Ensign John F. Kennedy appears center stage in this rare photo dated May 2, 1942. Officers, nurses and civilians gathered to witness the dual launching ceremonies of the USS Pringle (DD 477) and the USS Stanly (DD 478).
At the time, Kennedy was assigned to the Naval Station Charleston branch of the Office of Strategic Services, the precursor of the Central Intelligence Agency. His next orders were a promotion to Lieutenant Junior Grade and command of PT-109.
This is one of many artifacts from the City of North Charleston’s Archive Room that we will be sharing every week.