John F. Kennedy

Hyde Park, Massachusetts, 35th President

Background

• Born in May, 1917, Brookline, Massachusetts
• Second son of nine children
• Married Jacqueline Bouvier

Other Offices Held

• Congressman, Massachusetts
• Senator, Massachusetts

Accomplishments

• Defused Cuban Missile Crisis with the Soviet Union
• Created Peace Corps
• Promoted integration in public schools

Interesting Facts

When his PT boat was rammed and sunk by a Japanese destroyer during World War II, Kennedy — despite grave injuries — led survivors through perilous waters to safety. Kennedy was the youngest man elected President and the youngest President to die in office. He was assassinated by gunman Lee Harvey Oswald.

Authorship

Wrote "Profiles in Coverage," which won a Pulitzer Prize in history.

Famous Words

"Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country."