When it comes to iconic historical figures, few are as well-known and widely studied as John F. Kennedy. The 35th President of the United States, JFK served from 1961 until his untimely assassination in 1963. He is remembered for his charisma, his youth, and his political vision. However, there is more to the man than meets the eye. The History Channel’s show “10 Things You Don’t Know About John F. Kennedy” delves into some of the lesser-known details of his life, offering a deeper and more nuanced understanding of this American icon.
One of the most surprising aspects of JFK’s life was his involvement with Nazi Germany. As a young man, he worked as a courier for the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the precursor to the CIA. He was tasked with delivering intelligence to and from Europe, including Nazi Germany, during World War II. This early experience gave him a unique perspective on the inner workings of the Third Reich and helped shape his later views on international politics.
Another little-known fact about JFK is that he was quite a fitness enthusiast. He was known to spend hours each day working out and building muscle, which earned him the nickname “Jacked-Up Jack” among his friends. He even went so far as to install a gym in the White House, a first for any president.
JFK’s love of danger and adventure was also well-documented. He was an avid sailor and enjoyed deep sea diving, and even raced his own boats during his time in office. He was also known to be fearless in the face of danger, and often put himself in dangerous situations. This attitude was perhaps best exemplified by his infamous PT-109 incident during World War II, where he saved the lives of his crew members after their boat was struck by a Japanese destroyer.
