Reader JFK PT-59

JFK PT-59 FRIEND FACTO

To Orwell Today,

Jackie –

I was doing a google search for my Great Uncle, Homer Facto, and I came across your webpage JFK PT-59 CREW.

"Gary in Seattle" asked for more information about him, and I would love to provide it! Would you possibly be able to give me Gary's email, or else give him my contact info. I've been doing a bit of research to provide my son with a family history and I would love to get in touch with him!

Thanks!

Sincerely,
Michele Knight

Greetings Michele,

There are actually two more articles about PT-59 on the website, other than the one you've mentioned. See JFK TO NAVAL CADETS & JFK SAVED THE MARINES.

Since receiving and answering those emails from "Gary in Seattle" (two years ago) I've just now come across more info about Homer Facto (your great uncle). It's the actual letter JFK wrote to Homer, the one Gary mentioned he had the original of:

John F. Kennedy Letter to PT-59 Navy Crewmate - 1955, Vintage Memorabilia

Here's the description of the letter, and the transcript of what it says:

"...Befitting its value and historical significance, this letter has been professionally framed using the finest museum conservation-quality standards. Measuring 17” x 21” and featuring a fine engraving of JFK, each window is bordered with handmade Italian marbled paper in a blue and cream peacock motif.... Three months before writing this letter, in October 1954, JFK was admitted to the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York for back surgery. His post-operative healing was problematic, and he was not discharged from the hospital until December of that year.

"This letter to Homer Facto, dated January 7, 1955, was written just weeks after Kennedy returned home to recuperate, and is a perfect example of how much JFK liked to stay in touch with his old PT-crew members over the years. During the same time he wrote this letter, Kennedy was working on Profiles in Courage, the book that would eventually win him the Pulitzer Prize in History.

United States Senate
Washington, D.C.

January 7, 1955

Mr. Homer Facto
Au Sable Forks
New York, NY

Dear Mr. Facto: (personalizing it, JFK strikes out the name, writing "Homer" over it)

         Many, many thanks for your kind message
to me when I was in the hospital in New York. Hospitals
are gloomy places, I am afraid; and it makes a tremen-
dous difference when friends remember you as you did.

         I am feeling much better and am looking forward
to getting back to Washington around the first of March.
Perhaps then I will have a chance to thank you again in
person.

         Until then, Jackie and I want to wish you and
all your family a very happy and successful New Year.

Sincerely,

John Kennedy
(JFK also adds a personal handwritten note): I was very glad to hear from you Homer. Hope all goes well.

It seems - from the info there at the Vintage Memorabilia website - that Gary put the letter up for sale and it sold.

I notice, in the write-up describing the letter, that Gary used the answer I'd given him in our JFK PT-59 CREW correspondence, which was back in December 2007. That included the story about a letter JFK received (three weeks before he was assassinated) from a Colonel Bigger whose squadron was saved by JFK and the crew of PT-59.

I'll post your email on the website and perhaps Gary will read it and write-in. Then I'll connect you with each other.

In the meantime, it would be appreciated if you'd share your stories about your great uncle, Homer Factor with "Orwell Today" readers. It's always interesting to read about former PT-109 and PT-59 shipmates of JFK . Just the other day his PT-friend Paul Fay died, and I posted excerpts from his book. See JFK FRIEND FAY FONDLY REMEMBERS

No doubt you must be very proud of your great uncle for the kindess of writing that letter to JFK. And it must be an honour, too, that JFK was appreciative, and wrote Homer Facto in return, hoping that one day they'd meet.

All the best,
Jackie Jura

JFK BET PT-109 FASTEST (reader is nephew of engine-man Homer Facto)

JFK PT-109 SONG

JFK PT-109 WHO'S WHO

JFK TO NAVAL CADETS

JFK SAVED THE MARINES

JFK'S PT-59 CREW

JFK'S PT 109 CREW

JFK'S BOAT & COCONUT

JFK SWAM TO NARU NOT NAURU

JFK'S BROTHER FLEW DRONE

JFK'S LETTER TO SOLOMONS