John Fitzgerald Kennedy Biography

Birth of John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Brookline, Mass

Publication of "Why England Slept", problems with dictators before World War II

Publication of "Why England Slept", problems with dictators before World War II

Elected Member of House of Representitives

Elected Congressman for Massachusetts 1947-1953

Elected Member of Senate

Marries Jacqueline Bouvier

Appointed Member of Foreign Relations Committee

Winner of the Pullitzer Prize for "Profiles In Courage"

At Geneva refuses to accept the neutrality of South Vietnam

Warned by de Gaulle that Vietnam is a "bottomless military & political swamp". Agrees to a "neutral & independent" Laos at Geneva

In the 1960 presidential election, both main candidates, Richard Nixon of the Republican Party and John F. Kennedy of the Democratic Party, campaigned on the issue of Cuba, both taking a hardline stance on Castro

Increases personnel in South Vietnam to over 16,000 & permits them to go into combat

At Geneva refuses to accept the neutrality of South Vietnam

Agrees to a "neutral & independent" Laos at Geneva

Appointed Presidential candidate for the Democratic Party

During a televised debate with Kennedy Nixon appears drawn & makes the mistake of using "lazy shave" face powder

During a televised debate with Kennedy Nixon appears drawn & makes the mistake of using "lazy shave" face powder

Kennedy criticises Castro and supports stronger opposition to the Cuban government.

Kennedy campaigns on a hard line toward Castro during the presidential election.

Defeats Richard Nixon by 49.9% to 49.6% of the popular vote

Defeats Richard Nixon by 49.9% to 49.6% of the popular vote. Becomes the youngest ever President & the 1st Catholic. Appointed President of the USA, 35th President

Dulles and Bissell brief President-elect Kennedy on the developing Cuban invasion plan.

Kennedy receives his first detailed briefing on the planned Cuban exile operation.

Commits $20 billion to the "sister republics" in aid to Latin America over 10 yrs

Commits $20 billion to the "sister republics" in aid to Latin America over 10 yrs

Passes the Trade Expansion Act to try & establish an Atlantic Free Trade Zone

Commits $20 billion to the "sister republics" in aid to Latin America over 10 yrs

"The goal, before the decade is out, of landing a man on the moon"

Passes the Trade Expansion Act to try & establish an Atlantic Free Trade Zone

Passes the Trade Expansion Act to try & establish an Atlantic Free Trade Zone

Allen Dulles later stated, CIA planners believed that once the troops were on the ground, Kennedy would authorize any action required to prevent failure as Eisenhower had done in Guatemala in 1954 after that invasion looked as if it would collapse.

The United States joins European central banks in pooling gold to defend the official price.

Announces doubled Minuteman production

US backing includes new equipment and more than 3,000 military advisers

"The goal, before the decade is out, of landing a man on the moon"

B-52 & B-47 nuclear bombers placed on crisis footing & half are on a 15 minute alert. Announces doubled Minuteman production

Announces the Polaris building program will be doubled for the year

Kennedy announces that the Polaris submarine missile building program will be doubled for the year

Kennedy administration policy treats Polaris submarines as a central part of the American strategic deterrent

Passes the Trade Expansion Act to try & establish an Atlantic Free Trade Zone

Kennedy inherits a policy intended to remove Castro and reduce Soviet influence in Cuba.

Inaugurated President of the USA, 35th President, youngest ever President

Kennedy enters office with the CIA Cuban invasion project already well advanced.

Kennedy directs continuation of propaganda, political action, sabotage, infiltration and overflight activities while military review proceeds.

Kennedy is briefed on a plan, code-named Operation Pluto, for a ship-borne invasion force to land near Trinidad, Cuba.

Kennedy is briefed on Operation Pluto, an invasion plan proposing a landing near Trinidad, Cuba.

Announces plans for a corps of volunteers to improve conditions in undeveloped nations

Kennedy reviews a proposed landing near Trinidad at the Escambray Mountains.

