The story of PT-109 is one of the most famous naval incidents of World War II, not only for the desperate struggle for survival in the Solomon Islands but primarily because it launched the political career of a young lieutenant, junior grade, named John F. Think about it: kennedy. The question of "what happened to the crew of PT-109" extends far beyond the immediate aftermath of the sinking, tracing the lives of eight men whose fates were forever altered by their service on that small, ill-fated patrol torpedo boat No workaround needed..
The Fateful Night: August 2, 1943
On the night of August 1, 1943, PT-109, under Kennedy's command, was part of a squadron of PT boats (PTF-109) operating in the New Georgia Sound, a body of water the Americans called "The Slot." The mission was to intercept a Japanese convoy of warships, including the destroyer Amagiri, which was transporting troops and supplies. In the darkness and confusion, PT-109 was rammed by the Amagiri. The collision split the boat in two, causing it to sink within minutes.
Easier said than done, but still worth knowing.
Of the crew of 13, two were killed instantly: Coxswain Charles "Barney" Ross and Gunner's Mate Robert "Bob" Baranowski. Even so, the remaining 11 men, including Kennedy, found themselves clinging to wreckage or swimming in the shark-infested waters of the Pacific. Over the next four days, they would battle exposure, dehydration, and the constant threat of Japanese patrols. Which means kennedy, using his strong swimming skills and a life jacket strap, towed a severely injured crewman, Harold "Barney" Marney, to a small, deserted island, later named Kennedy Island. Worth adding: the other survivors scattered to nearby islets, where they were eventually rescued by a Solomon Islands scout, Biuku Gasa, and an Allied coastwatcher, John F. That's why kennedy would later credit with saving their lives. The crew's survival story became legendary, aided by Kennedy's own account, which he co-wrote after the war.
Easier said than done, but still worth knowing.
The Post-War Fates of the PT-109 Crew
The survival of the PT-109 crew was just the beginning. The war's end brought new challenges and paths for each of the eight surviving crewmen.
1. John F. Kennedy (Commanding Officer) This is, of course, the most well-known outcome. Kennedy returned to the United States a war hero and entered politics. He served as a U.S. Representative from Massachusetts (1947-1953) and then as a U.S. Senator (1953-1960). In 1960, he was elected the 35th President of the United States, serving from 1961 until his assassination in Dallas, Texas, on November 22, 1963. The PT-109 incident remained a central part of his personal narrative and political identity, symbolizing courage and resilience.
2. George "Barney" Ross (Coxswain) Contrary to some accounts, Barney Ross did not survive the sinking. He was killed when the Amagiri rammed PT-109. His name is etched into the history of the event as one of the first casualties Still holds up..
3. Robert "Bob" Baranowski (Gunner's Mate) Like Ross, Baranowski was also killed in the initial collision. His sacrifice is a somber reminder of the immediate and deadly peril the crew faced.
4. Patrick "Pappy" Burns (Engineer Machinist's Mate) Burns was one of the men who clung to the wreckage. After the war, he returned to his home in Massachusetts. He lived a relatively private life, working as a machinist. He passed away in 1985. His story is a testament to the quiet resilience of many veterans who returned to ordinary lives after extraordinary experiences.
5. Harold "Barney" Marney (Torpedoman's Mate, Second Class) Marney was the crewman Kennedy helped tow to safety. He suffered severe injuries, including a broken back and frostbite, from his time in the water. He was awarded the Purple Heart and the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his actions. After the war, he lived in Connecticut and worked for the Veterans Administration. He passed away in 1999. His survival, directly aided by Kennedy, is a key part of the PT-109 narrative.
6. William "Barney" Kiesling (Seaman, Second Class) Kiesling was another survivor who managed to stay with the wreckage. He later joined the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War. After his military service, he lived in Indiana and worked as a farmer and a factory worker. He died in 1996. His life reflects the path of many GIs who continued their service and then transitioned to civilian careers.
7. John "Jack" E. "Doc" Hearn (Pharmacist's Mate, Second Class) As the boat's medic, Hearn's role was critical. He provided first aid to the injured crew during their ordeal. After the war, he returned to his home in New York and became a doctor, fulfilling the promise of his wartime role. He practiced medicine for decades and passed away in 2011. His story is one of fulfillment, using his wartime experience as a stepping stone to a healing profession.
8. Alfred "Al" J. "The Swede" Lundin (Seaman, First Class) Lundin was a strong swimmer who helped in the efforts to stay afloat and reach the islands. After the war, he returned to his home state of Minnesota. He worked as a carpenter and lived a life away from the spotlight. He passed away in 2000 Not complicated — just consistent..
The Legacy of the PT-109 Crew
The collective legacy of the PT-109 crew is multifaceted. Day to day, for Kennedy, it was the foundation of a political dynasty. For the others, it was a profound chapter of shared trauma, survival, and heroism that shaped their lives in quieter, yet equally significant ways That's the part that actually makes a difference..
The story of PT-109, as popularized by Kennedy's book PT 109 (1955) and the subsequent 1963 film, became a symbol of American courage in the Pacific. It highlighted the bravery of the "small boys," as the PT boat sailors were known, who conducted hazardous night missions against overwhelming odds. The crew's survival also underscored the importance of teamwork, luck, and the crucial role of indigenous allies like Biuku Gasa, whose bravery is now more widely recognized Practical, not theoretical..
Pulling it all together, the question "what happened to the crew of PT-109?" has a layered answer. Two crew members made the ultimate sacrifice on that fateful night. The eight survivors went on to lead diverse lives, from the highest office in the land to quiet careers as doctors, farmers, and machinists.
