CLEWISTON -- Michael J. Tougias will give a presentation titled “Florida and the Untold Story of the Cuban Missile Crisis” based his book Above & Beyond on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. at the Clewiston History Museum, 109 Central Ave. in Clewiston.

In this multimedia presentation based on his newly published co-authored book, New York Times bestselling author Michael J. Tougias first chronicles the thirteen harrowing days of the Cuban Missile Crisis and then outlines the steps President Kennedy made to reach a decision on a course of action.

Special emphasis is given to the heroes of the crisis: The U-2 pilots who flew unarmed over Cuba to secure the photographic proof that the Soviets were installing nuclear missiles on the island. These pilots helped President Kennedy achieve a difficult objective: Have the nuclear missiles removed from Cuba without triggering Armageddon. JFK secretly audio recorded every meeting conducted during the Cuban Missile Crisis. These transcripts, as well as recently declassified CIA documents, form the basis of this fascinating analysis into JFK’s successful decision making.

Tougias, co-author of “The Finest Hours” (now a Disney movie), will also focus on three lesser-known events that put us on the brink of nuclear war:
• The shoot-down of Major Rudolph Anderson who was killed in his U-2 by a Soviet Surface to Air Missile over Cuba.
• The accidental incursion of a U-2 from Alaska into Soviet air space, and the chase that ensued, including fighter jets with nuclear tipped missiles.
• The Russian submarine commander who wanted to launch his nuclear torpedo when the Americans tried to force him to the surface.

This unique presentation entertains with the dramatic chronicling of the Cuban Missile Crisis (with slides) while providing useful analysis of JFK’s process of tackling major decisions in practical ways that others can learn from and adopt. It’s an especially timely topic today.

Tougias, best-known for his seven award-winning books examining extraordinary survivors and rescuers, is a sought-after speaker on leadership and crisis management. The author uses the same storytelling skills that landed him on the New York Times bestseller list to both engage and inspire his audience. His latest book is “The Waters Between Us: A Boy, A Father, Outdoor Misadventures and the Healing Power of Nature.”