On this day in 1983: Operation Urgent Fury began and the United States invaded Grenada. Despite deficiencies in communications, planning, and organization, the operation was an overall success. It demonstrated America's ability to deploy troops worldwide at a moment's notice. It also reaffirmed the effectiveness of the 75th Ranger Regiment's ability to jump into hostile territory and seize airfields (which is what they're built to do, first and foremost). Finally, this operation is an excellent reminder that the military must maintain operational readiness even during peacetime. You don't get to pick when a conflict pops off. 19 Americans were KIA, including 8 Army Rangers, 3 paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne, 1 Army aviator of the 160th SOAR, 4 Navy SEALs, and 3 Marines. 116 were wounded. The Grenada People's Revolutionary Army suffered 45 KIA and 358 wounded. Cuban forces reported 25 KIA, 59 wounded, and 638 captured.