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PT-109 "Kennedy 60" tie clip
PT-109 "Kennedy 60" tie clip

PT-109 "Kennedy 60" tie clip

Object number2012.067.0001
Date1960
ClassificationsArtifacts
ObjectArtifact
Credit LineThe Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza Collection
MediumMetal
Dimensions1/4 × 1 3/4 × 5/8 in. (0.6 × 4.4 × 1.6 cm)
Collections
DescriptionPT-109 tie clip, engraved with "KENNEDY 60", manufactured by Jolle. 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 the slogan only includes Kennedy's name, it was used after the election, often as a token of the president's appreciation.