Operation Urgent Fury
$75M
Cost
7,600
Troops Deployed
19
US Casualties
45
Civilian Deaths
Overview
The US invasion of the tiny Caribbean island nation of Grenada following a Marxist military coup. The Reagan administration cited the presence of Cuban construction workers and the safety of American medical students as justification.
Outcome
Marxist government overthrown. A pro-US government installed. The operation was widely seen as a demonstration of US willingness to use military force after Vietnam.
Key Fact
Grenada has a population of 91,000 and an area of 133 square miles — roughly twice the size of Washington, DC. The US awarded 8,612 medals for 7,600 troops deployed.