On 31 October 1966, in Vietnam, Boatswains Mate 1st Class James E. Williams led his men to sink 65 enemy craft and inflict numerous casualties, all while under heavy fire. He was awarded the Medal of Honor.
On 31 October 1803, the frigate Philadelphia was captured by Tripolitans when it ran aground while pursuing an enemy ship in shallow water. Stephen Decatur will lead a mission to burn the ship early the following year.
1841 - The "Mosquito Fleet", commanded by Lt. Cmdr. J. T. McLaughlin, carries 750 Sailors and Marines into the Everglades to fight the Seminole Indians.