Kennedy lost his boat, he stood a real chance of being severely reprimanded, but of course, dad stepped in. Ambassador Joseph Kennedy not only squelched the board of inquiry that the Navy had in store for JFK, he lobbied to get his son awarded the Navy Cross. The brass decided not to court-martial Lt. Kennedy, but they did knock the medal down to a Navy & Marine Corps Medal -- an award that was regularly given for lifesaving.
I remember my history teacher in jr. high mention almost under his breath that 'Kennedy wasn't supposed to be there anyway'. I've always wondered whether he meant JFK because of his health or the that his vessel should not have been in that location.