"SAYS VASILY KUZNETSOV, SOVIET DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER"

DISMANTLING OF SOVIET MISSILE IN CUBA 'HAS ALREADY BEGUN'

New York City (JFK+50) On October 30, 1962, The Evening Star reports Soviet Deputy Foreign Minister Vasily Kuznetsov* has informed United Nations Security General U Thant that "dismantling of Soviet rocket bases in Cuba has already begun."

This action is "partly" due to the two-day lifting of the U.S. naval blockade and aerial reconnaissance over Cuba.

U Thant is "expected" to appoint fifty inspectors to observe the dismantling and withdrawal of Soviet missiles and bases.

In a related story, President John F. Kennedy has called two US Air Force reconnaissance pilots to come to the White House to give him a "first hand" account of their mission.  The pilots are Lt. Col. Joe M. O'Grady of Texas and Major Richard S. Heyser of Florida.

*Vasily V. Kuznetsov (1901-1990) was born in Sofilovka, Russia & served in the Red Army before graduation from Leningrad Polytechnic Instiutute in 1926.  VVK served as chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet in the 1980s.

SOURCES

"Photo Reconnaissance Pilots Report to Kennedy on Cuba," by Garnett D. Horner, The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., October 30, 1962, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

"Reds Removing Bases, U.N. Told," by Earl H. Voss, The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., October 30, 1962, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

Vasily Kuznetsov (next to JFK)

January 9, 1963

White House Photos

JFK Library

"A STEP BACK FROM BRINK OF NUCLEAR WAR"

JFK APPOINTS TEAM OF NEGOTIATORS IN HOPE FOR 'QUICK DIPLOMATIC ACTION' ON CUBA

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On October 29, 1962, The Evening Star reports President John F. Kennedy "moved today for quick diplomatic action to end the Cuban (Missile) crisis."

The move follows Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev's agreement to dismantle his missile bases in Cuba.

The world, The Star says, "has taken a step back from the brink of (nuclear) war" and hopes have been raised "for easing tension in other world trouble spots."

The President has appointed a three-man team "to co-ordinate diplomatic activities."  The team includes John J. McCloy, George Ball and Roswell Gilpatrick.

United Nations Secretary General U Thant spoke with U.S. & Soviet representatives to arrange for verification of the pull out of Soviet weapons from Cuba.

SOURCE

"Kennedy Moves to End Crisis, Names Team of Negotiators," by Garnett D. Horner, The Evening Star, October 29, 1962, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

"IF SOVIETS REVERSE NUCLEAR POWER BUILDUP IN CUBA"

CUBAN MISSILE CRISIS 'COULD BE SOLVED THIS WEEKEND'

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On October 28, 1962, The Sunday Star reports President John F. Kennedy told Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev last evening "that the...(Cuban Missile) crisis could be solved this weekend if he promptly reverses his nuclear power buildup in Cuba."

The President welcomed the Soviet Union's proposals of removal of the nuclear weapons under United Nations supervision coupled with ending the U.S. blockade of Cuba and a pledge not to invade the island.

The United States, however, is "going forward" with preparations for direct American military action providing the Russians do NOT stop work on their missile sites in Cuba. 

In a related story, The Star reports that Air Force Major Rudolf Anderson Jr.*, flying a U-2 reconnaissance mission over Cuba, is missing-in-action and "presumed lost."

In response, Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara has ordered that U.S. forces, including paratroopers and combat infantry, proceed to Southern Florida.

JFK+50 NOTE

Despite the positive headline, the crisis was getting worse day-by-day as by the 28th there was no sign the Soviets would stop work on their missile sites, the shooting down of Major Anderson's photo reconnaissance aircraft over Cuba & the dispatch of nearly 75,000 American military personnel to Southern Florida. 

*Rudolf Anderson, Jr. (1927-1962) was born in Greenville, South Carolina & graduated from Clemson University.  RAJ served in the Korean conflict, was the only U.S. fatality in the Cuban Missile Crisis & the first recipient of the Air Force Cross.

SOURCES

"Kennedy Sets Terms for Talks; 24 Air Reserve Units Called," by Garrett D. Horner, The Sunday Star, Washington, D.C., October 28, 1962, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

"Swift Action Follows Loss of Photo Plane, Troop Carriers with 74,214 Men Ordered to Duty," by Jerry O'Leary, Jr., The Sunday Star, Washington, D.C., October 28, 1962, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

Major Rudolf Anderson, Jr.

