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U2 flights in Cuba take photographs of Soviet missile sites. There are 32 missiles capable of carrying a 3-megaton load to Texas or Washington, D.C. within 5 minutes.
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Operation ORTSAC begins. A mock invasion of Cuba held in Puerto Rico occurs.The codename was developed from former Cuban President Fidel Castro by spelling his lastname backward.
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On Thursday, Oct. 18 forces think that the invasion of Cuba is taken under the cover of Operation ORTSAC.
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The press starts reporting on the military activities in Florida. Officials refer them to Operation ORTSAC. The 81st and 101st Airborne are placed on alert.
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John F. Kennedy addresses the nation on television and announces the naval blockade of Cuba. Soviet premier Nikita Khrushchev goes on record willing to use short-range nuclear missiles to prevent an invasion of Cuba. Soviet forces in Cuba are put on alert to prepare for a paratrooper drop.
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Flights in CubaLow-level reconnaissance flights go over Cuba begin. F-8 Crusaders take close-up photographs of the missile sites.
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Adlai Stevenson, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, presents evidence of the missiles to the U.N., getting international support for the blockade. Soviet ships were on a route to Cuba reverse course. U.S. forces are brought to DEFCON 2, which is the highest state of military camp.
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Kennedy addressing the U.s about the crisis.Khrushchev sends a letter to Kennedy promising to remove missiles if Kennedy publicly announces he will never invade Cuba. U.S. intelligence officials uncover a lot evidence of short-range nuclear missiles meant to target invasion forces.
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Summary of Cuban Missile Crisis* An American U-2 is shot down over Cuba killing the pilot, Air Force Maj. Rudolf Anderson.
* Short-range tactical nuclear missiles in Cuba are fully deployed and enemy forces get orders to prepare for air strikes.
* Kennedy writes Khrushchev promising to pledge not to invade Cuba if the missiles are removed. -
Khrushchev announces over Radio Moscow he has agreed to remove missiles from Cuba.
