In the Philippines… Elements of US 6th Army (General Krueger) begin landings on Luzon at Lingayen Gulf (Operation Mike 1) with naval support under the direction of Admiral Kinkaid. The US 1st Corps (General Swift) come ashore, from the ships Task Force 78, around San Fabian. The assault units are from US 43rd and 6th Infantry Divisions. The US 14th Corps (General Griswold) disembarks, from ships of Task Force 79, near Lingayen village. The assault units are from US 37th and 40th Divisions. The Japanese commander in north Luzon is General Yamashita. In addition to the 150,000 troops under his direct leadership in the north of the island, Yamashita also has available the 110,000-strong Japanese forces around Manila and to the south. The closest Japanese forces are from the 23rd Division. Yamashita does not contest the landings during the day. However, continued Japanese air attacks in which the battleship USS Mississippi and two cruisers are hit. In a night attack by explosive boats several landing craft and transports are damaged.

In Formosa and Okinawa… The fleet carriers of Task Force 38 attack targets on Okinawa and Formosa in conjunction with US Army Air Force B-29 Superfortress bombers from bases in China. This is intended to give cover to the landings on Luzon. One Japanese destroyer is sunk along with seven other ships.

On the Western Front… The US 3rd Army renews its attacks northeast and southeast of Bastogne.

In the Irish Sea… The German U-1055 sinks 4 ships.

In London and Washington… An Anglo-American joint statement is issued that notes increased U-boat activity in December 1944 and higher shipping losses. Nonetheless, it states that all forces are continuing to be supplied regularly.