USAF Photo

PD

"NO NEGOTIATION UNTIL SOVIET BASES INOPERATIVE"

JFK NIXES OFFER TO 'PULL OUT' MISSILES IN CUBA IF U.S. REMOVES ITS MISSILES IN TURKEY

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) In a front-page bulletin published in the October 27, 1962 edition of The Evening Star, it is reported today that President John F. Kennedy has "shut the door" on any negotiations with the Soviet Union "over the Cuban crisis."

The President, after conferring with the National Security Council, will NOT negotiate "until work on the Soviet nuclear missile bases in Cuba stops and the missiles are made inoperable."

Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev had offered a deal via Radio Moscow to pull out his missiles providing the United States would remove its missiles from Turkey.

Mr. Khrushchev also proposed that the United Nations "act as an agent...to guarantee compliance in Cuba and Turkey."

In a related story, The Star reports "500 pickets...marched...in front of The White House this morning."  They included representatives of The Student Peace Union, Anti-Castro Cubans, and Young Americans For Freedom.

Signs were displayed reading...

Human Race or Arms Race, No More War, Glory to the U.S. Navy, Vivan Vivan Estados Unidos, Russkies Go Home, The Wall Is Next. Don't Chicken Out This Time, Jack, Invade Cuba...Bury Castro

JFK+50 NOTE

The sign reading "Don't Chicken Out This Time, Jack" was a reference to the failed Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba in April 1961 when JFK ordered a second airstrike on Cuban targets cancelled.

SOURCES

"Five Hundred White House Pickets Split Sharply, but Parade," by David Braaten, The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., October 27, 1962, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

"U.S. Rejects Khrushchev Offer Of Cuban-Turkish Bases Deal," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., October 27, 1962, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

Khrushchev & Kennedy

Vienna, Austria

1961

uploaded by Joel Raupe

www.flickr.com/

"FURTHER ACTION MAY BE NECESSARY"

U.S. OFFICIALS DESCRIBE CUBAN CRISIS AS 'GRAVE'

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On October 26, 1962, The Evening Star reports White House and State Department officials have "warned that further U.S. action beyond the blockade of Cuba may be necessary."

The reason for this statement is because "low level aerial photos" provided to the military show that work on the Soviet missile sites in Cuba "is continuing."

President John F. Kennedy said in his nationally televised speech to the nation Monday night...

"should these offensive military preparations continue...further action will be justified."

U.S. officials describe the situation currently as "grave" and say that the crisis "has not eased" over the last 24 hours.

JFK+50 NOTE

The Star also reports on 10-26-62 that the Lebanese freighter Marucia was intercepted by the U.S.S. Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr (named after JFK's older brother who was killed in WWII).  

The freighter originally was a Liberty ship built in 1943 & named SS Ben H. Miller.  After an inspection, the freighter was permitted to continue on to Cuba.

SOURCES

"Lebanese Ship Is U.S. Product," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., October 26, 1962, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

"Navy Boards Lebanese Ship, U.S. Warns Again on Bases," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., October 26, 1962, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/ 

 "City of Shrewsbury"

(SS Ben H. Miller/Marucia)

June 10 1950

Photo by Ben Brookshank

CC BY-SA 2.0

"ALLOWED TO PASS BECAUSE IT CARRIED ONLY PETROLEUM"

NAVY INTERCEPTS SOVIET TANKER AT QUARANTINE LINE

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On October 25, 1962, the United States Navy "intercepted" a Soviet tanker bound for Cuba but allowed it to pass the quarantine line because its cargo was only petroleum*.

According to the Department of Defense, the incident occurred shortly after 8 o'clock this morning.

Twelve other Soviet vessels have turned back according to Assistant Secretary of Defense Arthur Sylvester**.

*Petroleum was not included on the list of prohibited materials under U.S. quarantine provisions.

**Arthur Sylvester (1901-1979) was Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs 1961-1967.

SOURCE

"U.S. Intercepts Soviet Tanker, 12 Other Red Ships Turn Back," by Jerry O'Leary, Jr., The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., October 25, 1962, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

Soviet Oil Tanker

"Novorossiysk" 

1985

NARA/DVIDS Photo

"QUARANTINE WENT INTO EFFECT AT 10 A.M."

