The Cold War
The Cold War lasted from the end of World War II to the fall of the Soviet Union in 1990.
Though there were periods of hot warfare between East and West, like the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and indirect military conflicts fought through proxies, the period was largely defined by the nuclear standoff between the superpowers and their allies.
The world came close to the brink of annihilation during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, which led to greater communication between both sides to reduce the risk of an accident escalating into nuclear warfare.
American veterans on land, sea and air during that period served various roles in defending the west during the Cold War. Here’s a sampling of some of their experiences.
Carl Hardesty served as an electrician aboard diesel-powered submarines before becoming part of the crew that constructed the first nuclear sub, the USS Nautilus. He notes that the nuclear boats and a number of advantages that his previous subs didn’t have.
Carl Hardesty
Crewmen aboard the USS Paiute found ways to have fun while cruising the Atlantic and the Caribbean. Joe Lutz describes some of the lighter moments of his service.
Joe Lutz
The Strategic Air Command served as the first line of defense and response to a potential Soviet nuclear attack. Lew Moir flew nuclear armed B-52 bombers, and discusses what their duties were like during the standoff of the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Lew Moir
Flying jets on and off of aircraft carriers in the is one of the most thrilling and hazardous experiences in the military. Bill Roberts describes what goes through the mind of a pilot making his first carrier landing.
Bill Roberts
A legacy of World War II, it took a lot of work keeping a B-29 Superfortress in flying condition as they were still in use in the 1950s. It meant long hours for the mechanics on the ground like Robert Blum.