To Orwell Today,
re: JFK PT-109 GI JOE FOR SALE

Dear Jackie,

I was thinking about what to ask for the GI Joe JFK PT-109 Commander...something in the range of $40 plus shipping. Please let me know what you think.

I am sending a photo of JFK holding the coconut.

Also, I did some searching and found the description for the other GI Joe figure. It is the GI Joe PT Boat Commander, which came out in 1998.

This is a 12" inch figure that comes with knife, flare gun, commander's hat, machine gun, life vest, tan clothing, hat, and sunglasses. Box is in excellent condition. This is a GI Joe WWII Forces Classic Collection in Limited Edition.

Here is part of the story taken from the inside cover:

The story behind PT Boats started moments after the Japanese began attacking Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. A U.S. PT Boat stationed there shot down the first enemy plane of World War II. From that moment forward, "patrol torpedo" crafts and their commanders played a significant role in the success of U.S. naval operations throughout the duration of the conflict. These boats proved to be essential to Allied efforts to reclaim the Pacific from Japan's Imperial war machine. The number of operational PT Boats increased from 29 in December of 1941 to 212 within the span of a few years. The effectiveness of these small vessels was known all too well by the Japanese, who came to fear and despise the boats they called "devil boats" or "green dragons..."

Doing some research on the internet, it appears that the rifle/machine gun being held by the US Navy Officer/PT Boat Commander may be a Thompson Submachine Gun, Model 1928.

Thought that you might like to see what I found about this other GI Joe figure. Wondering if you might be interested in both?

Thanks,
Kevin

Greetings Kevin,

Thanks for sending photos of the JFK PT-109 and PT Boat Commander figures, and yes, I want to buy both.

The write-up on the box explaining the history of PT Boats and your research on the rifle is very interesting -- it helps a person appreciate the dangerous but vital role the PT Boats played in the war in the Pacific.

I can hardly wait to receive both those figures -- am really looking forward to playing with them and posing them beside my model of PT-109 -- at which time I'll take photos and share with ORWELL TODAY readers.

All the best,
Jackie Jura

PS - JFK is on my mind alot lately from recent correspondence with the grandson of the Solomon Island native who saved him, and also as we approach November 22nd.

PPS - I own a VHS copy of the PT-109 movie and watched it again recently -- it was great.

...UPDATE: JFK GI-JOE ROCKING MEMORIAL

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