SOVIET RESPONSE TO BLOCKADE COULD BE KNOWN BY NIGHTFALL

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On October 24, 1962, The Evening Star reports "a quick test of Soviet response to President (John F.) Kennedy's order to American armed forces to bar delivery of Russian offensive weapons to Cuba was near today."

The quarantine (naval blockade) went into effect at 10 a.m. with twenty-five Soviet vessels bound for Cuba.

The Star says the extend of the Soviet's response to the blockade could be known "before nightfall."

If a Russian ship is stopped, it will be searched and if missiles are found will be directed to proceed to another destination.

JFK+50 NOTE

Fidel Castro said,,,

 "Our arms are defensive.  Anyone who tries an arms inspection in Cuba had better come ready for combat."

SOURCES

"Act of Piracy, Castro Asserts," by George Arfeld, The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., October 24, 1962, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

"Cuban Quarantine Test Near As Russian Ship Approaches," by Garnett D. Horner, The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., October 24, 1962, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

P-SA VP-44 Over USS Barry & Metallurg Anosov

US Navy National Museum of Naval Aviation

www.picryl.com/

"AMERICAN FORCES TO PREPARE FOR ANY EVENTUALITIES"

SOVIET SHIPS BOUND FOR CUBA; U.S. SETS UP NAVAL BLOCKADE 

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) More than twenty Soviet ships are "streaming toward Cuba" today, October 23, 1962, reports The Evening Star.

The Russian vessels may be heading toward "a possible clash with American warships deployed to block delivery of  'offensive military equipment' to the island."

President John F. Kennedy announced on national radio and television last evening that the United States was responding to the discovery of Soviet nuclear missile sites in Cuba with a naval quarantine, or blockade.

The intention of the quarantine is "to stop the buildup of Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba."

President Kennedy has also ordered all American armed forces to "prepare for any eventualities."

The Star reports that the President "hinted" at the possibility of a U.S. military invasion of Cuba "if necessary."

The Kennedy administration calls upon the Soviet Union to withdraw their medium-range rockets from the island and "refrain from further action to widen or deepen the present crisis."

SOURCE

"20 Red Ships Head for Cuba; Kremlin Sees Threat of War," by Earl H. Voss, The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., October 23, 1962, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/ 

 

13 Days Calendar

Cuban Missile Crisis

October 1962

Image by Kuraplan

CC BY NC 4.0

"TOPIC IS BELIEVED TO BE CUBA"

PRESIDENT TO SPEAK TO NATION TONIGHT ON 'SUBJECT OF HIGHEST NATIONAL URGENCY'

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On October 22, 1962, The Evening Star reports that President John F. Kennedy "will speak to the Nation by television and radio at 7 p.m. tonight...on 'a subject of the highest national urgency'."

The Star says that the topic of the President's speech is "believed to be Cuba."

Mr. Kennedy has been and will be meeting with his top military and diplomatic advisers including the National Security Council, the cabinet and congressional leaders of both parties.

The Star reports about 40 United States Navy ships, 20,000 men and carrier-based aircraft have been "assembled...near Puerto Rico."

JFK+50 NOTE

Havana Radio called the military buildup by the Kennedy administration  in the Caribbean area "aggressive and provocative." 

SOURCES

"Cuban Radio Hits Buildup, Charges U.S. Provocation," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., October 22, 1962, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

"Kennedy Will Speak Tonight; 'Matter of Highest Urgency'," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., October 22, 1962, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/ 

 

 

JFK Meets With Military Advisers

The White House

www.picryl.com

Wikimedia Commons

"JFK HAS A SLIGHT UPPER RESPIRATORY INFECTION"

JFK CANCELS CAMPAIGN TRIP, RETURNS TO WASHINGTON

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On October 20, 1962, Associated Press reports that President John F. Kennedy has cancelled the rest of his campaign trip and is returning to the Nation's Capital because he has "a slight cold."

Press Secretary Pierre Salinger told the press that this was done on the advice of the President's personal physician, Dr. George Burkley.

Salinger said...

"(The President) has a slight upper respiratory infection."

As Mr. Kennedy departed his hotel in Chicago, he uncharacteristically wore "a hat on his head" and "carried a raincoat on his arm."

JFK+50 NOTE

Mr. Salinger's statement was really a "cover story" for the real reason for the cancellation of the campaign trip & return to the White House.  

The real reason was the necessity to meet with the Executive Committee of the National Security Council to discuss measures to respond to the Soviets constructing nuclear missile sites in Cuba.  

