The Battle of Icarus IV was an infamous tragic battle that was made by the Romulan Star Empire against the Federation.
History and specifics[]
The conflict marked the first Romulan cloak penetration mission across the Romulan Neutral Zone. The battle consisted of probing attacks against the Earth outposts that were present along the border in the galaxy's Beta Quadrant. Commander Keras might very well have been successful if not for the interference of the USS Enterprise. Despite the use of plasma torpedoes and the cloaking device, Keras's ship was crippled. Instead of surrendering or facing capture by Starfleet, Keras engaged the auto destruct, destroying himself as well as his vessel. (TOS episode & Star Trek 1 novelization: Balance of Terror)
This defeat dishonored Keras's House and stopped further Romulan expansion for sometime.
It was remembered and told to every Romulan child. (TOS novel: The Return)