/internal/media/dispatcher/47860/fullPT-109 tie clip1960 - 19631/2 x 1 3/4 x 3/4 in. (1.3 x 4.4 x 1.9 cm)MetalR. Lee and Rose Huffman Collection/The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza2008.031.000201.75" across, PT-109 tie clip. The clip is a gold-colored Motor Torpedo Boat PT-109 with waves at the back of the boat and the inscription "Kennedy" on the front of the boat. On the back, on the clip, it reads "Jolle".Artifacts662484.44500889001.270002540026735Jewelry1.9050038100A 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.
1960 presidential electionPresidential campaignWorld War IIPT-109JewelryKennedy, John F.United States of AmericaWashington, D.C.