John F. Kennedy | Black Hills & Badlands - South Dakota

John F. Kennedy

  • John F. Kennedy
Sculptor: 
John Lopez

Kennedy served in the Navy during World War II ending his time as a lieutenant. He was given command of PT-109. When the boat was rammed by a Japanese destroyer, he and his crew were thrown into the water. He was able to swim four hours saving himself and a crewman, but aggravated his back. He received the Purple Heart and Navy and Marine Corps Medal and was hailed for his heroism. He also authored Profiles in Courage which won a Pulitzer Prize although there was some question about its true authorship. His assassination has taken on a mythic quality, leading many to posit about possible conspiracies involving everyone from Lyndon Johnson to the Mafia. His moral leadership of Civil Rights was an important part of the movement's eventual success. Kennedy had a tough time getting many of his domestic programs through Congress. However, he did get an increased minimum wage, better Social Security benefits, and an urban renewal package passed. He created the Peace Corps, and his goal to get to the moon by the end of the 60's found overwhelming support. http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/johnfkennedy

​Presidential Years: 1801-1809

Directions: 
Corner of Mt. Rushmore Rd. & Main St.