Today in the Second World War

As we welcome you on this August 2nd to another edition of the Hidden History Newsletter, we continue our deep dive into the riveting history of this global conflict. Whether you're a seasoned historian, a war hobbyist, or simply intrigued by the echoes of our past, we've got compelling insights to share with you. So let's embark on today's historical journey together.

"I have no further interest in the Czecho-Slovakian State, that is guaranteed. We want no Czechs" - Adolf Hitler - 26th September 1938

A New Era

The Einstein-Szilárd letter, sent to U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt on August 2, 1939, was a crucial turning point in the history of nuclear technology. Drafted by physicist Leó Szilárd and signed by Albert Einstein, it was spurred by the 1938 discovery of nuclear fission, and warned of its potential for creating a powerful new weapon. The letter, intended to alert the U.S. to the risk of Germany developing such a weapon, led to the establishment of the Advisory Committee on Uranium, which eventually led to the Manhattan Project. Although Einstein signed the letter, he had no part in developing the atomic bomb and later expressed regret over his involvement, becoming an advocate for nuclear disarmament.

JFK

US Navy torpedo boat PT-109, commanded by Lieutenant (jg) John F. Kennedy, was rammed by a Japanese destroyer Amagiri in the Blackett Strait between Kolombangara and Arundel in the Solomon Islands.

During the night of 1 to 2 Aug 1943 near New Georgia, PT-109 went out on a night patrol. At 0200, creeping along to keep noise and wake to a minimum, PT-109 was able to successfully avoid detection by Japanese destroyer Amagiri that steamed nearby, but Amagiri unknowingly ran over the torpedo boat at the speed of 40 knots. The boat was split in two in seconds. Kennedy was thrown into the cockpit where he landed on his back, injuring it. Clinging to the floating debris, he called out to his crew members and received responses from seven others, two of whom were injured; two crew members were killed by the collision. The survivors, totaling 11, swam for the small Plum Pudding Island barely visible three miles away. With wounded crew member Patrick Henry McMahon in tow by holding his life jacket strap between his teeth, Kennedy reached the island, but was disappointed to find out that no food or water was available. He concluded that he should swim the route other PT boats might take through the Ferguson Passage so that he could bring help; he made the attempt despite the protest of the other survivors, and failed to sight other boats. The group then swam to another island, Olasana, where they found food in the form of coconuts; again, Kennedy swam with McMahon in tow. On the fourth day since the incident, Kennedy and another survivor Ensign George H. R. Ross swam to Nauru Island, where they found a wreckage of a small Japanese boat containing a crate filled with crackers, candy, and fresh water. Shortly after, Kennedy and Ross went on a patrol of the beach, and quickly came upon two natives. They were convinced the two natives were Japanese soldiers, while the two natives, scouts Biuku Gasa and Eroni Kumana associated with the Australian military, likewise assumed the two strangers were Japanese. Biuku and Eroni later found the injured crew members of PT-109 on Naru, and informed them that they came across two Japanese soldiers, who were actually Kennedy and Ross. Kennedy and Ross returned to Naru on the next day, finally meeting the two natives. Kennedy cut a message on a coconut that read "NARU ISL/NATIVE KNOWS POSIT/HE CAN PILOT/11 ALIVE/NEED SMALL BOAT/KENNEDY". On the next day, the natives returned with food, supplies, and a letter from the local coast watcher commander, Lieutenant Arthur Reginald Evans of Australia, who had actually been investigating the wreckage of PT-109 that his men had come across several days ago. The natives led the PT-109 survivors to Evans at the island of Wana Wana. They were rescued by PT-157 on 8 Aug. For the way he handled the situation after the destruction of his boat, Kennedy received the non-combatant Navy and Marine Corps Medal. The citation read as follows:

For extremely heroic conduct as Commanding Officer of Motor Torpedo Boat 109 following the collision and sinking of that vessel in the Pacific War Theater on August 1-2, 1943. Unmindful of personal danger, Lieutenant (then Lieutenant, Junior Grade) Kennedy unhesitatingly braved the difficulties and hazards of darkness to direct rescue operations, swimming many hours to secure aid and food after he had succeeded in getting his crew ashore. His outstanding courage, endurance and leadership contributed to the saving of several lives and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Privately, Kennedy did not feel he deserved the honor because the incident had been the result of a failed operation that cost the lives of two members of his crew. He also received the Purple Heart medal for injuries sustained.

Photo of the Day

Troops of the Chinese 88th Division marching toward Shanghai, China, circa early August 1937; note German M1935 helmets.

As we conclude this August 2nd edition of the Hidden History Newsletter, we hope the stirring stories from the summer of the 1940’s have deepened your understanding and appreciation of this pivotal period in world history. We're privileged to bring you these timeless tales of valor and sacrifice each day, and we look forward to continuing our historical journey together. Until tomorrow, reflect on the echoes of our past, and remember that the ripples of history shape the contours of our present and future. Here's to keeping history alive.

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Have a great week :)

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