This was the beginning of the Cuban Missile Crisis.

SOURCE

"Kennedy Cold Forces End to Campaign Trip," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., October 20, 1962, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

JFK, Dean Rusk & Robert McNamara

EXCOMM Meeting

The White House

October 1962

NARA Photo

www.picryl.com/

"THANK GOD IT'S ALL OVER!"

SOVIETS 'RETREAT', MISSILES TO BE DISMANTLED & RETURNED TO RUSSIA

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) At 9 a.m. Washington time on Sunday, October 28, 1962, Radio Moscow* announced that the U.S.S.R. would dismantle their nuclear weapons in Cuba and return them to the Soviet Union.

This announcement ended the Cuban Missile Crisis on its 13th day.

Announcer Yuri Levitan said...

"The Soviet government has given a new order to dismantle the weapons and to crate and return them to the Soviet Union."

Chairman Nikita Khrushchev told the Presidium...

"To save the world we must retreat!"

President John F. Kennedy told his friend and aide David Powers...

"Do you realize that we had an air strike all arranged for Tuesday?  Thank God its all over!"

*Radio Moscow (1929-1993) a.k.a. Radio Moscow World Service was the international broadcasting station of the Soviet Union.  It broadcast in 70+ languages world wide.

SOURCE

"Radio Moscow Says Missiles In Cuba Will Be Dismantled," JFK+50, October 28, 2011, www.jfk50.blogspot.com/

Stamp of 1979

Postal Service of U.S.S.R.

PD

"JFK DISTURBED BY DEATH OF MAJ. ANDERSON"

U.S. PILOT SHOT DOWN BY SOVIET MISSILES AS HE RETURNED FROM MISSION OVER CUBA

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On October 27, 1962, President John F. Kennedy was informed in an afternoon meeting that a U2 spy plane piloted by Major Rudolf Anderson* was shot down by Soviet missiles as he returned from a mission over Cuba.

The 35 year old pilot was shot down at 11:39 a.m. on the 12th day of the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy would later write...

"The President was more disturbed by the death of Major Anderson than he was worried about (Soviet premier) Khrushchev."*

JFK+50 NOTE

JFK wrote a letter of condolence to Mrs. Anderson in which he disclosed that her husband would be awarded the Distinguished Service Medal.

*Major Rudolf Anderson, Jr. (1927-1962) was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina.  His family relocated to Greenville, SC & he graduated from Greenville High School & Clemson University (1948) where he majored in textile engineering.  Upon joining the U.S. Air Force RA was assigned to the 15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron.

SOURCES

"Day 12 of 13 Day Cuban Missile Crisis 51 Years Ago Today," JFK+50, October 27, 2013, www.jfk50.blogspot.com/

"Major Rudolf Anderson, Jr.," South Carolina Aviation Association, www.scaaonline.com/

"Upstate Air Force veteran killed during Cuban Missile Crisis honored on 63-year anniversary," Fox Carolina, October 27, 2025, www.foxcarolina.com/

U-2 Wreckage

Musco del Aire

Havana, Cuba (2002)

Photo by Vansara

"EVERYONE NEEDS PEACE, BOTH CAPITALISTS & COMMUNISTS"

KHRUSHCHEV OFFERS RESOLUTION TO MISSILE CRISIS

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On October 26, 1962, President John F. Kennedy received a letter from Soviet premier Nikita Khrushchev offering a resolution to the Cuban Missile Crisis which was in its 11th day.

Chairman Khrushchev wrote...

"Everyone needs peace.  Both capitalists and communists.  War is our enemy and a calamity for all.  We...understand...that if we attack...you will respond."

Khrushchev offered to announce Soviet ships bound for Cuba would be unarmed if the United States pledged not to invade the island.

JFK+50 NOTE

Also on Oct 26 1962, Fidel Castro sent a letter to Khrushchev saying a U.S. invasion of Cuba was "imminent."

SOURCE

"Day 11 of 13 Day Cuban Missile Crisis 51 Years Ago Today," JFK+50, October 26, 2013, www.jfk50.blogspot.com/

Nikita Khrushchev on Cover

Time Magazine

1953

www.picryl.com/

"DON'T WAIT FOR THE TRANSLATION! YES OR NO?"

