The Cuban Missile Crisis happened in October of 1962, when US intelligence reconnaissance flights verified reports that the USSR was building launching sites for medium-range and intermediate range nuclear missiles on the island of Cuba. The USSR wanted to achieve a more favorable balance of power, to protect the Cuban communist government of Fidel Castro, to inherit greater diplomatic leverage than the US, to damage US credibility, and to have a greater influence in Latin America.

President JFK denied military advice for a surprise attack on Cuba and instead gave the USSR a public ultimatum on October 22 He declared a naval blockade of Cuba, and withdrawal of all missiles. After two weeks the Soviet government of Nikita Khrushchev yielded. In return, Kennedy agreed to refrain from attempting an overthrow of Castro's government. All sides regarded the outcome as a substantial victory for the US, and JFK gained a reputation as a "Formidable international statesman."

Interview: Mr. Sam Depiano

What were you doing when this happened?

I was fifteen. I can remember sitting in class in high school when this was supposed to take place. Everyone was solemn and quiet. We were all waiting for something to happen.

I mean, we knew that we were going to stop the Russian boats. But, we didn't know what was going to happen next.

Was there any instructions given to you in case of a nuclear fallout?

No. Not really. I remember people telling me to wear sunglasses to protect my eyes in case the bomb dropped. Also, people said we should wear white clothing to reflect the blast.

What was going through your head when this happened?

It was too fast. It was like one moment it was there and the next moment it wasn't. I do, however, remember that this was the only time when I was truly frightened by the idea of a nuclear war. How could we know what would happen? I didn't know if I was going to see the blast or hear a noise. It was the type of thing when it could be all over.