Office of the Historian

195. Memorandum From the Secretary of the Air Force (Zuckert) to Secretary of Defense McNamara0

Washington, May 3, 1961.

This is a follow-up to our discussion on Cuba yesterday morning. The Air Staff, in conjunction with the Tactical Air Command, has prepared a plan which would airdrop six Army battle groups plus necessary support (roughly two Airborne Divisions) into Cuba. This operation could start within 28 hours after receipt of the order of execution and would require 114 hours to complete. Fifty-seven squadrons of troop carrier airlift would be used, including 16 squadrons of Reserve Forces C-119ʼs. The use of the Reserve squadrons is consistent with their combat capability and is necessary to preclude stretching out the assault time and thereby reducing surprise and shock effect.

The plan is now in being in outline form1 and work is underway in developing the details. It is being coordinated with the Army.

I recommend you consider the type operation envisaged in this plan before any firm Department of Defense decision is made in this regard.

EZ
  1. Source: Washington National Records Center, RG 330, OASD (C) Files: FRC 71 A 2896, Cuba 381 (Sensitive). Top Secret. A note on the source text indicates that McNamara saw the memorandum.↩
  2. Not found.↩