

August 1, 1943
On August 1, 1943, a Japanese destroyer rams an American PT (patrol torpedo) boat, No. 109, slicing it in two. The destruction is so massive other American PT boats in the area assume the crew is dead. Two crewmen were, in fact, killed, but 11 survived, including Lt.

Did JFK see PT 109?

After seeing the film, President Kennedy called PT 109 a “good product,” but he worried about the length of the film at 2 hours and 20 minutes. He said, “It’s just a question of whether there’s too much of it”.

What happened to JFK’s boat?

Although the wreckage was still afloat, it was taking on water, and it capsized on the morning of August 2. After a discussion of options, the men abandoned the remains of PT 109 and struck out for an islet three and a half miles away.

Do any PT boats still exist?

Today, just four combat-veteran PT boats still exist in the United States; of those, only PT-305 is fully restored and operational, complete with original-model engines. An operational PT-305 promises to become one of The National WWII Museum’s most exciting artifacts and teaching tools.

Are any of the PT 109 crew still alive?

Gerard Zinser, the last surviving crewman from the sinking of John F. Kennedy’s PT 109 in the South Pacific in World War II, died on Aug. 21 at a hospital in Orange Park, Fla. He was 82.

Was JFK a war hero?

For his service in World War II, John F. Kennedy received the Navy and Marine Corps Medal (the highest non-combat decoration awarded for heroism) and the Purple Heart.