145. Telegram From the Commander in Chief, Atlantic (Dennison) to the Commander of Special Task Group 81.8 (Clark)0
Norfolk, April 19,
1961, 11:24 a.m.
191624Z. Bumpy Road. Exclusive for Clark, info Gen Gray from Dennison.
[Page 294]- 1.
- Dispatch 2 DD to take station off Blue Beach to determine whether there is any chance for evacuation.
- 2.
- Provide air cover to protect DDs.
- 3.
- Fly recco over beach to determine situation.1
- 4.
- Report immediately by fastest possible means results observations.
- 5.
- CEF ships have been ordered to move into Blue Beach.
- 6.
- Final instructions on evacuation will follow.
- Source: Naval Historical Center, Area Files, Bumpy Road Materials. Top Secret; Emergency; Exclusive. Repeated to JCS.↩
- At 11:18 a.m., Clark reported to Dennison that he had received the following message from the CEF brigade ashore: “We are out of ammo and fighting on the beach. Please send help. We cannot hold. (Signed) Pepe.” (CTG 81.8 telegram 191618Z to CINC-LANTFLT, April 19; ibid.)↩