Kennedy reviews the proposed landing near Trinidad and the Escambray Mountains.

Kennedy asked Asks advisers whether the toppling of Castro might be related to weapon shipments and if it was possible to claim the real targets were modern fighter aircraft and rockets which endangered Americas securit

Announces the Peace Corps has been created

Announces the Peace Corps has been created

Kennedy demands a less conspicuous landing site than Trinidad.

"the security of South East Asia will be endagered if Laos loses its independence"

"the security of South East Asia will be endagered if Laos loses its independence"

"the security of South East Asia will be endagered if Laos loses its independence"

Kennedy suggests reconnaissance spying flights using Laotian markings

A Radio Moscow broadcast predicts an imminent CIA-supported invasion of Cuba.

Kennedy advisers note a Soviet broadcast predicting an imminent invasion of Cuba.

At about 06:00 Cuban time, eight Douglas B-26B Invader bombers attacked three Cuban airfields in three groups.

They struck San Antonio de los Banos, Ciudad Libertad near Havana, and Antonio Maceo International Airport at Santiago de Cuba.

Operation Puma calls for sustained strikes against Cuban aircraft and airfields.

Exile B-26 aircraft attack three Cuban airfields before the main landing.

Kennedy is informed that strikes hit airfields near Havana and Santiago de Cuba.

Cancels or limits further overt air strikes before the landing phase of the operation

Bomber aircraft displaying Cuban Fuerza Aerea Revolucionaria markings bomb the Cuban airfields of San Antonio de Los Bacos, Antonio Maceo International Airport, and the airfield at Ciudad Libertad

Kennedy decides against giving the faltering invasion US air support (though four US pilots were killed in Cuba during the invasion) because of his opposition to overt intervention.

Operation Puma, the code name given to the offensive counter air attacks against the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces, called for 48 hours of air strikes.

Kennedy permits the exile operation but refuses deployment of conventional United States forces.

Kennedy authorises a limited one-hour Navy fighter cover mission for the brigade's final B-26 operation.

Kennedy tells Khrushchev that the United States intends no military intervention while defending the aspirations of anti-Castro Cubans.

Kennedy denies intended United States military intervention while defending Cuban exiles.

Kennedy authorises limited fighter protection for the final exile B-26 mission.

The invasion force of Cuban exiles has been killed or captured by Castro

Kennedy states that responsibility for the operation rests with the President.

President Kennedy asked General Maxwell D. Taylor, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, Admiral Arleigh Burke and CIA Director Allen Dulles to form the Cuba Study Group, to report on lessons to learn from the failed operation

President Kennedy asked General Maxwell D. Taylor, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, Admiral Arleigh Burke and CIA Director Allen Dulles to form the Cuba Study Group, to report on lessons to learn from the failed operation

The Act provides loans and assistance to regions experiencing persistent unemployment.

Commits the United States to landing a man on the Moon.

Kennedy attends a summit with Premier Khrushchev in Vienna to discuss cold war confrontations between the east & west, in particular the situation in Berlin

The failure of the two leaders to resolve any of their differences during the summit led Khrushchev to view Kennedy as a weak president. Kennedy attends a summit with Premier Khrushchev in Vienna to discuss cold war confrontations between the east & west, in particular the situation in Berlin

Russia & the USA agree to enforce a truce within their areas of influence. Kennedy & Khrushchev meet to avoid direct confrontation between USA & Russia

Khruschev threatens to settle with East Germany if a peace Treaty is not agreed

The Kennedy administration continues covert operations against Cuba, later launching the Cuban Project to "help Cuba overthrow the Communist regime"

The Kennedy administration continues covert operations against Cuba, later launching the Cuban Project to "help Cuba overthrow the Communist regime"

The Kennedy administration continues covert operations against Cuba, later launching the Cuban Project to "help Cuba overthrow the Communist regime". Elizabeth II entertains President Kennedy

Calls for an extra $3.25 billion in defense spending & an increase in US & NATO forces

Calls for an extra $3.25 billion in defense spending & an increase in US & NATO forces

Announces on TV Berlin had become "the great testing place of Western courage & will"

Increases the US garrison in Berlin by 1,500

Kennedy receives authority to impose broader trade restrictions against Cuba.