STEVENSON PREPARED TO WAIT FOR SOVIET ANSWER 'UNTIL HELL FREEZES OVER'

New York City (JFK+50) On October 25, 1962, United Nations ambassador Adlai Stevenson questioned Soviet ambassador Valerian Zorin...

"Do you deny that the U.S.S.R. has placed missile in Cuba?"

Hearing no response, Stevenson said...

"Don't wait for the translation. Yes or no?"

Finally, Zorin said...

"You will receive your answer in due course."

Stevenson replied,

"I am prepared to wait for your answer until hell freezes over."

SOURCE

"Stevenson Waits For Answer 'Until Hell Freezes Over'", JFK+50, October 25, 2012, www.jfk50.blogspot.com/

UN Security Counsel

Oct 25 1962

PD-US GOV PHOTO

"IT AIN'T OVER 'TIL ITS OVER!"

SIX SOVIET SHIPS STOP SHORT OF QUARANTINE LINE

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On October 24, 1962, Day 9 of the Cuban Missile Crisis, six Soviet ships approaching the Quarantine Line 500 miles east of Cuba, according to CIA director John McCone, "stopped or reversed direction."

The news was relayed to the Cabinet Room at The White House where the Executive Committee of the National Security Council was in session.

Having come dangerously close to the start of a nuclear war, Secretary of State Dean Rusk said...

"We stood eyeball to eyeball.  The other fellow just blinked."

JFK+50 NOTE

At a dinner that evening, journalist Charles Bartlett proposed a toast to celebrate to which JFK responded, "You don't want to celebrate in the game this early," or as Yogi Berra put it, "It ain't over 'til its over!"

SOURCE

"We Stood Eyeball to Eyeball," JFK+50, October 24, 2014, www.jfk50.blogspot.com/

Navy P-211 Neptune Flying Over a Soviet Freighter

US Navy Photo

1962

"WE INTEND TO STOP YOUR SHIPS"

OAS APPROVES JFK'S QUARANTINE PROCLAMATION UNANIMOUSLY

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On October 23, 1962, the Organ of Consultation of the Organization of American States* approved Proclamation #3504, signed by President John F. Kennedy.  The proclamation states that Cuba will be under naval and air quarantine as of 2 p.m. (GMT) tomorrow.

In addition, the proclamation, approved by a unanimous vote of the OAS, stipulates...

"...force shall not be used except in case of failure or refusal to comply with directions, or with regulations or directives of the Secretary of Defense."

JFK+50 NOTE

That evening, the 8th day of the Cuban Missile Crisis, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy said to Soviet Ambassador Analtoly Dobrynin...

 "I don't know how this is going to end, but we intend to stop your ships."

*Organization of American States was established in 1948 & serves as a multi-lateral body promoting co-operation between member nations of the Western Hemisphere.

SOURCES

"O.A.S. Approves JFK Blockade Proclamation," JFK+50, October 23, 2011, www.jfk50.blogspot.com/

"One Minute To Mid-night:  Kennedy, Khrushchev and Castro On The Brink of Nuclear War," by Michael Dobbs, Published by Alfred Knopf, 2008

Flag of the Organization of American States

www.flickr.com/

"A STRICT QUARANTINE ON MILITARY SHIPMENTS TO CUBA"

JFK ADDRESSES THE NATION: WE STAND EYEBALL TO EYEBALL

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On Monday, October 22, 1962, President John F. Kennedy addressed the nation on radio and television on the continuing Cuban Missile Crisis.

The President reported that the Soviet Union has placed nuclear missiles in Cuba just 90 miles from the continental United States.  Mr. Kennedy described this as an "offensive buildup."

A "strict quarantine on all offensive military equipment shipped to Cuba is being initiated."

The President issued a dire warning to the Soviets...

"It shall be the policy of this nation to regard any nuclear missile launched from Cuba against any nation in the Western Hemisphere as an attack by the Soviet Union on the United States, requiring a full retaliatory response upon the Soviet Union."

The superpowers stood eyeball to eyeball.

JFK+50 NOTE

President Kennedy's address was carried by all radio & television networks beginning at 7 p.m. (EDT).  One hour before the speech, the Secretary of State notified the Soviet ambassador to the U.S. of its contents.

October 22, 1962, the 7th day of the Cuban Missile Crisis, also saw JFK formally establish the Executive Committee of the National Security Council with instructions for it to meet daily during the crisis.

