This report provides comparative perspectives of the Cuban missile crisis of October 1962. The purpose is to present briefly the alternative perceptions of the United States and the Soviet Union during the crisis, comparing these perceptions with each other and with current appraisals of the actual course of events. The major events of the missile crisis are summarized in chronological order, with the perspectives of the United States and the Soviet Union summarized separately. A current appraisal of the actual course of events, based on the most recent available declassified primary and secondary literature, is also provided. PRELUDE TO THE CRISIS * The Soviet Decision to Deploy Nuclear Missiles in Cuba: April-July 1962 * The Soviet Conventional Weapons Buildup in Cuba: July-October 1962 * The Soviet Nuclear Weapons Buildup in Cuba: September 8-October 14, 1962 * CRISIS * Secret Deliberation of the National Security Council After Discovery of the Missile Installations: October 16-22, 1962 * Imposition of the Naval Quarantine of Cuba: October 24-November 20, 1962 * United States Public Diplomacy to Compel Withdrawal of the Missiles: October 22-28, 1962 . * The United States Military Response: October 16-28. 1962 * The Soviet Military Response: October 22-28, 1962 * Military Encounters Between United States and Soviet Forces: October 24-27, 1962 * CRISIS RESOLUTION * The Kennedy-Khrushchev Correspondence: October 22-28, 1962 * Informal Negotiations: October 22-28, 1962 * Resolution of the Crisis: October 27-28, 1962