On this day – June 12, 1944 – John F. Kennedy received the Navy and Marine Corps Medal.

The Navy and Marine Corps Medal was first bestowed during the Second World War, although the first recipient is unknown. Perhaps the most famous recipient of the Navy and Marine Corps Medal was President John F. Kennedy who was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for service as Commanding Officer of a World War II Motor Torpedo Boat PT-109. Kennedy received the Navy and Marine Corps medal “for courage, endurance and excellent leadership… in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”
From the citation:

CITATION: “For heroism in the rescue of 3 men following the ramming and sinking of his motor torpedo boat while attempting a torpedo attack on a Japanese destroyer in the Solomon Islands area on the night of Aug 1-2, 1943. Lt. KENNEDY, Capt. of the boat, directed the rescue of the crew and personally rescued 3 men, one of whom was seriously injured. During the following 6 days, he succeeded in getting his crew ashore, and after swimming many hours attempting to secure aid and food, finally effected the rescue of the men. His courage, endurance and excellent leadership contributed to the saving of several lives and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”