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/
