Thirteen Days

In the autumn of 1962, U-2 spy planes revealed alarming intelligence about Soviet missile installations in Cuba. This discovery escalated tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union, bringing the world closer to nuclear conflict.

Faced with the nuclear threat from Cuba, President Kennedy and his advisors convened an urgent meeting to discuss their options. The Joint Chiefs of Staff urged for swift military action, including invading Cuba, raising concerns about the possibility of a cataclysmic war.

Understanding the catastrophic potential of military strikes, Kennedy hesitated to escalate the situation. He recalled lessons from historical conflicts that highlighted how outdated tactics could lead to disastrous outcomes.

As tensions mounted, Kennedy's administration opted for a 'quarantine' rather than a full blockade of Cuba. This approach allowed U.S. naval forces to intercept ships while adhering to international law and avoiding direct conflict.

The Soviet Union's response to the U.S. quarantine was ambiguous, leading some ships to retreat. Secretary of State Dean Rusk famously noted that they were 'eyeball to eyeball' with the Soviets, suggesting a tense standoff.

ABC News correspondent John A. Scali became involved in a secret diplomatic initiative when Soviet emissary Aleksandr Fomin contacted him. This initiated discreet communications aimed at defusing the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Through veiled communications, Soviets offered to withdraw their missiles from Cuba in exchange for U.S. assurances against invading the island. However, misinterpretations led the Kennedy administration to respond only to less favorable proposals.

At a critical moment, the Pentagon raised its alert status to DEFCON 2, indicating a near-war readiness. Coupled with a nuclear test and a missile launch, this significantly heightened the stakes of the crisis.

In an effort to gather intelligence, President Kennedy approved a reconnaissance mission involving a U-2 spy plane. Tragically, the plane was shot down, resulting in the death of pilot Rudolf Anderson, underscoring the dangers of the ongoing conflict.

President Kennedy sought one final diplomatic effort by sending his brother, Robert F. Kennedy, to discuss the situation with Soviet Ambassador Anatoly Dobrynin. This high-stakes negotiation was marked by urgency and trust issues.

During critical discussions, Bobby Kennedy laid out demands for the Soviets to dismantle their missile capabilities in Cuba while ensuring no U.S. invasion would occur. The Soviets countered with demands regarding U.S. missiles in Turkey.

Ultimately, the Soviets agreed to withdraw their missiles from Cuba, marking a significant de-escalation of tensions. This agreement was a relief to both nations and a major step toward averting nuclear war.

As the crisis waned, President Kennedy took the time to compose a letter of condolence for the family of Rudolf Anderson, reflecting on the human cost of the confrontation. This act weighed heavily on his conscience as a leader.

The film concludes with President Kennedy’s commencement address at American University, emphasizing the ongoing hope for peace amid global turmoil. His words resonated with the enduring aspiration to promote understanding and cooperation.