THOR IRBM MISSILES
Also in August, the US Air Force deployed the first Thor IRBM missile to the UK. All 60 of the Thor missiles that were sent to the United Kingdom were stored at above-ground launch sites and were able to launch up to 1,750 miles. It was the first operational ballistic missile action taken by the United States. Officials took the precautions to ensure the safety of American citizens from any nuclear action by the Soviet Union. They were fearful Russia would deploy a long-range ballistic missile before them. Even though tension once again heated between Soviets and Americans, no missiles were used and all were deactivated by September of 1963. Below is a picture of a THOR IRBM missile stored at an above-ground launch site in the United Kingdom.