In the Solomon Islands… Off the coast of Guadalcanal, a Japanese convoy of 11 transports carrying 11,000 men and equipment escorted by Admiral Tanaka's “Tokyo Express” approaches the island. Admiral Abe command two battleships, two cruisers and 14 destroyers to give cover and to bombard Henderson Field airstrip to prevent American attacks. To the north, two further Japanese carriers are within striking range. American Admiral Callaghan, commanding a force of five cruisers and eight destroyers plots an interception course. In the early morning hours, Admiral Callaghan's force comes upon the Japanese force led by Admiral Abe. In an action lasting about half an hour, two Japanese cruisers are sunk and almost all other vessels suffer damage. The Americans lose two cruisers and four destroyers. The Japanese transport convoy turns back. Later in the day, the battleship Hiei, already badly damaged, is torpedoed by American aircraft and scuttled. After the battle, criticism concerning the effective use of the American radar is leveled. Problems are blamed on mismatched equipment and poor communication between the ships.

In New Guinea… The Japanese force at Gorani manages to retreat across the Kumusi River. General Horii drowns during the retreat. When the Australian forces secure the area, they find 600 dead. This retreat marks the end of organized Japanese resistance outside their beachheads at Gona and Buna.

On the Eastern Front… Bloody fighting continues in the streets of Stalingrad. To the South in the Caucasus, the Germans continue to face Soviet pressure in the Terek area.

In Algeria… Allied troops at Bone are reinforced. The British 36th Division continues advancing past Djidejelli.

In Casablanca… A formal agreement is signed between the Allies and Vichy. It recognizes Admiral Darlan as the head of French civil government in North Africa.

From Gibraltar… General Eisenhower, commander of Operation Torch, and Vichy Officials ratify the agreement signed in Casablanca. General Giraud is placed in command of the French armed forces.