◆ SpookStack

TOP —6-h~-6-R 93. The air attacks continued throughout the day. The 11 B-26s of the Cuban exile force which were available for ‘close support and interdiction were no match for the T-33 jets. However, at least four of Castro's other aircraft were shot down by machine gun fire from maritime craft, assisted by friendly air support. 94, Whe first ground attacks by Castro's fortes occurred at Red Beach which was hit by successive waves of militia in the morning, afternoon and evening of 17 April. While ammmition lasted these attacks were beaten off with heavy enemy casualties, and several of Castro's tanks were halted or destroyed. by ground or friendly air action. On the morning of 18 April, the Red Beach Force, nearly out of ammmition, retired in good order to Blue Beach without being pressed by the enemy. - 95. In addition to supporting the ground forces and protect- ing shipping on 17 April, the friendly B-26s also sank a Castro patrol escort ship and attacked the Cienfuegos airfield. Four of “) the friendly B-26s were shot down, while three returned safely to Nicaragua, and four landed at other friendly bases. 96. Attempts were made to resupply the brigade with ammmi- tion by air drops. On the night of 17-18 April one C-54 drop was made at Red Beach and three at Blue Beach, and on the following night Blue Beach received two drops. Preparations for resupply by sea had to be cancelled due to enemy air action.