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PT-109 tie clip
PT-109 tie clip

PT-109 tie clip

Object number2008.031.0002
Date1960 - 1963
ClassificationsArtifacts
ObjectJewelry
Credit LineR. Lee and Rose Huffman Collection/The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
MediumMetal
Dimensions1/2 x 1 3/4 x 3/4 in. (1.3 x 4.4 x 1.9 cm)
Collections
DescriptionA gold-colored metal PT-109 tie clip. The clip is in the shape of a Motor Torpedo Boat with waves at the back of the boat and the inscription "Kennedy" on the front of the boat. PT-109 was the boat that Lieutenant Kennedy and his men were on when a Japanese destroyer fired upon them during World War II. Kennedy assisted members of his crew in the swim to safety after their boat was destroyed. The PT-109 boat became symbolic of Kennedy's war heroism and leadership. Both the story and the symbol of the boat were part of his political persona. There were a number of different PT-109 tie clips produced at different times throughout Kennedy's candidacy and presidency. If the clip slogan reads "Kennedy '60" it was used during the presidential campaign. If, as does the one pictured here, the slogan only includes Kennedy's name, it was used after the election, often as a token of the president's appreciation. Donor Roy Huffman worked in the Transportation Division at the White House during the Kennedy presidency. President Kennedy gave him this tie clip in recognition of his work.