In the Bismarck Archipelago… US Task Force 38 (Admiral Sherman) with the carriers Saratoga and Princeton launches an attack on the Japanese naval squadron led by Admiral Kurita. A total of 107 American planes attack, resulting in damage to 4 heavy cruisers, 2 light cruisers and 2 destroyers. Only 10 American planes are lost. Later in the day, land-based Liberator bombers of the US 5th Air Force strike Rabaul and the Japanese squadron.

In the Solomon Islands… On Bougainville, the US 3rd Marine Division defeats a counterattack by the Japanese 23rd Regiment. Few of the large Japanese garrison (17th Army) oppose the landing because it is believed to be another diversion.

In Occupied France… Members of the French Resistance set off bombs in the Peugeot factory at Sochaux, destroying machinery used in the manufacture of tank turrets. This factory is described as the third most important target in France by the British Ministry of Economic Warfare.

On the Eastern Front… Soviet forces cut the Kiev-Zhitomir railroad, increasing the threat of encirclement to German forces in Kiev. Farther south, Soviet forces overrun the area between the lower Dniepr and the Crimea.

In Italy… The US 5th Army launches an assault on the German-held Reinhard Line. The German 14th Panzer Corps (Hube) defending here prevents significant gains. The defense is made easier by the difficult terrain and poor weather. Nonetheless, the offensive continues. Meanwhile, elements of the British 8th Army capture Vasto, Palmoli and Torrebruna.