Signs a law making the Peace Corps permanent

Signs a law making the Peace Corps permanent

Signs legislation creating the United States Arms Control and Disarmament Agency.

B-26s & SC-47s are redesignated as "reconnaissance bombers"

Kennedy authorizes fighter bomber trainers to the Bien Hoa Air Base

Kennedy sends General Taylor & advisers to discuss troop support for Diem

Kennedy sends General Taylor & advisers to discuss troop support for Diem

Kennedy changes senior CIA leadership after the Bay of Pigs inquiry and reassessment of covert operations.

Kennedy authorises development of a new covert programme against Castro.

President Kennedy authorized Operation Mongoose, a covert programme directed against Fidel Castro's government.

300 US helicopter pilots in "Eagle Flight" units arrive in Vietnam

US helicopters arrive at docks in South Vietnam along with 400 US personnel

Farm Gate aircraft are authorized to fly combat missions

The goal is to clear vegetation alongside highways to prevent Vietcong concealment. Forests are sprayed with "Agent Orange," an herbicide containing deadly dioxin

The US & Russia withdraw their tanks from the Berlin Wall

The US & Russia withdraw their tanks from the Berlin Wall

US helicopters ferry 1,000 South Vietnamese soldiers to sweep an NFL stroghold

Farm Gate aircraft fly their 1st combat mission

Bombing trails used by the Viet Cong, 6 million acres treated with herbicides by 1971

In response to the Cuban alignment with the Soviet Union during the Cold War, President John F. Kennedy extended measures by Executive Order, widening the scope of the trade restrictions

In response to the Cuban alignment with the Soviet Union during the Cold War, President John F. Kennedy extended measures by Executive Order, widening the scope of the trade restrictions

In response to the Cuban alignment with the Soviet Union during the Cold War, President John F. Kennedy extended measures by Executive Order, widening the scope of the trade restrictions

States on TV that in space America must "be in a position 2nd to none"

Appears on US TV & states that in space America must "be in a position 2nd to none"

States on TV that in space America must "be in a position 2nd to none"

5,000 troops are present in South Vietnam

Orders the 7th Fleet to Indochina after Pathet Lao overuns most of Northern Laos

Orders the 7th Fleet to Indochina after Pathet Lao overuns most of Northern Laos

Senate rejects medicare for the aged

The US performs nuclear tests at the Nevada test site

An greement signed by 14 nations guarentees the neutrality & independence of Laos

An greement signed by 14 nations guarentees the neutrality & independence of Laos

An greement signed by 14 nations guarentees the neutrality & independence of Laos

An greement signed by 14 nations guarentees the neutrality & independence of Laos

An greement signed by 14 nations guarentees the neutrality & independence of Laos

Kennedy publicly warned that offensive weapons introduced into Cuba would create the gravest consequences.

Kennedy repeated that the United States would act if Cuba became a significant offensive military base.

Kennedy signed legislation authorizing measures to prevent Cuban aggression and Soviet military expansion in the hemisphere.

Following the Geneva Agreement military advisers & technicians are withdrawn from Laos

Following the Geneva Agreement military advisers & technicians are withdrawn from Laos

Following the Geneva Agreement military advisers & technicians are withdrawn from Laos

A Congressional resolution affirms the rights of western nations in Berlin

A Congressional resolution affirms the rights of western nations in Berlin

The Act grants authority to negotiate substantial reciprocal tariff reductions.

Kennedy convened his principal advisers at 11:45 a.m. to examine the missile evidence and possible responses.

