John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Home State Massachusetts

Party Democrat

Term In Office January 20, 1961-November 22, 1963

Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson

Significant Acts Created the Peace Corps, a volunteer humanitarian organization, in 1961. Ordered the Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba, a failed attempt to overthrow Cuban leader Fidel Castro in 1961. Instituted a naval blockade of Cuba in 1962, resulting in the removal of Soviet nuclear missiles from Cuba. Authorized federal troops to enforce court-ordered integration in schools in Alabama and Mississippi in 1962 and 1963.

Career 1941-1945 Served in the U.S. Navy in World War II. 1946-1952 Represented Massachusetts in the U.S. House of Representatives. 1952-1961 Represented Massachusetts in the U.S. Senate. 1961-1963 President of the United States.

Did You Know Kennedy won the Pulitzer Prize in 1957 for his book Profiles in Courage. Kennedy was the fourth president to be assassinated. At age 44, Kennedy became the youngest man elected president. Kennedy was decorated for heroism in World War II for saving three men after his vessel was sunk by a Japanese destroyer. Kennedy was the first Roman Catholic president. Microsoft� Encarta� Reference Library 2003. � 1993-2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.