On August 7, 1963, Jacqueline Kennedy gave birth to a son, who died 2 days later. What was his name?

The infant son born to President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy was named Patrick Bouvier Kennedy. His middle name was a tribute to his mother's side of the family, as Bouvier was her maiden name. Born five and a half weeks prematurely on August 7, 1963, at Otis Air Force Base, he was immediately flown to Boston Children's Hospital for specialized care. He weighed only 4 pounds, 10.5 ounces.

Patrick’s life was tragically short, lasting only 39 hours. He suffered from hyaline membrane disease, a condition now known as infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS). At the time, infants with underdeveloped lungs that lacked a crucial protein called surfactant had a very low chance of survival. The immense public focus on the First Family’s loss brought national attention to the condition and is credited with spurring major advancements in neonatology and research into treatments for premature infants.

This deeply personal tragedy for the Kennedys occurred just over three months before the president's assassination in Dallas, compounding the nation's sense of loss later that year. After President Kennedy's death, Patrick's remains were moved to Arlington National Cemetery to be buried alongside his father.