American occupation of the Dominican Republic (1965–66)

American occupation of the Dominican Republic (1965–66)
Part of Dominican Civil War
G.I.'s. Firefight where G.I. push a kid under jeep for protection, Santo Domingo, May 5., 1965
Date April 28, 1965 – July 1, 1966 (1 year, 2 months and 3 days) Location Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Result Allied victory; Juan Bosch excluded from Presidency Election of Joaquín Balaguer
Belligerents
United States Inter-American Peace Force: Brazil Honduras Paraguay Nicaragua Costa Rica El Salvador Dominican Armed Forces Training Center (SIM) Dominican Military Intelligence Service	Dominican Republic Constitutionalists Dominican Revolutionary Party partisans
Commanders and leaders
Lyndon B. Johnson Robert York Hugo Alvim	Juan Bosch Francisco Caamaño
Strength
42,000 U.S. Marines and Paratroopers 1,130 Brazilian soldiers 250 Honduran soldiers 184 Paraguayan soldiers 160 Nicaraguan soldiers 21 Costa Rican military police officers 3 El Salvadoran staff officers Unknown SIM and CEFA Soldiers	7,000
Casualties and losses
United States: 44 killed (27 in action) 172 wounded IAPF: Brazil: 6 wounded Paraguay: 5 wounded	2,000+ killed
1,000 Dominican civilians were killed during the conflict.

The second American occupation of the Dominican Republic, code named "Operation Power Pack", began when the U.S. Marine Corps entered Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on April 28, 1965, in the Dominican Civil War. Marine Medium Helicopter squadron HMM-264, from the deck of the USS Boxer, airlifted 530 U.S. Marines of the 3rd Battalion of the 6th Marine Regiment into Santo Domingo. It was the first night U.S. Marine all-helicopter assault into an unsecured landing zone during actual combat conditions. By May 1 they were joined by VMM-264, 6th Marine Regiment, most of the United States Army's 82nd Airborne Division and its parent XVIIIth Airborne Corps.

The Inter-American Peace Force was established, by the Organization of American States, on 23 May 1965, after the American intervention and it was composed of over 42,600 United States military personnel, 1,130 Brazilian, 250 Honduran, 184 Paraguayan, 160 Nicaraguan, 21 Costa Rican and 3 El Salvadorian personnel. The American intervention ended in September 1966 when the 1st Brigade of the 82nd Airborne, the last remaining American unit in the country, was withdrawn. The Brazilian government took over the operation from the United States in 1966 and the IAPF was disbanded in 1967.

Background

After a period of political instability following the assassination of long-time Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo in 1961, candidate Juan Bosch, a founder of the anti-Trujilloist Dominican Revolutionary Party (PRD), was elected President in December 1962 and inaugurated in February 1963.

The hierarchy of the Catholic Church resented the secular nature of the new constitution, in particular its provision for legalized divorce. The hierarchy, along with the military leadership and the economic elite, were worried that the Bosch government would institute economic reforms, including redistribution of land. To appeal for the support of the United States, they couched these concerns as a fear of communist influence in the republic, and they warned of the potential for "another Cuba". The result of this concern and opposition was a military coup d'état on September 25, 1963.

The coup effectively negated the 1962 elections by installing a civilian junta, known as the "Triunvirato", dominated by the Trujillistas remnants. The initial head of the Triumvirate was Donald Reid Cabral. The Triumvirate never succeeded in establishing its authority over competing conservative factions both inside and outside the military; it also never convinced the majority of the population of its legitimacy. The widespread dissatisfaction with Reid and his government, coupled with lingering loyalties to Bosch and his promise of economic reform, produced a revolution on May 16.

Elías Wessin y Wessin controlled the Centro de Entrenamiento de las Fuerzas Armadas (Armed Forces Training Center or "CEFA"), an elite group of about 2,000 highly trained infantry. Stationed at the San Isidro Air Base, it was unlike the regular army units: it was supplied with tanks, recoilless rifles and artillery, as well as its own attack aircraft. It was a quasi-independent organization, originally established by Ramfis Trujillo, the son of the former dictator, and was formed to protect the government and keep watch over the national guard, navy and air force. Elías Wessin had stated: "The Communist doctrine, Marxist-Leninist, Castroite, or whatever it is called, is now outlawed."