Kennedy ordered continued secrecy while advisers studied the risks of surprise attack, quarantine, and invasion.

Kennedy ordered that the discovery of Soviet missiles remain secret while his advisers evaluated military and diplomatic options.

Kennedy continued reviewing air-strike, invasion, quarantine, and diplomatic alternatives with his advisers.

Kennedy told Soviet Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko that the United States would not tolerate offensive missiles in Cuba; Gromyko denied that offensive Soviet weapons were being deployed.

Kennedy restated his public warning to Gromyko without revealing that the missile sites had been photographed.

Kennedy met Soviet Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko while withholding knowledge of the photographed missile sites.

Kennedy maintained scheduled campaign appearances while secret crisis deliberations continued in Washington.

Kennedy left Washington for campaign appearances while advisers continued secret deliberations about Cuba.

Kennedy returned to Washington and presided over a National Security Council meeting on the response.

The White House announced that Kennedy had a cold as he cancelled remaining campaign appearances.

Kennedy selected a naval quarantine as the initial response while retaining stronger military options.

Kennedy reviewed the quarantine proclamation, military rules, and the planned address to the nation.

Orders a weapons blockade of Cuba because of its Soviet missile sites

Kennedy orders naval interception of offensive weapons shipments to Cuba during the missile crisis.

Kennedy informs the world that the Soviet Union was building secret missile bases in Cuba, a mere 90 miles off the shores of Florida.

Kennedy orders Khrushchev to remove all the missile bases and their deadly contents. Kennedy orders a naval quarantine of Cuba in order to prevent Russian ships from bringing additional missiles and construction materials.

Kennedy addressed the nation and revealed the Soviet offensive missile deployment in Cuba.

Kennedy announced a naval quarantine intended to prevent further deliveries of offensive military equipment.

Kennedy briefed congressional leaders before publicly announcing the crisis.

Kennedy demanded dismantlement of the missile sites and removal of the offensive weapons from Cuba.

Kennedy warned that a nuclear missile launched from Cuba would require retaliation against the Soviet Union.

Kennedy formally established the Executive Committee of the National Security Council.

Orders a weapons blockade of Cuba because of its Soviet missile sites

The Organisation of American States unanimously supports the US decision to quarantine Cuba and , by the end of the day, all naval vessels are in place. Reconnaissance photos reveal that Soviet missiles are poised for launch.

Kennedy signed the proclamation establishing interdiction of offensive weapons shipments to Cuba.

Kennedy approved continued invasion preparations while excluding food and medicine from the initial quarantine.

Kennedy approved instructions for naval forces enforcing the quarantine while seeking to avoid an unnecessary clash with Soviet ships.

The Organisation of American States unanimously supports the US decision to quarantine Cuba &, by the end of the day, all naval vessels are in place

Kennedy reported that several Soviet ships had altered course as the quarantine took effect. Strategic Air Command was ordered to DEFCON 2, the highest readiness level it had yet reached.

Kennedy monitored the first day of quarantine operations as several Soviet vessels slowed, stopped, or changed course.

Kennedy replied to U Thant and affirmed his desire for a peaceful and verifiable settlement.

Kennedy wrote Khrushchev that Soviet assurances had been contradicted by clear evidence of offensive missile bases in Cuba.

Khrushchev sends a letter to Kennedy suggesting that the sites would be dismantled if the United States gave its reassurance that it would not invade Cuba.

Kennedy delayed military action to allow additional time for diplomacy after receiving Khrushchev's proposal.

Kennedy answered Khrushchev's first proposal and offered a non-invasion assurance after verified missile removal.

Kennedy postponed retaliation for the U-2 loss while advisers pursued a diplomatic solution.

Kennedy chose to answer Khrushchev's earlier, more conciliatory proposal while leaving the public demand concerning Turkey unanswered.

Kennedy authorized Robert Kennedy to tell Dobrynin privately that American Jupiter missiles in Turkey would later be removed.

