The Bay of Pigs

From the shadowy world of the CIA to the desperate actions of exiles seeking to return home, this dramatic story reveals how Cold War politics were played out on the battlefield.

The landings by the Cuban exile Assault Brigade 2506 at the Bay of Pigs on April 17, 1961 led to three days of savage but unequal combat. Before they even sailed for Cuba, a White House decision had condemned them to constant attacks by Castro's air force, which sank two of their ships loaded with vital supplies and equipment. Despite stubborn resistance to Castro's troops and tanks, and heroic sorties by Cuban and American B-26 pilots, the Brigade was strangled for lack of firepower and ammunition.

Their story is illustrated with rare photos from Brigade veterans, and detailed color plates of the uniforms and insignia of both sides.