Sunday, January 21
Cuba expelled from the Organization of the American States (OAS).
October 15–28
Castro indicates Cuba will soon have new defenses against the US.
Castro allows Union of Soviet Socialist Republics(USSR) nuclear missiles on Cuba.
Wednesday, August 29
U-2 spy plane photos verify service-to-air missile (SAM) site under construction in La Coloma, Cuba.
Sunday, October 14
U-2 photos show medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) and intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) launch pads under construction.
Friday, October 19
Ex-Comm, group of American political leaders, discuss Cuban quarantine.
Saturday, October 20
Ex-Comm recommends quarantine.
Sunday, October 21
President John F. Kennedy orders a naval blockade of Cuba. Operation is reviewed and approved.
Monday, October 22
President John F. Kennedy addresses the public and announces a naval blockade of Cuba. US Military issues DEFCON 3.
Tuesday, October 23
Khrushchev orders Soviet ships to stop 750 miles from Cuba.
Wednesday, October 24
Soviet Union Premier Nikita Khrushchev responds to Kennedy’s message that the US blockade was an “act of aggression.” Refuses to remove missiles from Cuba. US Military issue DEFCON 2.
Thursday, October 25
Kennedy orders flights over Cuba to increase from once to twice per day.
Friday, October 26
Ex-Comm discusses plans to invade Cuba.
Soviets offer to withdraw missiles in return for a US guarantee to not invade Cuba.
Saturday, October 27
Khrushchev sends message to Kennedy that deal must include removal of US Jupiter missiles from Turkey.
US U-2F shot down with surface-to-air missile near Banes, Cuba.
Kennedy ignores first message and responds to second message.
Kennedy proposes removal of Soviet missiles from Cuba under United Nations supervision and guarantee that US would not attack Cuba.
Sunday, October 28
Khrushchev agrees to remove Soviet missiles. He accepts Kennedy’s pledge not to invade Cuba. Kennedy agrees to remove missiles from Turkey.
US announces removal of the last Soviet missiles from Cuba.
Operation Peter Pan brings Cuban children to the US.
