Cuban Missile Crisis

Cuban Missile Crisis begins

Oct 16, 1962

Two principal courses are offered: an air strike and invasion, or a naval quarantine with the threat of further military action. President Kennedy and principal foreign policy and national defense officials are briefed on the U-2 findings.

The 13 Days

Period: Oct 16, 1962 to Oct 28, 1962

American military units move southeast

Oct 17, 1962

After looking at photos from the U-2 incident it shows different places, and 16 to 32 missiles. President Kennedy goes to Connecticut in support of Democratic congressional candidates.

President Kennedy is visited by Soviet Minister tells him that aid to Cuba is not a threat

Oct 18, 1962

Cuba is defensive and does not bring a threat to the United States. Kennedy does not tell the about the missiles, and reads his public warning of Sebtember 4 if Soviet weapons are introduced to Cuba.

President Kennedy leaves for a campaign

Oct 19, 1962

President Kennedy leaves for a campaign in Ohio and Illinois. In Washington his advisers continue to debate over the plan of the Cuban Missile Crisis.

President Kennedy and advisors decide on quarantine

Oct 20, 1962

President Kennedy returns to Washington and decides with his advisors on the quarantine. Plans for naval units are discussed and President Kennedy addresses the people of America.

President meets with General Walter Sweeney of the Tactical Air Command

Oct 21, 1962

President Kennedy meets with General Walter Sweeney of the Tactical Air Command. Tells him that air strike would not 100% guarantee the destruction of the missiles

President Kennedy calls former presidents Hoover, Truman, and Eisenhower

Oct 22, 1962

President Kennedy calls Executive Comittee of the National Secruity Council and informs them to meet daily during the crisis. Kennedy informs cabinet and congressional leaders. Kennedy also informs British Prime Minister about the situation.

Edwin Martin Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American seeks support from American states

Oct 23, 1962

The ships of the naval quarantine move into a place near Cuba. Soviet Submarines move into Caribbean area. Soviet freighters head for Cuba with military supplies.

Chairman Khrushchev replies to Kennedy's October 23 letter

Oct 24, 1962

Chairman Khrushchev reples to Kennedy's October 23 letter. Daying that they are threateting that if they don't give into their demands that they will use force.

Knowing that some missiles in Cuba were now operational, the president personally drafts a letter to Premier Khrushchev

Oct 25, 1962

Soviet freighters turn and head back to Europe. U.N. Secretary General U Thant calls for a cooling off period, which is rejected by Kennedy because it would leave the missiles in place.

Photographic evidence shows construction of the missile sites and uncrating of Soviet bombers at Cuban airfields

Oct 26, 1962

In a private letter, Fidel Castro urges Nikita Khrushchev to initiate a nuclear first strike against the United States in the event of an American invasion of Cuba.

A second letter from Moscow demands tougher terms including the removal of Jupiter missiles from Turkey is recieved in Washington

Oct 27, 1962

Over Cuba, An American U-2 plane is shot down by a Soviet-supplied surface-to-air missile and the pilot, Major Rudolph Anderson, is killed. President Kennedy writes a letter to the widow of USAF Major Rudolf Anderson, Jr.

The thirteen days marking the most dangerous period of the Cuban missile crisis end

Oct 28, 1962

Khrushchev affirms that missiles will be removed in exchange or a non-invasion pledge from the United States.