In the spring of 1943, John F. Kennedy took command of a 56-ton attack boat, PT-109. While on a routine mission that August, a Japanese destroyer emerged out of the darkness, racing at 40 knots, and split Kennedy's boat in half. Explore more at pbs.org/presidents. | American Experience | PBS

August 2, 1943 gave new meaning to surviving "by the skin of one's teeth." After their boat was torn apart by a Japanese destroyer, Skipper John F. Kennedy towed his wounded crewmate to safety with a tether in his mouth. | American Experience | PBS