25 Oct 1983: United States invades Grenada

On this day in 1983, the United States led an invasion of the Caribbean nation of Grenada.

Some facts about Grenada:

• is it the southernmost island in the Lesser Antilles
• it is known as the “Isle of Spice” because of its nutmeg production
• its capital is St. George’s
• it was a dependency of the British crown until its independence in 1974
• a coup in 1979 overthrew the government led by Maurice Bishop

Some more details about the U.S. invasion:

• it was in response to the overthrow and assassination of Prime Minister Bishop one week prior
• President Ronald Reagan claimed the island was going to be a Soviet-Cuban colony
• forces were led by General Norman Schwartzkopf, who later headed up Operation Desert Storm against Iraq
• the invasion date is now celebrated as “Thanksgiving Day” in Grenada

Image: Members of the Eastern Caribbean Defense Force (1983). Department of Defense.