On the Eastern Front… The battle of Kursk begins. After several delays, the German summer offensive is launched against the Soviet held salient centered on Kursk. To the north of the salient, the German 9th Army (General Model) attacks southward against the Soviet Central Front (General Rokossovsky). To the south, 4th Panzer Army (General Hoth) and Army Detachment Kempf (General Kempf) strike northward against the Soviet Voronezh Front (General Vatutin). The Soviet Steppe Front (General Konev) is held in reserve. Marshal Zhukov and Mashal Vasilievsky are STAVKA representatives for the battles in the north and south, respectively. The Germans hope to eliminate the Kursk salient and, with it, a Soviet capability to launch an offensive in 1943. The Soviets have prepared extensive defenses and anticipate the German offensive. A disruptive bombardment is carried out shortly before the German forces are scheduled to begin attacking. When the offensive does get under way, progress is relatively slow and casualties are relatively high on both sides.

In the Solomon Islands… On New Georgia, American force of regimental strength lands in the north at Rice Anchorage. Fighting on the Zanana-Munda track continues. During the night (July 5-6) Japanese destroyers bring nearly 3000 more troops to Vila. Admiral Ainsworth, with 3 cruisers and 4 destroyers, engages elements of the Japanese force and sinks one destroyer while losing the cruiser Helena.