Kennedy welcomed Khrushchev's decision as an important contribution to peace.

Kennedy directed officials to continue verification and quarantine measures until Soviet offensive weapons were actually removed.

Welcomes Krushchevs offer to remove missiles from Cuba. Khruschev removes the missiles but on the understanding the USA does not invade Cuba

Kennedy instructed his advisers to handle the settlement cautiously while reconnaissance monitored dismantling at Cuban missile sites.

Kennedy ordered the naval quarantine lifted after agreement on removal of the Soviet IL-28 bombers.

Kennedy meets Macmillan at Nassau to resolve the Skybolt crisis and discuss a substitute nuclear system

Castro and James Donovan, a U.S. lawyer sign an agreement to exchange the 1,113 prisoners for $53 million US dollars in food and medicine, the money is raised privately

Castro and James Donovan, a U.S. lawyer sign an agreement to exchange the 1,113 prisoners for $53 million US dollars in food and medicine, the money is raised privately

Kennedy administration legal officer Milan Miskovsky assists Donovan during the exchange negotiations.

Kennedy agrees that the United States will make Polaris missiles available to Britain after Skybolt cancellation

The Nassau settlement forms the basis for the later Polaris Sales Agreement between the United States and Britain

Kennedy is informed that Castro and Donovan have signed the prisoner exchange agreement.

Kennedy addresses returned Brigade 2506 members at the Orange Bowl after their release from Cuban prisons.

Sends 3,000 troops to Thailand on the Laos border to counter Vietcong insurgence

Representatives from over 90 countries, including the Soviet Union, attend the funeral, after the service, the casket is taken by caisson to Arlington National Cemetery for burial

The US & 22 Latin American countries sign a charter defending democracy

Kennedy promotes alliance nuclear consultation while seeking to discourage separate national nuclear forces

France refuses to join the Anglo-American nuclear pact

France refuses to join the Anglo-American nuclear pact. Agrees to sell Polaris to Britain

Kennedy administration officials continue work on converting the Nassau settlement into detailed supply arrangements

Agrees to sell Polaris to Britain

The US & 22 Latin American countries sign a charter for "democratic Government"

The United States signs the Polaris Sales Agreement with Britain to supply Polaris missile systems

The Act prohibits specified sex-based wage differentials for substantially equal work.

Responds to Birmingham events by urging federal civil rights legislation.

Kennedy visits West Berlin "Ich bin ein Berliner" (I am a Berliner)

Kennedy visits West Berlin "Ich bin ein Berliner" (I am a Berliner)

The United States, Soviet Union and Great Britain sign the Limited Test Ban Treaty.

Signs the United States instrument of ratification for the Limited Test Ban Treaty.

Kennedy approves a coup by South Vietnamese Army officers & Diem is assassinated

Kennedy approves a coup by Vietnamese Army officers during which Diem is assassinated. Kennedy approves a coup by South Vietnamese Army officers & Diem is assassinated

The motorcade route is published is published in both Dallas newspapers. The motorcade route is described in both Dallas newspapers

At 1:00 p.m., CST (19:00 UTC), after all heart activity had ceased and after a priest administered the last rites, the President is pronounced dead

After Air Force One lands at Andrews Air Force Base, just outside Washington, D.C., Kennedys body is taken to Bethesda Naval Hospital for an immediate autopsy

At 1:00 p.m., CST (19:00 UTC), after all heart activity had ceased and after a priest administered the last rites, the President is pronounced dead. Assassinated while on a Presidential campaign

A few minutes after 2:00 p.m. CST (20:00 UTC), and after a confrontation between Dallas police and Secret Service agents, Kennedys body is placed in a casket and taken from Parkland Hospital and driven to Air Force One

After Air Force One lands at Andrews Air Force Base, just outside Washington, D.C., Kennedys body is taken to Bethesda Naval Hospital for an immediate autopsy

The body is removed before a forensic examination can be conducted by the Dallas County coroner, which violated Texas state law (the murder was a state crime, and occurred under Texas legal jurisdiction)

The Warren Commission later concludes that Lee Harvey Oswald is the lone assassin

The autopsy of President Kennedy was concluded at approximately 11 p.m. at Bethesda Naval Hospital.

