Joseph Patrick Kennedy, Jr. was the oldest of nine children to Rose and Joseph Kennedy.
He was born July 25, 1915 in Brookline, Massachusetts and died in combat over East Suffolk, United Kingdon on August 12, 1944.
Lt. Joseph Patrick Kennedy, Jr.
He was held in high regard by both of his parents. He was the foremost recipient of his father’s planning and ambition to build the Kennedy family into a political dynasty. His parents were both devastated by his death and he came to lionized in family lore.
In a 1974 television interview, Rose Kennedy reminisced about Joe, Jr.,
He had a great sense of responsibility and was a very good athlete and was very popular with the men and the girls and was very good-looking. He was the one we expected or hoped might advance in politics. His father, I suppose, wanted him to be President. He had a great responsibility to towards the younger children.
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