Subsequently, power was turned over to a civilian triumvirate. The new leaders quickly abolished the constitution, declaring it "nonexistent". The two years that followed were filled with strikes and conflicts.

Donald Reid Cabral, who now found himself at the head of the junta, was unpopular with most of the high-ranking officers in the military for his attempt to cut back on their privileges. He suspected that some or all of these officers would try to overthrow him in the spring of 1965. Hoping to forestall a coup, on April 24, 1965, Reid dispatched his Army Chief of Staff General Marcos Rivera to cancel the commissions of four conspirators. The four officers not only failed to surrender, but seized a military camp northwest of Santo Domingo and captured the Chief of Staff.

Armed clashes

Immediately the Dominican Revolutionary Party and 14th of June Revolutionary Party put large numbers of armed civilians into the streets, resulting in the creation of unruly armed squads, known loosely as "Comandos". Well-armed bands of teenagers called "Los Tigres" swarmed through Santo Domingo shooting at the police. The Dominican Popular Movement distributed Molotov cocktails to the crowds, and the rebel military established defensive positions at the Duarte Bridge.

The pro-Bosch rebels, known as "Constitutionalists" for their focus on restoring the constitutionally elected president, took to the streets, swiftly seizing the national palace and the government radio and television stations in the capital, Santo Domingo and demanding Bosch's return. Colonel Francisco Caamaño and Colonel Manuel Ramón Montes Arache were the leaders of the Constitutionalists. Reid surrendered at the presidential palace to rebel forces commanded by Francisco Caamaño. Chief of the Armed Forces General Wessin now stepped into Reid's vacant position and became the de facto head of state.

Bosch, still in exile in Puerto Rico, convinced José Rafael Molina Ureña, a party leader, to become the provisional president until Bosch could return to the Dominican Republic. The military loyal to the Reid junta and opposed to the Constitutionalists adopted the word Loyalist.

In the days that followed, Constitutionalists clashed with internal security agents and the right-wing military elements of the CEFA. By April 26, 1965, armed civilians outnumbered the original rebel military regulars. Radio Santo Domingo, now fully under rebel control, began to call for more violent actions and for killing of all the policemen.

Both sides were heavily armed and civilians were caught in the crossfire. Washington began immediate preparations for the evacuation of its citizens and other foreign nationals who might wish to leave the Dominican Republic. The extent of participation by "communists or Castroites", including the Dominican June 14 Revolutionary group, has been disputed.

Constitutionalist Provisional President Molina Urena and Colonel Caamaño asked the U.S. ambassador for U.S. intervention to stop the Dominican Air Force attacks on the Constitutionalist-held areas. The U.S. ambassador refused. Utterly dismayed by this rejection, Molina Urena relinquished his position as Provisional President to Colonel Caamaño. In San Isidro, Loyalists generals chose Air Force Colonel Pedro Bartolome Benoit to head a new Loyalist junta.

On April 27th, Wessin's forces tried to take back the city and penetrated the colonial zone with tanks while planes strafed the city from above. Unexpectedly, the rebel forces at the bridge, most of them civilian, were able to turn Wessin's forces back, even overtaking several of the tanks for their own side.

On April 30, after overrunning several strongholds of the police, who had declared themselves neutral, but whom the constitutionalists suspected of biding their time to turn Loyalist, The constitutionalists finally set their sights on the biggest stronghold, the Fortaleza Ozama, completely overrunning the last policemen in the city. Of the 30,000 Dominican soldiers, airmen and police at the start of the civil war, General Wessin now commanded less than 2,400 troops and only 200 national police.

Initial U.S. military action was limited to the evacuation by U.S. Marines and other civilians from Santo Domingo. A landing zone was established at the Hotel Embajador in the then Western outskirts of Santo Domingo for this purpose.

