The Cuban Missile Crisis: Thirteen Days

By hsullivan

  • Monday, October 15, 1962

    The 15th was the first of thirteen days filled with tension and panic for president Kennedy and his select officials that he chose to help him resolve the crisis. On this day a U.S. aircraft acquired pictures of missiles located in Cuba.

  • Tuesday, October 16, 1962

    Kennedy establishes EXCOM and his committee meets to discuss what the U.S.' actions should be.

  • Wednesday, October 17, 1962

    The first of three missile sites is found in Cuba.

  • Thursday, October 18, 1962

    Kennedy meets with Gromyko, the Soviet Foreign Minister. Although Kennedy addresses the issue of Cuba, he does not reveal their knowledge of the missiles. Gromyko denies that any missiles exist in Cuba. A hydrogen bomb test was performed by the U.S.

  • Friday, October 19, 1962

    Military options are discussed.

  • Sunday, October 21, 1962

    Kennedy makes a decision to implement a naval blockade on Cuba. The exchange of all offensive weapons is prohibited.

  • Monday, October 22, 1962

    At 7:00 Kennedy addresses the American public, informing them about the crisis and his plans to implement a naval blockade.

  • Tuesday, October 23, 1962

    The OAS supports the U.S.' decision to place a naval blockade on Cuba.
    More photos reveal that the missiles are ready to be launched.
    The OAS votes on diplomatic options.

  • Wednesday, October 24, 1962

    Soviet ships reach the quarantine line. U.S. vessels come extremely close to firing at the vessels, but they turned away. Kennedy believes that if an air attack is executed, the Soviets will at least be able to launch a few missiles.

  • Thursday, October 25, 1962

    At a U.N. meeting, Adlai Stevenson (U.S.) confronts the Soviets. They have no response when asked if the possess missiles in Cuba.

  • Friday, October 26, 1962

    A message from Krushchev is received that says they will remove their missiles from Cuba if the U.S. guarantees that they will not attack Cuba.
    The production of the missiles continues.
    RFK discovers that the Soviets are willing to remove the missiles if the U.S. removes their missiles from Turkey. Castro presses Krushchev to launch a nuclear missile if the U.S. invade Cuba.

  • Saturday, October 27, 1962

    After a U.S. aircraft is shot down, the Soviets demand that the U.S. not only make a public statement not to invade Cuba, but that they also remove their missiles in Turkey.

  • Sunday, October 28, 1962

    The crisis is over and Krushchev announces that the missiles will be dismantled. Kennedy continues to enforce the quarantine for one more month.