Incredible Facts that you should know about J.F.Kennedy

John Fitzgerald Kennedy was an American politician who was elected as the 35^th president of the United States. His major focus during his presidential tenure was to improve the American relationships with the Soviet Union. He was assassinated in November 1961 and that is one of the most famous things that are associated with him. His political career began by representing Massachusetts in the United States House of Representatives. He also served as a member of the US Senate. These are the things about him that are known to everyone but there are some interesting facts that are not so common. The following list contains some of that exciting information.

·         Defied Death Three Times

Health was never a strong domain of Kennedy’s life and many serious issues were reported. He was touring England in 1947 when he was diagnosed with a rare disorder of adrenal glands commonly known as Addison’s disease. The doctors predicted him to survive a year so he decided to return home. His condition worsened during the journey and a priest was called to administer last rites. 4 years later, he was visiting Asia when an incredibly high fever proved to be the reason for his second sacrament. The third instance took place after his surgery for chronic back problems. An infection took him into a coma but he managed to survive that as well.

·         Pulitzer Prize

He was very fond of writing. His first book published when he was only 22 years old. The title of this book was ‘Why England Slept’ He also worked as a newspaper correspondent for newspapers of William Randolph Hearst. The major events he covered include outcome of World War II in Europe and the United Nations conference. He was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for the best biography which was published under the title of ‘Profiles in Courage’.

·         Selection in Armed Forces

Just before the World War II, Kennedy wanted to join the Armed Forces of the United States. He tried for both Army and Navy but failed in the physical examination on both occasions. His back and intestinal problems were the core reasons for that. However, he used the links of his father and got himself admitted in the Navy. About this, the historian of JFK said,

“He used the riches and influence of his father, Joseph P. Kennedy, to become a naval officer. The old man persuaded friends in the military to accept a certificate of good health, a false one, from a family doctor.”

·         Coconut Shell Message

Kennedy sent an SOS message, by wrapping it in a coconut shell, to a nearby base camp asking them to come to the aid of his crew. He gave that parcel to two natives in order to deliver it to the destined location. As a memory of that death-facing experience, he had a memento made of wood and plastic that had a coconut inside it. He used it as a paperweight in the Oval Office during the days of his presidency.

·         Donated his Salaries

He was a very wealthy person due to the family fortune his father managed to make. When he joined National Congress, he was getting a lot of cash from different sources. As a result, he decided that he will donate all the money he will make through politics. He continued to follow this noble practice even after he became president of the country and all his legislative salary was distributed among different charities of the country.

·         Animal Lover

He was very fond of animals and this seems obvious if you have a look at the variety of animals that resided with him in the White House. During his tenure as a president, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue resembled a zoo in many ways. 5 horses, 2 hamsters, 5 dogs, 1 cat, 1 rabbit, and 2 parakeets were a massive part of his family.

·         Secret Taping System

A taping system was installed secretly in the Oval Office and Cabinet Room of the White House while all the reels were being stored in the basement. Kennedy’s viewpoint in this regard was that this system will help him in writing his experience, as a President, in the coming years. A lot of important discussions were captured by this system including the conversation between Kennedy and his staff during the Cuban Missile Crisis.