On the Eastern Front… In Stalingrad, using heavy air support and five divisions, the Germans nearly break through Soviet resistance at the Tractor Factory. The Soviets are reinforced with a Guards Division. The Tractor Factory remains in Soviet hands.
From Berlin… Hitler orders a halt to all offensive action on the Eastern Front, except at Stalingrad and in a small area of the Caucasus along the Terek River.
In the Solomon Islands… On Guadalcanal, despite the damage from the night's shelling by the Japanese, American aircraft take off from Henderson Field. They damage three Japanese transports unloading at Tassafaronga.
In New Guinea… The Australians and Japanese engage heavily on the Kokado Trail at Templeton's Crossing.
In the English Channel… A British naval force finds and sinks the German raider Komet.