1962 -- Cuban Missile Crisis

After the failed Bays of Pigs invasion, the Soviet Union installs nuclear missiles in Cuba capable of reaching most of the continental United States. After U-2 flights confirm their existence, Kennedy orders a naval blockade of Cuba on October 22 until the Soviet Union removes its missiles. On October 28, the Soviets agree to remove the missiles, defusing one of the most dangerous confrontations of the Cold War.