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Small Boat Battles in World War II: Why did PT boats become the highlight of the US military?
During the Pacific theater of World War II, the U.S. Navy submarine (PT boat) became a unique warship with its flexibility and rapid strike capability. Among them, the name of PT-109 is widely known because of the famous commander John F. Kennedy. This boat, which has a slender shape but is loaded with considerable firepower, demonstrates the flexibility and effectiveness of small boats in naval battles, and has attracted countless tactical studies and praise.
The PT-109 was designed as an 80-foot speedboat capable of surging through the sea at a speed of 41 knots, and later demonstrated its indomitable spirit in combat.
The concept of PT boats originated in Britain before World War II, when old warships could not meet the needs of fast patrols. After many adjustments and trial production, the PT boat was manufactured with a strong and light wooden hull that can operate flexibly at sea and remain stable on rough water. These designs allow the PT boat to withstand submersible engines up to 1,500 horsepower, making it a fast-strike force for the U.S. Navy in the Pacific.
Kennedy and PT-109
The history of PT-109 is closely linked to Kennedy's military career. Before joining the battle, he was rejected for enlistment due to health problems such as back pain, but eventually, through the influence of his father and his own persistence, he successfully joined the ranks of the PT boat. During a mission in 1943, PT-109 was rammed and sunk by a Japanese destroyer. Kennedy demonstrated extraordinary leadership by leading the surviving crew to successfully swim to an uninhabited island until they were rescued.
Much of the praise for Kennedy's naval performance came from his courageous actions aboard PT-109, which embedded his name in American war history.
PT boats’ powerful equipment and challenges
The PT-109 is equipped with an advanced weapon system, including four 21-inch torpedo launchers, which enables it to inflict a fatal blow to enemy ships. But compared to Japan's Long Lance torpedoes, the PT's Mark 8 torpedoes often failed to detonate successfully, which posed a great challenge to the PTY boats to carry out effective strikes. These problems even caused the PT boats to fail in their missions and were unable to cause substantial damage to enemy ships.
Extraordinary mission executionA naval officer pointed out that 90% of the time, the button to launch the torpedo would not respond, causing huge tactical losses.
In 1973, Kennedy recalled the missions carried out on PT-109 and analyzed the reasons for its success and failure. His ship joined 15 other boats in launching an attack on the Japanese destroyers, however, due to lack of radar support and missing the best opportunity in night operations, it ultimately failed to inflict a direct blow on the Japanese. Although PT boats are flexible to operate, their disadvantages when facing large ships are obvious.
Evolution of small boat tactics
Although the PT boats did not perform as expected in the confrontation with the Japanese large destroyers, their existence prompted the United States to continuously adjust the tactics and equipment of the small boats. From the initial torpedo attacks to the gradual strengthening of air defense capabilities and improved tactics, the flexibility of the PT boat has given it a place in asymmetric warfare. What’s even more fascinating is that the stories of these small boats inspired an entire generation, and Kennedy’s achievements are also an indelible historical symbol on the post-war political stage.
The use of PT boats showed how even small boats could have a profound impact on the war operations of major powers, which also reflects the complexity of the dynamics of World War II.
The success and failure of PT boats in World War II not only reflected the innovative thinking of the US Navy, but also affected the course of the war on many levels. Kennedy's experience in PT-109 made him one of the most influential presidents in post-war American history. All this makes people think: In war and peace, how important are courage and wisdom?
