"We not only look like imperialists, we look like stupid ineffectual imperialists, which is worst of all."

That was the assessment of one of Kennedy's aides following the swift collapse of the Bay of Pigs invasion. The landings fall apart almost immediately: the beaches are laced with coral, winches are rusty and loud, and an exploding ship, the Rio Escondido, detonates the brigade's primary supplies and ammunition. 

Join Gordon and David as they detail the "last stand" of Brigade 2506. We explore the tragic messages sent by the brigade commander, expecting the promised US air support that never arrives. This is the story of failure, shock, and a president already in damage control mode, starting the blame game.

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Video Editor: Nathan Copelin

Social Producer: Emma Jackson

Producer: Becki Hills

Senior Producer: Dom Johnson

Exec Producer: Tony Pastor

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