How President Kennedy's assassination almost started World War 3 (319)

Cold War Conversations Podcast

Ian Sanders

Society & Culture, Documentary, History

4.8 • 758 Ratings

🗓️ 22 November 2023

⏱️ 51 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

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

Transcript

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0:00.0	Welcome to Cold War Conversations, the home of real stories of the Cold War.
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1:27.5	On the 23rd of November, 1963, at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea,
	...

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