Nov. 22 marks the 53rdh anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, and half a century later he’s still among the most popular presidents of all-time. Instead of rehashing the facts you already know about the 35th president, I thought I’d share a few lesser known facts about JFK.
He was the only president to earn a Purple Heart
Kennedy was awarded the Purple Heart (given tothose wounded or killed while serving in the military) for his heroic service in the Pacific during World War II. In 1943, while serving in the Navy in WWII, J.F.K. narrowly avoided death when his ship was sunk by a Japanese destroyer. Despite terrible injuries, he led the survivors through dangerous waters to safety.
He donated his full presidential salary to charity
JFK’s annual salary was about $150,000 during his time as president, but he refused to accept the money. Instead, he insisted on donating the entire amount to charity.
John F. Kennedy was the first Boy Scout to become president
He was a lifelong supporter of Scouting, saying the following during his presidency: “For more than 50 years, Scouting has played an important part in the lives of the Boy Scouts of this nation. It has helped to mold character, to form friendships, to provide a worthwhile outlet for the natural energies of growing boys, and to train these boys to become good citizens of the future.”
He was the only president to win a Pulitzer Prize
His book, Profiles in Courage, won the 1957 Pulitzer Prize (awarded for excellence in literature). The book was a series of short biographies that described acts of bravery and integrity by eight U.S. Senators throughout American history.
He was an exercise enthusiast
As a youth, JFK played football, basketball and baseball.During his presidency he swam almost daily in theWhite House pool. He was also an advocate for youth athletics. In Dec. 1960,Kennedy appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine, and wrote an article on the importance of exercise, sports and physical activity among young people.
“We do not want our children to become a generation of spectators. Rather, we want each of them to be a participant in the vigorous life.”
He was a speed talker
Kennedy could speak at about 350 words per minute, and still hold the world record for rate of speaking speed. During a speech in 1961, he spoke 327 words in just one minute.
He was also a speed reader
An avid reader, JFK could read approximately 2,500 words per minute, nearly 10 times the average. In fact, he would reportedly read six newspapers every morning at breakfast cover to cover.
In high school, he was voted most likely to succeed
According to his high school yearbook, during his senior year Kennedy was voted by classmates as “Most Likely to Succeed.” For more on Kennedy’s school days, including his grades and essays, click here.
He knew the secret to getting a bigger allowance
Even when he was a 10-year-old Boy Scout, John F. Kennedy was already using his famous eloquence. In the following letter he makes a very organized, straight-forward case to his father for a raise in allowance. The reason? To be better ‘Prepared’ as a new Boy Scout.
My recent allowance is 40 cents. This I used for aeroplanes and other playthings of childhood, but now I am a Scout and I put away my childish things. Before I would spend 20 cents of my 40 cents allowance, and in five minutes I would have empty pockets and nothing to gain and 20 cents to lose.
When I am a Scout I have to buy canteens, haversacks, blankets, searchlights, a poncho — things that will last for years and I can always use while I can’t use chocolate marshmallow sundae ice cream, and so I put in my plea for a raise of 30 cents for me to buy Scout things and pay my own way around …
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FAQs
The following are 10 additional interesting facts about the 35th president of the United States.
- Suffered Lifelong Health Problems.
- Faced Death Several Times.
- A President of Firsts.
- The Country's Wealthiest President.
- He Wanted a Cooperative Space Race.
- Cigars First, Embargo Second.
- Played the Role of Movie Producer.
As president, he fought to ensure equal rights and opportunities for all Americans. He encouraged Americans to lift up those less fortunate than themselves, both at home and abroad. He challenged the nation to reach for the impossible and land a man on the Moon before the end of the decade.
Could JFK read 1200 words a minute? ›
In order to aid him in gathering information, from 1954 through 1955 Jack took a speed reading course. By the end of the course, he was able to read 1,200 words per minute. Similar to his childhood experiences, health issues throughout his adulthood provided an opening for Jack to continue to engage with literature.
What were JFK's biggest accomplishments? ›
The peaceful resolution of the Cuban Missile Crisis was one of President Kennedy's greatest diplomatic achievements. Three months after the crisis was resolved, the Department of Defense conducted a televised press briefing chronicling the Soviet Union's buildup and subsequent removal of nuclear weapons from Cuba.
What was John F Kennedy's last words? ›
Kennedy's reply – "No, they sure can't" – were his last words. From Houston Street, the limousine made the planned left turn onto Elm, passing the Texas School Book Depository. As it continued down Elm Street, multiple shots were fired: about 80% of the witnesses recalled hearing three shots.
What are some informations about John F Kennedy? ›
John Fitzgerald Kennedy (May 29, 1917 – November 22, 1963), often referred to as JFK, was an American politician who served as the 35th president of the United States from 1961 until his assassination in 1963. He was the youngest person elected president.
How long is 650 words time? ›
This means reading 650 words will take you between 3.3 and 5.2 minutes. Want to read faster? Try these tips.
Can you read 600 words in 3 minutes? ›
If you're a slow reader, you may read somewhere between 125 and 200 words per minute. This means reading 600 words will take you between 3 and 4.8 minutes. Want to read faster? Try these tips.
How fast to read 400 words? ›
This means reading 400 words will take you between 2 and 3.2 minutes. Want to read faster? Try these tips.
Where is JFK buried? ›
Kennedy was known to be active, and many of his hobbies displayed this. He was particularly fond of sailboating, but also engaged in recreational golf, swimming, and tennis. He was interesting in football and baseball as well.
What did JFK stand for? ›
president of United States. Also known as: JFK, John Fitzgerald Kennedy.
How many dogs did JFK have? ›
President John F. Kennedy, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, and their children, Caroline Kennedy and John F. Kennedy, Jr., play with their dogs, Shannon, Wolf, White Tips, Blackie, Clipper, and Charlie, at Brambletyde house on Squaw Island, Hyannis Port, Massachusetts.
Who is the youngest president? ›
The median age at inauguration of incoming U.S. presidents is 55 years. The youngest person to become U.S. president was Theodore Roosevelt, who, at age 42, succeeded to the office after the assassination of William McKinley. The oldest person inaugurated president was Joe Biden, at age 78.
Did JFK get a purple heart? ›
John Fitzgerald Kennedy (JFK), born May 29, 1917 in Boston, Massachusetts, was the only U.S. President in history (to-date) to receive the Purple Heart medal. Kennedy was born into a wealthy political family, travelled the world after high school, and followed in his father's footsteps by becoming a 'Harvard Man'.
What was JFK's favorite color? ›
By Loewy's account, he visited the White House a few months after his conversation with McHugh. After the designer laid out some sketches on armchairs against a wall, Kennedy chose one that featured a red-and-gold design but asked for it to be rendered in blue, which he said was his favorite color.
