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John F. Kennedy: Quick Facts

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News •

Kennedy relatives join the fight against Trump's arch, alleging harm to JFK's grave • Nov. 11, 2026, 11:59 AM ET (NPR)
Kennedys Join Suit to Block Trump’s Arch, Saying It Would Mar J.F.K. Gravesite • Nov. 10, 2026, 5:46 PM ET (New York Times)
Three Bob Fergusons and two JFKs: A brief history of same-name ballot shenanigans • Oct. 30, 2026, 4:00 AM ET (CNN)
A shadow over Arlington Cemetery: Trump’s arch would darken JFK’s grave • Oct. 27, 2026, 12:00 PM ET (Washington Post)
John Travolta unpacks 'most challenging' role yet in 'November 1963' | Exclusive • Oct. 19, 2026, 11:05 AM ET (USA Today)

Facts

Also Known As JFK • John Fitzgerald Kennedy
Born May 29, 1917 • Brookline • Massachusetts
Died November 22, 1963 (aged 46) • Dallas • Texas
Title / Office presidency of the United States of America (1961-1963), United States • United States Senate (1953-1960), United States • House of Representatives (1947-1953), United States
Political Affiliation Democratic Party
Awards And Honors Pulitzer Prize (1957)
Notable Works “Profiles in Courage”
House / Dynasty Kennedy family
Notable Family Members spouse Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis • father Joseph P. Kennedy • mother Rose Kennedy • daughter Caroline Kennedy • son John F. Kennedy, Jr. • brother Robert F. Kennedy • brother Ted Kennedy • sister Rosemary Kennedy • sister Eunice Kennedy Shriver
Role In Bay of Pigs invasion • Cold War • Cuban missile crisis • Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty • United States presidential election of 1960 • Vietnam War • World War II • Equal Pay Act

Did You Know?

  • Arnold Schwarzenegger is John F. Kennedy's nephew by marriage.
  • John F. Kennedy suffered from chronic back pain due to his uneven legs.
  • John F. Kennedy is the only U.S. president to receive a Purple Heart.
  • Kennedy was stranded at sea for six days during World War II.

Photos and Videos

John F. Kennedy
Young John F. Kennedy poses outdoors with his parents, siblings, and a dog; the family is seated and smiling, with John standing at the far right in a white shirt.
Sepia-toned group photo of a high school football team with boys in vintage uniforms and leather helmets, including John F. Kennedy, posing in front of a brick building.
Young John F. Kennedy stands outdoors wearing a policeman costume and hat, holding a baton, with houses and trees in the background.
John F. Kennedy standing outdoors wearing dark university graduation robes, with greenery in the background.
John F. Kennedy, shirtless and wearing sunglasses and a cap, sits at the controls of a boat, smiling.
Jacqueline Kennedy
John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy
John F. Kennedy seated at a desk, typing on a typewriter, with papers and office chairs around him.
President John F. Kennedy stands at a podium with the Seal of the President of the United States, speaking during a news conference in Washington, D.C., 1963.
John F. Kennedy: The Cuban missile crisis, the Bay of Pigs, and his assassination
Watch Democrats campaigning in the 1960 U.S. presidential primaries
See how Kennedy emerged from a crowded field to become the Democratic Party's 1960 presidential nominee
Watch President John F. Kennedy delivering his inaugural address in Washington, D.C., January 20, 1961
Track the rapid escalation of the Vietnam War under Pres. John F. Kennedy's administration
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