Rare Autographs, Manuscripts and Photography
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/7/2016
Incredibly Rare John F. Kennedy Handwritten letter written on Navy Department, Submarine Chasing Training Center, Miami , Florida and envelope, signed as Lt. John F. Kennedy while stationed out of Miami with the Submarine Chasing Training Center, doing PT Shakedowns.
It is almost unobtainable to find anything from John F. Kennedy, during the which relates to the Pt. Boats he was on, especially out of Miami. He was sent to Miami just 8 months after the famous and pivotal Pt 109 incident, for a period of about 3 months, from mid March through May. The lore of John F. Kennedy and his relationship to PT boats is believed by many historians to be the main stepping stone to fame that would later lead to his presidency. While at Miami, Kennedy received the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for the heroism he had displayed in the rescue of survivors from his sunken PT-boat. After suffering injuries in a fall, he underwent hospitalization at the U.S. Naval Hospital, Chelsea, Massachusetts (May 1944-March 1945), and, ultimately, retired from active duty on 1 March 1945.
This is the only letter we could find any record of written on this Navy Department, Submarine Chasing Stationary out of Miami Fl. It is also one of very few letters that have come to market That are war date mentioning PT boats. This would be a centerpiece of a Kennedy or presidential collection.
What makes this letter especially appealing is that Kennedy also adds below the printed stationary PT Shakedown, as well as writes on the envelope his possibly unique free frank return address Lt. J. F. Kennedy, PT. Shakedown SCTC, Miami, Fl. Free.
The letter in full written on top Pt. Shakedown (imprinted stationary: Navy Department, Submarine Chasing Training Center, Miami , Florida) is to a “Mr. Galline, Thank you for your for your kindness in sending the travel books and for the Easter card. Your Thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Yours, John F. Kennedy”.
1944 John F. Kennedy letter during PT Shakedown while at the Miami Submarine Chasing Center
Click above for larger image.