[jimfree]

What criticism I may have of JFK does not extend to his military service. His actions as CO of PT-109 reflect well on him, and he probably deserved more than the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for saving the survivors in his crew.

The N&MCM criteria perfectly describe what he accomplished though the effort he put forth to do it may not be adequately recognized. The colored star medals, cross, and MOH are about combat or (some Bronze Stars) combat support. He was not in combat at the time. The medal was the minimum he deserved and the maximum that could be justified under the circumstances, and it made a pretty good movie script.

[mcshot]

I remember the issue about PT 109 not being under power at the time it was rammed - a real no no that has to be overlooked to make him a hero, and I hold his post collision actions in high regard.