Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr.
Joseph Patrick Kennedy, Jr., older brother of President John F. Kennedy,
was born in Nantasket, Mass., 25 July 1915. He attended Harvard College
and Harvard Law School, enlisting in the Naval Reserve 24 June 1941.
After flight training, Kennedy was commissioned Ensign 5 May 1942. He
served with Patrol Squadron 203 and Bombing Squadron 110 before
joining a special air unit in Britain in 1944. He was appointed Lieutenant 1
July 1944. Lt. Kennedy took part in a secret project to destroy German V-2
rocket launching sites by the use of radio controlled drone aircraft loaded
with explosives. The plane could not take off by radio control, however, and
Kennedy volunteered to take her into the air where guidance systems would
take over. After exhaustive preparations he and another brave flyer, Lt. W. J.
Willy, took off from Win-farthing 12 August 1944. However, the drone
exploded with two enormous blasts, killing both officers. Lt. Kennedy was
awarded the Navy Cross posthumously for this dangerous mission in the
drone Liberator bomber. His citation testifies: "Intrepid and daring in his
tactics and with unwavering confidence in the vital importance of his task,
he willingly risked his life in the supreme measure of service, and, by his
great personal valor and fortitude in carrying out a perilous undertaking,
sustained and enhanced the finest traditions of the United States Naval
Service."
DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER
Joseph Patrick Kennedy, Jr., older brother of President John F. Kennedy,
was born in Nantasket, Mass., 25 July 1915. He attended Harvard College
and Harvard Law School, enlisting in the Naval Reserve 24 June 1941.
After flight training, Kennedy was commissioned Ensign 5 May 1942. He
served with Patrol Squadron 203 and Bombing Squadron 110 before
joining a special air unit in Britain in 1944. He was appointed Lieutenant 1
July 1944. Lt. Kennedy took part in a secret project to destroy German V-2
rocket launching sites by the use of radio controlled drone aircraft loaded
with explosives. The plane could not take off by radio control, however, and
Kennedy volunteered to take her into the air where guidance systems would
take over. After exhaustive preparations he and another brave flyer, Lt. W. J.
Willy, took off from Win-farthing 12 August 1944. However, the drone
exploded with two enormous blasts, killing both officers. Lt. Kennedy was
awarded the Navy Cross posthumously for this dangerous mission in the
drone Liberator bomber. His citation testifies: "Intrepid and daring in his
tactics and with unwavering confidence in the vital importance of his task,
he willingly risked his life in the supreme measure of service, and, by his
great personal valor and fortitude in carrying out a perilous undertaking,
sustained and enhanced the finest traditions of the United States Naval
Service."
DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER
Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. (DD-850) was launched by Bethlehem Steel
Co., Quincy, Mass., 26 July 1945; sponsored by Miss Jean
Kennedy, sister of Lt. Kennedy; and commissioned at Boston 15
December 1945, Comdr. H. G. Moore in command.
Co., Quincy, Mass., 26 July 1945; sponsored by Miss Jean
Kennedy, sister of Lt. Kennedy; and commissioned at Boston 15
December 1945, Comdr. H. G. Moore in command.
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