Exceptionally Fine Photo Signed by President Kennedy & The Men Who Diverted Nuclear HolocaustOn October 22, 1962, after reviewing newly acquired intelligence, President John F. Kennedy informed the world that the Soviet Union was building secret missile bases in Cuba, a mere 90 miles off the shores of Florida. After weighing options with his Joint Chiefs of Staff, including an armed invasion of Cuba and air strikes against the missiles, Kennedy decided on a less dangerous response. In addition to demanding that Russian Premier Nikita S. Khrushchev remove all the missile bases and their deadly contents, Kennedy ordered a naval quarantine (blockade) of Cuba in order to prevent Russian ships from bringing additional missiles and construction materials to the island. In response to the American naval blockade, Premier Khrushchev authorized his Soviet field commanders in Cuba to launch their tactical nuclear weapons if invaded by U.S. forces. Deadlocked in this manner, the two leaders of the world's greatest nuclear superpowers stared each other down for seven days - until Khrushchev blinked. On October 28, thinking better of prolonging his challenge to the United States, the Russian Premier conceded to President Kennedy's demands by ordering all Soviet supply ships away from Cuban waters and agreeing to remove the missiles from Cuba's mainland. After several days of teetering on the brink of nuclear holocaust, the world breathed a sigh of relief.
Paying tribute to the key decision makers who helped guide the United States to perhaps the most critical victory in modern conflict, presented here is a beautiful oversized image of President John F. Kennedy and his 1962 Joint Chiefs of Staff: Lyman Lemnitzer, David M. Shoup, George H. Decker, George Anderson and Curtis LeMay. The Joint Chiefs of Staff, constituted in 1947 to advise the President and the Secretary of State, consists of a chairman and the highest ranking officers of the military branches. The image, which is placed upon a professional photographers mat, measures approximately 15” x 14” and is beautifully hand signed along the matte by all six featured within the photo, the highlight being a choice black ink signature from President Kennedy. Attractively matted in grey suede along with a small descriptive plaque and housed in a tasteful executive gilt finish frame, measuring 21” x 20” overall.
Without question, this is one of the rarest and most significant signed photographs of President Kennedy in existence. Commissioned by the White House, these photos are gifted to a very select few top ranking military officials associated with the Joint Chiefs of Staff as well as the council members themselves. In superb condition and ready for prominent display as the centerpiece of any collection! Accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity from James Spence Authentication (JSA)