This Russian Officer Rescued America and Stopped WWIII 

On October 27, 1962, a quiet Soviet naval officer named Vasili Arkhipov made a decision that saved the world from nuclear war. Not only did he stop WWIII, but he also rescued the US from a great disaster. Without his action, the US would have likely ended up like Hiroshima after WWII. 

His actions during the Cuban Missile Crisis are a powerful reminder of how one person’s courage can change the course of history. Read on to discover the incredible story of how Russian Officer Arkhipov prevented World War III and saved America.

The Cuban Missile Crisis

The Cuban Missile Crisis was one of the tensest periods of the Cold War between the USA and the USSR. It all started when a US U-2 spy plane discovered Soviet missile installations in Cuba, just 90 miles from the coast of Florida. This discovery set off 13 days of intense negotiations and confrontations between the two superpowers, each armed with nuclear weapons.

President John F. Kennedy ordered a naval “quarantine” of Cuba to prevent Soviet ships from delivering more weapons. The world watched as the two sides came dangerously close to war, with both nations on high alert.

The Situation on Submarine B-59

Amidst this crisis, the Soviet submarine B-59 was patrolling near Cuba. The conditions inside the submarine were extremely harsh. The crew had been submerged for days, and the air conditioning had failed, leading to high temperatures and rising carbon dioxide levels. The crew was cut off from communication with their superiors, adding to their stress and confusion.

On October 27, US naval forces cornered B-59 and began dropping non-lethal depth charges to force it to surface. The Soviet officers on board, unaware of US intentions, believed they were under attack and that World War III had begun. The submarine was equipped with a 10-kiloton nuclear torpedo, and the officers had permission to launch it without needing confirmation from Moscow.

Vasili Arkhipov’s Heroic Decision

The situation on B-59 was dire. Captain Valentin Savitsky wanted to launch the nuclear torpedo, thinking it was the only way to defend themselves. However, launching the torpedo would have likely led to a full-scale nuclear war, with devastating consequences for the entire world.

Thankfully, Vasili Arkhipov, the second-in-command, refused to agree to the launch. He argued that the depth charges were meant to force the submarine to surface, not to destroy it. His calm reasoning and refusal to launch the torpedo convinced the other officers. B-59 surfaced and returned to the Soviet Union without launching its nuclear weapon.

What Happened to Vasili Arkhipov After?

The Cuban Missile Crisis did not end with B-59 surfacing. On the same day, a US U-2 pilot was shot down over Cuba, adding to the tension. However, President Kennedy and Soviet Premier Khrushchev managed to reach a diplomatic resolution. The Soviets agreed to remove their missiles from Cuba, and the US later removed their missiles from Turkey, defusing the crisis.

During his lifetime, Vasili Arkhipov did not receive much recognition for his critical decision. It was only many years later that his heroic actions came to light. In 2017, Arkhipov was posthumously awarded the Future of Life Award, recognizing his role in preventing a nuclear catastrophe.

Max Tegmark, president of the Future of Life Institute, called Arkhipov “arguably the most important person in modern history.” Arkhipov’s family accepted the award on his behalf, highlighting his modesty and belief that he was simply doing his duty.

Conclusion

Vasili Arkhipov’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have on world events. His courage and clear-headedness during the Cuban Missile Crisis prevented a potential nuclear disaster, saving countless lives. As we face ongoing global tensions, it’s crucial to remember the lessons from Arkhipov’s actions and strive for peace and understanding.