The Loyalists failed to regain control of Santo Domingo, and a demoralized CEFA retreated to its base at San Isidro on the east side of the Ozama River. General Wessin and the last leader of the deposed governing regime, Donald Reid – best known as El Americano ("The American") – both requested U.S. intervention.

Occupation

HQ United States Forces and IAPF and quartering of health services during the occupation of Santo Domingo:
1. Headquarters, U.S. Forces;
2. Headquarters, IAPF;
3. Company D, 307th Medical Battalion, at Colegio Maria Auxiliadora;
4. Company C, clearing station;
5. 15th Field Hospital;
6. Company C at Camp Randall.

Medical Service officers conferring near Santo Domingo in early May 1965. Facing the camera are LTC William L. Richardson, MC, Commanding Officer, 15th Field Hospital, and MAJ Quitman W. Jones, MC, Surgeon, 82d Airborne Division.

Honduran IAPF soldiers arrive in the Dominican Republic, 1965.

Play media

Universal Newsreel about the US invasion

U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson, convinced of the defeat of the Loyalist forces and fearing the creation of "a second Cuba" on America's doorstep, ordered U.S. forces to restore order. The decision to intervene militarily in the Dominican Republic was Lyndon Johnson's personal decision. All civilian advisers had recommended against immediate intervention hoping that the Loyalist side could bring an end to the civil war.

President Johnson took the advice of his Ambassador in Santo Domingo, W. Tapley Bennett, who pointed out the inefficiency and indecisiveness of the Dominican military leaders. Bennett suggested that the United States interpose its forces between the rebels and those of the junta, thereby effecting a ceasefire. The United States could then ask the Organization of American States to negotiate a political settlement between the opposing factions.

Chief of Staff General Wheeler told CINCLANT General Palmer, "Your unannounced mission is to prevent the Dominican Republic from going Communist." Citing as an official reason for the invasion the need to protect the lives of foreigners, none of whom had been killed or wounded, a fleet of 41 vessels was sent to blockade the island, and an invasion was launched by Marines and elements of the United States Army's 82nd Airborne Division on April 29. Also, around 75 members of E company of the 7th Special Forces Group were deployed. Ultimately, 42,000 soldiers and marines were ordered to the Dominican Republic. The United States along with the Organization of American States (OAS) formed an inter-American military force to assist in the intervention in the Dominican Republic.

The Constitutionalist forces resisted the invasion. By mid-afternoon of April 29, a cease-fire, facilitated by the Papal Nuncio, was negotiated.

On May 5 the Act of Santo Domingo was signed by Colonel Benoit (Loyalist), Colonel Caamaño (Constitutionalist) and the OAS Special Committee. The Act provided for a general cease-fire, recognition of the International Security Zone, agreement to assist relief agencies, and the sanctity of diplomatic missions. The Act set the framework for later negotiations but failed to stop all of the fighting. Constitutionalist snipers continued to shoot at U.S. forces, however, major fire fights between the Dominican factions did subside for a time.

Denied a military victory, the Constitutionalist rebels quickly had a Constitutionalist congress elect Caamaño president of the country. U.S. officials countered by backing General Imbert. On May 7, Imbert was sworn in as president of the Government of National Reconstruction. The next step in the stabilization process, as envisioned by Washington and the OAS, was to arrange an agreement between President Caamaño and President Imbert to form a provisional government committed to early elections. However, Caamaño refused to meet with Imbert until several of the Loyalist officers, including Elías Wessin y Wessin, were made to leave the country.

On 13 May General Imbert began Operation LIMPIEZA (Cleanup) and his forces were successful in eliminating pockets of rebel resistance outside Ciudad Nueva and silencing Radio Santo Domingo. Operation CLEANUP ended on 21 May.

Safety corridor

By May 14 the Americans, in establishing a "safety corridor" connecting the San Isidro Air Base and the "Duarte" Bridge to the Embajador Hotel and United States Embassy in the center of Santo Domingo, had essentially sealed-off the Constitutionalist area of Santo Domingo. Road blocks were established and patrols ran continuously. Some 6,500 people from many nations were evacuated to safety. In addition, the U.S. forces airlifted in large relief supplies for Dominican nationals.

