From Germany… Admiral Donitz despite opposition begins Operation Drumroll, the use of U-boats in the waters off the eastern coast of the United States. They are surprised to find peacetime conditions on the coast, with lighthouses and marker buoys still lit. In addition there is no radio silence and positions of merchant ships are frequently given away in radio communications. These conditions and the inexperience of the escort vessels lead to a loss of 150,000 tons in the first month.

In the Philippines… Japanese attacks on the Bataan peninsula continue with successes on the eastern side, the west side of the area is still holding.

From London… Allied representatives announce that Axis war criminals will be punished after the war.