CIA Planning Supervised
Bissell supervises the officers developing the exile invasion operation.
Role range: 1960-1962 – 1959-1962
Historical biography archive · Updated 2026-11-03
Richard M Bissell Biography and Timeline
Follow Richard M Bissell through 11 dated historical records for United States of America.
Richard M Bissell, historical timeline
A chronological timeline drawn from matching World History Database records.
11Distinct records
1 of 1Page
1960–1961Years on this page
1960
Strike Force Concept Developed
Bissell shifts planning from small infiltrations toward a large amphibious assault.
Role range: 1960-1962 – 1959-1962
Kennedy Briefed by CIA
Bissell joins Dulles in briefing President-elect Kennedy on the invasion concept.
Role range: 1960-1962 – 1959-1962
1961
Revolutionary Council Formation Discussed
Bissell discusses creation of a Cuban Revolutionary Council to provide political leadership for the anti-Castro operation.
Role range: 1960-1962 – 1959-1962
Civilian Military Relations Reviewed
Bissell reviews Cuban civilian-military relations and links between exile political leaders, the strike force and Joint Chiefs staff.
Role range: 1960-1962 – 1959-1962
Revised Zapata Plan Prepared
Bissell works with CIA planners to prepare a revised military plan meeting White House political restrictions.
Role range: 1960-1962 – 1959-1962
Movement to Nicaragua Delayed
Bissell coordinates a twenty-four-hour delay in moving the strike force from Guatemala toward Nicaragua.
Role range: 1960-1962 – 1959-1962
Strike and Diversion Plans Briefed
Bissell receives a war-room briefing on the main strike force and the separate Diaz diversion.
Role range: 1960-1962 – 1959-1962
D-Day Air Strike Protest
Bissell joins Cabell in arguing that cancellation of the dawn strikes leaves Castro's remaining aircraft able to attack the brigade.
Role range: 1960-1962 – 1959-1962
Cuba Study Group Hearings
Testifies or is questioned during post-invasion reviews of CIA planning
Role range: 1960-1962 – 1959-1962
CIA Operations Leadership Departure
Bissell leaves senior CIA operational leadership after criticism of the planning and execution of the Bay of Pigs invasion.
Role range: 1960-1962 – 1959-1962
Records, sources and methodology
These dates and descriptions come from the historical_events database. Exact duplicate records have been collapsed. Names are grouped by the country, Name 2 and Name 1 fields; records with missing Name 2 cannot be reliably assigned to an individual biography. Check the underlying sources before formal citation.