135. Telegram From the Commander of Special Task Group 81.8 (Clark) to the Commander in Chief, Atlantic (Dennison)0
USS Essex, Caribbean, April 18, 1961,
11:52 p.m.
190452Z. Bumpy Road. Exclusive for Dennison from Clark.
- 1.
- Following clear text from Brigade Commander to base intercepted “Do you people realize how desperate the situation is? Do you back us up or quit? All we want is low jet cover and jet close support. Enemy has this support. I need it badly or cannot survive. Please donʼt desert us. Am out of tank and bazooka ammo. Tanks will hit me at dawn. I will not be evacuated. Will fight to the end if we have to. Need medical supplies urgently.”
- 2.
- Following intercepted from Marsopa1 “If we cannot get Santiago to cover us on way in and out and low jet cover feel Cuban crew will mutiny. Crew ready to mutiny now. Request immed answer.”