SOURCE

"Day 7, Oct 22," 13 Days In October, JFK Library, www.jfklibrary.org/

JFK Signs Quarantine Proclamation

October 23, 1962

Photo by Cecil Stoughton (PD)

"JFK CONCERNED ABOUT GROWING 'SENSE OF PANIC'"

JFK REACHES DECISION ON RESPONSE TO SOVIET MISSILES IN CUBA

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On October 21, 1962, Day 6 of the Cuban Missile Crisis, The Washington Post reports "unusual (military) activity" in Key West*, Florida.  

The Post states...

"The sudden appearance of (U.S.) Marines...spark wide speculation as to their ultimate objective."

President John F. Kennedy, remaining in the Nation's Capital for the weekend, personally telephoned the editors of The Post and The New York Times asking them to hold their stories until he addressed the Nation Monday evening.

In an afternoon meeting with advisers in the second floor living quarters at The White House, the President expressed concern about a "sense of panic" developing in the civilian population.

President Kennedy made his decision on Sunday, October 21, 1962, to set up a naval blockade of Cuba instead of a military strike on the Soviet missile sites.

JFK+50 NOTE

A key factor in JFK's decision to blockade Cuba was a report by Gen. Walter Sweeney, Jr., head of Tactical Air Command, that an air strike on the Soviet bases would leave 10% of their nuclear missiles operational.

*Key West is the southernmost point of the United States located 130 air miles from Miami, Florida & 90 miles north of Cuba.  The island city is 4 miles long & 1 mile wide.

SOURCES

"Cuban Missile Crisis:  Day 6," JFK+50, October 21, 2014, www.jfk50.blogspot.com/

"JFK Day By Day," by Terry Golway & Les Krantz, 2010.

"TWE Remembers:  JFK Prepares to Tell the Nation About Soviet Missiles in Cuba," by James M. Lindsay, www.blogs.cfr.org/

Southernmost point Buoy

Key West, Florida

Photo by Radomianin

CC BY-SA 4.0

"GENTLEMEN, TODAY WE'RE GOING TO EARN OUR PAY"

JFK'S CHOICES IN CUBA:  AIR STRIKE OR NAVAL BLOCKADE

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On October 20, 1962, the fifth day of the Cuban Missile Crisis, Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara reported CIA estimates reveal "6000 to 8000" Soviet troops now in Cuba.

In the afternoon, President John F. Kennedy returned to The White House from campaigning in the midwest to break a deadlock among his advisers.  The question was should the United States launch an airstrike on Soviet bases in Cuba or set up a naval blockade around the island?

When the President entered the room, he said...

"Gentlemen, today we're going to earn our pay.  You should all hope that your plan isn't the one that will be accepted."

JFK+50 NOTE

According to Michael Dobbs, the actual number of Soviet troops in Cuba in October 1962 was more than 40,000.  The reason for the low ball CIA estimate was that it was roughly based on the number of ships having arrived in Cuba from the USSR.

SOURCE

"McNamara Reports Up To 8000 Soviet Troops In Cuba," JFK+50, October 20, 2015, www.jfk50.blogspot.com/

President John F. Kennedy & Secretary Robert S. McNamara

White House Cabinet Room

June 19 1961

Photo by Cecil Stoughton

JFK Library

"BOMB MISSILE SITES OR SET UP MILITARY BLOCKADE?"

JFK DISCUSSES MILITARY OPTIONS IN CUBA WITH JOINT CHIEFS

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On Day 4 of the Cuban Missile Crisis, October 19, 1962, President John F. Kennedy met with the Joint Chiefs of Staff at The White House.

The President discussed possible military options in response to the Soviet Union's placement of nuclear missile sites in Cuba.

USAF General Curtis LeMay* supported bombing the Soviet bases while Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara advocated a military blockade.

President Kennedy kept his scheduled speaking engagements in Ohio and Illinois.

JFK+50 NOTE

In one of the meetings with the Joint Chiefs, LeMay said to JFK, "Mr. President, you're in a pretty bad fix."  The President replied, "you are right there with me."

*Curtis Emerson LeMay (1906-1990) was born in Columbus, Ohio & graduated with a degree in Engineering at Ohio State University.  CEL served in WWII, Korea & Vietnam.  His military career spanned 1929-1965.

SOURCE

"Day 4, October 19," 13 Days In October, John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, www.jfklibrary.org/

JFK Visits SAC Headquarters

with Gen. Curtis LeMay & Gen. Thomas S. Power

March 7, 1962

The USAF Archive