Myrtle Beach in Horry County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Cold War - Dominican Republic
In 1961, Dominican Republic Dictator Raphael Trujillo was assassinated. In the following years, turmoil and conflict were the order of the day on the island. President John F. Kennedy made it clear that it was time for democracy in the Dominican Republic, and in early 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson declared his intention to avoid "another Cuba." After the United States Embassy was fired upon, President Johnson ordered the Marines and the 82nd Airborne Division into Santo Domingo, and the 353rd Tactical Fighter Squadron was deployed for support to Ramey Air Force Base in Puerto Rico. In 1965, United States troops invaded the Dominican Republic to steer the outcome of a civil war in Operation Powerpack, later to be joined by forces from other countries in an early example of a "coalition of the willing."
By the early 1960s, all deployments requiring aerial refueling were conducted using Strategic Air Command KC-135 tankers. The KC-135 allowed the fighters to refuel at higher airspeeds and at higher altitude. The tanker also provided navigational assistance on long overseas flights.
Topics and series. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War, Cold. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #35 John F. Kennedy, and the Former U.S. Presidents: #36 Lyndon B. Johnson series lists.
Location. 33° 40.048′ N, 78° 56.41′ W. Marker is in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in Horry County. Memorial is at the intersection of Hackler Street and Howard Avenue, on the left when traveling east on Hackler Street. Located in Market Common Valor Memorial Garden. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Myrtle Beach SC 29577, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Berlin Crisis 1961 (a few steps from this marker); The Cold War Era 1956 - 1958 (a few steps from this marker); The Cuban Missile Crisis (a few steps from this marker); Mr. Fred Nash (a few steps from this marker); Desert Storm (within shouting distance of this marker); Lt Col Colin Arnold Clarke (within shouting distance of this marker); Valor in Combat (within shouting distance of this marker); Prisoners of War and Missing in Action (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Myrtle Beach.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 20, 2017. It was originally submitted on March 20, 2017, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 325 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 20, 2017, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.