THERE'S A BIG REASON WHY JFK KEPT A COCONUT ON HIS DESK
By DYLAN HOFER
History - Science
The coconut that sat on the Oval Office desk of President John F. Kennedy wasn't just a paperweight, as it actually represented a powerful memory. The coconut became a symbol from JFK’s career as a Navy lieutenant during World War II after one of the most life-threatening events he faced while commander of a naval ship in 1943.
When a Japanese warship hit JFK's ship, he carried an injured crewmate while he and his crew swam from the sinking ship to a remote island, where they spent two days eating coconuts. The crew came across two locals after swimming to a larger island who were members of the Coastwatchers, a group that gave intel to the Allies if they saw any enemy activity.
JFK then grabbed a coconut and etched a message to give to the Allies, (per Naval History and Heritage Command) "11 alive native knows posit & reef Naru Island Kennedy," who would save Kennedy and his crew. The Navy awarded Kennedy with a Purple Heart for his efforts and he commemorated the experience with the coconut on his Oval Office desk.