John F. Kennedy, age 26: Round-Robin Letter
[Postmarked August 13th, 1943]

Dear folks,
This is just a short note to tell you that I am alive - and not kicking - in spite of the many reports that you may happen to hear. It was believed otherwise for a few days - so reports or rumours may have gotten back to you. Fortunately, they misjudged the durability of a Kennedy - and am back at the base now and am O.K. As soon as possible I shall try to give you the whole story. *
Much love to you all,
Jack

*A few days earlier, Motortorpedo Squadron 2 had held a funeral mass for Jack and his crew, whom they believed to have died when the Japanese destroyer Amagiri plowed through the hull of PT  109 in the early morning hours of August 2nd. Although the Navy Department had notified Joseph P. Kennedy during the course of the week that Jack was missing in action, he believe that  Jack was still alive and did not inform his family until after  Jack and the surviving crew members had been rescued on August 7th.