Richard M Bissell Biography

Bissell receives responsibility for developing the CIA operation authorised by Eisenhower.

Bissell supervises the officers developing the exile invasion operation.

Bissell shifts planning from small infiltrations toward a large amphibious assault.

Bissell joins Dulles in briefing President-elect Kennedy on the invasion concept.

Bissell discusses creation of a Cuban Revolutionary Council to provide political leadership for the anti-Castro operation.

Bissell reviews Cuban civilian-military relations and links between exile political leaders, the strike force and Joint Chiefs staff.

Bissell works with CIA planners to prepare a revised military plan meeting White House political restrictions.

Bissell coordinates a twenty-four-hour delay in moving the strike force from Guatemala toward Nicaragua.

Bissell receives a war-room briefing on the main strike force and the separate Diaz diversion.

Bissell joins Cabell in arguing that cancellation of the dawn strikes leaves Castro's remaining aircraft able to attack the brigade.

Testifies or is questioned during post-invasion reviews of CIA planning

Bissell leaves senior CIA operational leadership after criticism of the planning and execution of the Bay of Pigs invasion.