By mid-May, a majority of the OAS voted for Operation PUSH AHEAD, the reduction of United States forces and their replacement by an Inter-American Peace Force (IAPF). Inter-American Peace Force (IAPF) was formally established on May 23. The following troops were sent by each country: Brazil – 1,130, Honduras – 250, Paraguay – 184, Nicaragua – 160, Costa Rica – 21 military police, and El Salvador – 3 staff officers. The first contingent to arrive was a rifle company from Honduras which was soon backed by detachments from Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Nicaragua. Brazil provided the largest unit, a reinforced infantry battalion. Brazilian General Hugo Alvim assumed command of the OAS ground forces, and on 26 May the U.S. forces began to withdraw.

Truce (August 1965)

The fighting continued until August 31, 1965 when a truce was declared. Most American troops left shortly afterwards as policing and peacekeeping operations were turned over to Brazilian troops, but some U.S. military presence, including a headquarters and the 1st Brigade of the 82d Airborne Division remained until August 1966. One battalion of that brigade remained until September 1966.

Facing ongoing threats and attacks, including a particularly violent attack at the Hotel Matum in Santiago de los Caballeros, Camaaño accepted an agreement imposed by the U.S. government. The Dominican Provisional President, García Godoy, sent Colonel Caamaño as the Military Attaché to the Dominican Embassy to the UK.

In 1966, former President Joaquín Balaguer (Trujillo's 4th puppet president) was elected over Juan Bosch with the overt support of the Johnson administration. Bosch would never regain power. Relative political stability followed as the initially oppressive yet highly politically crafty Balaguer would go on to dominate Dominican politics for twenty-two years.

Casualties

Military

• A total of 44 American soldiers died, 27 in action. 172 were wounded in action.

• Of the IAPF personnel, 6 Brazilians and 5 Paraguayans were wounded in action.

Notable participants

• Mitchell WerBell III, OSS/CIA operative, soldier of fortune.
• James Kimsey, founder of America Online.
• Bruce P. Crandall, went on to receive Medal of Honor for actions in Vietnam.
• Drew Dennis Dix, went on to receive Medal of Honor for actions in Vietnam.

See also

• United States occupation of the Dominican Republic (1916–24)
• History of the Dominican Republic
• Johnson Doctrine
• That Was the Year That Was
• United States occupation of Haiti

Further reading

• McPherson, Darrell G. The Role of the Army Medical Service in the Dominican Republic. Washington, D.C.: Office of the Surgeon General, Department of the Army.  – full text
• Warnock, A. Timothy. Dominican Crisis: Operation POWER PACK. Short of War: Major USA Contingency Operations edited by A. Timothy Warnock. Air Force History and Museums Program, 2000. pp 63–74.

External links

• 82nd Airborne History Page – Operation Power Pack: A "Road" Test for the 82nd Airborne Division
• Dominican Republic PSYOP, reportage from SGM Herbert A. Friedman (ret)
• The short film STAFF FILM REPORT 66-17A (1966) is available for free download at the Internet Archive [more]
• The short film STAFF FILM REPORT 66-18A (1966) is available for free download at the Internet Archive [more]
• The short film STAFF FILM REPORT 66-19A (1966) is available for free download at the Internet Archive [more]
• The short film STAFF FILM REPORT 66-20A (1966) is available for free download at the Internet Archive [more]
• The short film STAFF FILM REPORT 66-22A (1966) is available for free download at the Internet Archive [more]
• The short film STAFF FILM REPORT 66-25A (1966) is available for free download at the Internet Archive [more]
• The short film STAFF FILM REPORT 66-27A (1966) is available for free download at the Internet Archive [more]
• The short film STAFF FILM REPORT 66-28A (1966) is available for free download at the Internet Archive [more]
• The short film MARINES 65 (1966) is available for free download at the Internet Archive [more]