In the Solomon Islands… The US 3rd Marine Division (General Turnage) lands on Bougainville, in Empress Augusta Bay at Cape Tarokina. By the end of the day 14,000 American troops are ashore. Task Force 31 (Admiral Wilkinson) provides transport, Task Force 39 (Admiral Merrill) provides support with 4 cruisers and 8 destroyers and Task Force 38 (Admiral Sherman) with the carriers Saratoga and Princeton conduct raids against Buka and the Buna airfields. The local garrison of about 200 Japanese are overcome quickly. However, the island is defended by the Japanese 17th Army (General Hyakutake) with 40,000 troops and 20,000 naval personnel concentrated in the south. After unsuccessful air attacks on the landings the Japanese dispatch Admiral Omori from Rabaul in New Britain with 4 cruisers and 6 destroyers. Nearby a marine battalion occupies Puruata Island after defeating Japanese resistance. Meanwhile, the US 2nd Marine Parachute Battalion on Choiseul continues to engage Japanese forces. This is a diversion from the attack on Bougainville.

In Washington… President Roosevelt the Solid Fuels Administration, headed by Ickes, to take over the operation of coal mines. There are 530,000 miners on strike at this time. Roosevelt also urges Congress to continue food subsidies to encourage production and prevent inflation.

On the Eastern Front… Soviet forces capture Perekop and advance to Armiansk. The Crimea is thus isolated. Elements of the Soviet 56th Army make an amphibious landing in the Crimea, near Enikale. Around Krivoy Rog forces of German Army Group South (Manstein) being counterattacks to hold the advancing Soviet forces.

In the Arctic… The first of a new series of Arctic convoys sails from Kola Inlet to Loch Ewe.

In Italy… The British 10th Corps (part of the US 5th Army) continues attacks on German defenses between Monte Massico and Monte Santa Croce. Roccamonfina is captured in the advance. Forces of the British 8th Army continue to battle along the Trigno River.