When did the United States and the Soviet Union actually come closest to fighting?

Answer 1

There were several spots where direct war between the United States and Soviet Union seemed likely.

Berlin Airlift - In 1948, the Soviets blocked all highway access to Berlin in the belief that they could force the city to join East Germany and eventually control all of Germany. The US Air Force and other western allies came to the aid of Berlin. More than 80 lives were lost and there were numerous violent encounters. Both sides prepared for invasion.

Korean War - The Soviets boycotted the United Nations vote on support for South Korea and the US ramrodded through a UN invasion to stop the communist North Koreans from taking over the whole country. Chinese 'volunteers' joined the fight and drove the US / UN forces back. Less well known is that Soviet planes and pilots joined the bombing of US forces. At times US and Soviets were fighting directly without knowing it.

Vietnam War - The US had military advisors and later over 530,000 combat forces in Vietnam. Several incidents during the war risked direct Soviet involvement. Among these was an American incursion into the North in search of a POW camp. The POWs were not there but hundreds of Soviet support troops were present and they were killed in great numbers by attack helicopters and Green Berets. Later, the US bombed Hanoi and Haiphong (after promising not to do so) and a number of Soviet military and civilians were killed. Some were antiaircraft technicians and some were crewmen on freighters in the harbor. The Soviets were extremely upset by the death of their people.

Cuba - The Bay of Pigs invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis both brought the US and Soviet Union to the brink of direct warfare. The Soviets placed hundreds of nuclear-capable medium range missiles in Cuba and were preparing to make them active. Some present-day sources say the Soviets had dozens of missiles actually ready to launch with nuclear warheads. American forces were on standby for bombing and invasion of Cuba. Several thousand Soviet combat troops were in Cuba, along with thousands of engineers and technicians. Pro-war generals on each side tried to bait the other side into direct warfare.

Answer 2

The Cuban Missile Crisis which happened in October 1962.

Answer 3

Cuban Missile Crisis

Korean War

Conducting and reacting to overflights

- depends how you look at it.

Answer 4

The Cuban Missile Crisis : October 14-28, 1962 .

Answer 5

The Cuban Missile Crisis.