Photographs of President Kennedy were taken at Bethesda as part of the preliminary autopsy documentation.

After the autopsy ended, President Kennedy's body was prepared for burial at Bethesda Naval Hospital.

President Kennedy's body arrived at Bethesda Naval Hospital for autopsy at approximately 7:35 p.m.

Two small irregular metallic fragments were recovered from Kennedy's head during the Bethesda autopsy and transferred to the FBI.

X-rays showed numerous tiny metal fragments extending from the rear head wound toward the front of Kennedy's skull.

The Bethesda X-rays showed a sizable metallic fragment positioned above President Kennedy's right eye.

The autopsy found that the neck bullet passed between two large muscles without leaving a permanent channel through either muscle.

The Bethesda pathologists found that the bullet passing through Kennedy's neck did not strike any bone.

The posterior neck wound measured approximately seven by four millimeters and had clean, sharply defined edges.

The Bethesda autopsy report listed the pathological cause of President Kennedy's death as a gunshot wound to the head.

The pathological examination of President Kennedy began at Bethesda at about 8 p.m. on November 22.

The autopsy report recorded Kennedy as 46 years old, 72.5 inches tall, approximately 170 pounds, with blue eyes and reddish-brown hair.

The neck bullet produced a contusion on the upper part of Kennedy's pleural cavity without penetrating that cavity.

The autopsy revealed another bullet wound near the base of Kennedy's neck, slightly to the right of his spine.

The autopsy identified a small wound in the rear of Kennedy's skull as a bullet entrance wound.

Preliminary X-rays of President Kennedy were taken at Bethesda before the pathological examination began.

The Bethesda examination found bruising at the top portion of President Kennedy's right lung along the neck bullet's path.

The pathologists identified the large defect on the upper right side of Kennedy's skull as the head bullet's exit area.

Recovered skull fragments were fitted together during the Bethesda examination, accounting for much of the missing portion of Kennedy's skull.

The examining pathologists concluded that the neck bullet damaged Kennedy's trachea as it passed through his neck.

The front neck wound could not be directly examined because the Parkland tracheotomy incision had removed visible evidence of that wound.

Death of John Fitzgerald Kennedy, assassinated

Death of John F Kennedy

At 1:00 p.m., CST (19:00 UTC), after all heart activity had ceased and after a priest administered the last rites, the President is pronounced dead. A few minutes after 2:00 p.m. CST (20:00 UTC), and after a confrontation between Dallas police and Secret Service agents, Kennedys body is placed in a casket and taken from Parkland Hospital and driven to Air Force One

The Warren Commission later concludes that Lee Harvey Oswald is the lone assassin

At 1:00 p.m., CST (19:00 UTC), after all heart activity had ceased and after a priest administered the last rites, the President is pronounced dead. A few minutes after 2:00 p.m.

CST (20:00 UTC), and after a confrontation between Dallas police and Secret Service agents, Kennedys body is placed in a casket and taken from Parkland Hospital and driven to Air Force One

The Very Rev. Oscar L. Huber, the priest who administered the last rites to Kennedy told The New York Times that the President was already dead by the time he had arrived at the hospital.

The Warren Commission later concludes that Lee Harvey Oswald is the lone assassin

Preparation of President Kennedy's body for burial was completed at approximately 4 a.m. on November 23.

After the burial preparation was completed, President Kennedy's body left Bethesda for the White House East Room.

Representatives from over 90 countries, including the Soviet Union, attend the funeral, after the service, the casket is taken by caisson to Arlington National Cemetery for burial