Another little-known story, true:

USS Constitution, "Old Ironsides," on an around-the-world cruise under the command of Captain John "Mad Jack" Percival in 1845, called at Tourraine, Vietnam. Present-day Da Nang. That's right, 1845.

Upon hearing that the Viets had taken a French missionary prisoner, Mad Jack landed the US Marines and captured Vietnamese hostages that he intended to trade for the Frenchman. The Viets said, "No deal."

Mad Jack released his hostages then commenced a bombardment of the city from Ironsides. (Details unknown... he may have bombarded the city with hostages...) When he decided his gunners had enough practice, he weighed anchor and left, continuing Old Ironsides' "round-the-world goodwill cruise".