How President Kennedy's assassination almost started World War 3
On 23rd Nov 1963 at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea a detachment of US Air Force B-57 Canberra bombers were parked on an alert pad each with a live nuclear weapon in their bomb bay and ready to fly at a moment’s notice.
At 0400 klaxon horns aroused the crews from their slumber and they rushed to their waiting aircraft, for what they likely thought was just one more drill
But this morning was different.
As the crew strapped themselves into their cockpits, they were told to await a signal to fly their war mission…
With targets in North Korea, China, and the Soviet Far East, the aircrews instinctively knew they would be flying one-way missions. But they had no idea as to why they were facing potential oblivion.
I talk with US Marine Veteran John F. Davies who has researched the little-known story of the military response to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
Extra episode info including videos here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode319/
Do you have any further information about this episode, contact John via email at JFD3vet "at"protonmail.com
The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, We also welcome one-off donations via the same link.
Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/
Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/
Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations
Love history? Check out Into History at this link https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod
0:00 Introduction and background
1:34 John Davies' military service and reaction to JFK's assassination
6:38 Initial military reaction to JFK's assassination and subsequent actions
11:18 Events unfolding in Washington post JFK's assassination and transition of command authority
16:13 Dean Rusk's and Admiral Harry D. Felt's response to JFK's assassination
20:45 The military response in Europe and Strategic Air Command situation
26:21 Exceptions in the military response - Fort Bliss, Texas and Cuba
31:46 President Johnson's return to Washington and easing of crisis atmosphere
34:09 Changes in command and control post November '63 and handling of information
43:41 Reflections on the importance of telling this story and predictions on Kennedy's continued presidency
46:29 Acknowledgement of financial supporters and Facebook discussion group
Chapters powered by PodcastAI✨
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
At 0400 klaxon horns aroused the crews from their slumber and they rushed to their waiting aircraft, for what they likely thought was just one more drill
But this morning was different.
As the crew strapped themselves into their cockpits, they were told to await a signal to fly their war mission…
With targets in North Korea, China, and the Soviet Far East, the aircrews instinctively knew they would be flying one-way missions. But they had no idea as to why they were facing potential oblivion.
I talk with US Marine Veteran John F. Davies who has researched the little-known story of the military response to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
Extra episode info including videos here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode319/
Do you have any further information about this episode, contact John via email at JFD3vet "at"protonmail.com
The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, We also welcome one-off donations via the same link.
Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/
Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/
Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations
Love history? Check out Into History at this link https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod
0:00 Introduction and background
1:34 John Davies' military service and reaction to JFK's assassination
6:38 Initial military reaction to JFK's assassination and subsequent actions
11:18 Events unfolding in Washington post JFK's assassination and transition of command authority
16:13 Dean Rusk's and Admiral Harry D. Felt's response to JFK's assassination
20:45 The military response in Europe and Strategic Air Command situation
26:21 Exceptions in the military response - Fort Bliss, Texas and Cuba
31:46 President Johnson's return to Washington and easing of crisis atmosphere
34:09 Changes in command and control post November '63 and handling of information
43:41 Reflections on the importance of telling this story and predictions on Kennedy's continued presidency
46:29 Acknowledgement of financial supporters and Facebook discussion group
Chapters powered by PodcastAI✨
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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