WORLD WAR II 1937 - 1945

20,000,000 casualties of war

• January 1 - The submarine USS Nautilus (SS-168) evacuates 29 civilians from Teop Island in the Solomons. The salvage vessel USS Rescuer (ARS-18) is grounded and sunk in the Aleutians.
• January 2 - Japanese supply-carrying destroyers are bombed by Naval and Army aircraft west of Rendova and attacked by motor torpedo boats off Cape Esperance in the Solomons.  One destroyer is damaged. The Japanese submarine I-18 is sunk by the submarine USS Grayback (SS-208), also in the Solomons. The German Army begins to withdraw from the Caucasus.
• January 5 - A cruiser and destroyer group under Rear Admiral W.L. Ainsworth heavily bombards the Japanese airfield and installations at Munda in the Solomons.
• January 6 - The light cruiser USS San Juan (CL-54) is damaged by a dive bomber in the Solomons.  The German submarine U-14 is sunk by naval land-based aircraft (VP-83) off of Brazil.
• January 10 - The submarine USS Argonaut (APS-1) is sunk during an attack on a convoy southeast of New Britain.  The Japanese destroyer Okikaze is sunk by the submarine USS Trigger (SS-237) off Honshu, Japan.  The Russians begin an offensive against the Germans in Stalingrad.January 11 - Motor torpedo boats attack Japanese destroyers off Cape Esperance, Guadalcanal, damaging two of the destroyers.  US losses were PT-112 sunk and PT-43 damaged, beached and abandoned.
• January 12 - US forces occupy Amchitka in the Aleutians.  The destroyer USS Worden (DD-352) is grounded and sunk at Amchitka and PT-28 is also grounded and sunk in Dora Harbor, Alaska.  Japanese patrol boat No.1 is sunk by the submarine USS Guardfish (SS-217) near New Ireland.
• January 13 - The German submarine U-507 is sunk by naval land-based aircraft (VP-83) off Brazil.
• January 14 - The submarine USS Gudgeon (SS-211) lands personnel and equipment near Catmon Point, Negros in the Philippines. Casablanca Conference begins.
• January 15 - Aircraft from Henderson Field attack nine Japanese destroyers off Guadalcanal, damaging two.
• January 17 - Naval Base and Naval Air Station are established at Brisbane, Australia.
• January 19 - Japanese forces land at Wewak, New Guinea.
• January 20 - Destroyer escort USS Brennan (DE-13) is commissioned at Mare Island, California. This is the first ship of this type to be placed in commission.
• January 21 - Naval Base and Naval Auxiliary Air Facility are established at Corrinto, Nicaragua.  The submarine chaser SC-709 is grounded and sunk off Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.
• January 23 - Casablanca Conference ends.  Roosevelt, Churchill and the Combined Chiefs of Staff agree on the Invasion of Sicily and a cross-channel amphibious assault on Western Europe.  The Japanese destroyer Hakaze is sunk by the submarine USS Guardfish (SS-217).  Tripoli is captured by the British Eighth Army.
• January 24 - A bombardment group of cruisers and destroyers under Rear Admiral Ainsworth and a carrier group under Rear Admiral Ramsey bombard and bomb the Vila-Stanmore area of Kolombangara in the Solomons.
• January 26 - The submarine USS Wahoo (SS-238) sinks an entire group of Japanese ships north of New Guinea; 2 freighters, 1 transport, and 1 tanker.
• January 29 - Battle of Rennell Island.  A cruiser and destroyer task force under Rear Admiral Giffen, covering the movement of troop transports to Guadalcanal, is bombed by Japanese aircraft near Rennell Island. 
• January 30 - Battle of Rennell Island.  Land and carrier-based naval aircraft engage Japanese aircraft attacking Rear Admiral Giffen's cruiser and destroyer force.  The heavy cruiser USS Chicago (CA-29) is sunk and the destroyer USS La Vallette damaged, both by aircraft torpedoes.  Naval Station is established at Akutan Harbor, Fox Island in Alaska.  Grand Admiral Karl Koenitz becomes Chief of the German Navy.
• February 1 - A Japanese force of 20 destroyers, en route to evacuate troops from Guadalcanal, is attacked by motor torpedo boats and aircraft from Henderson Field. The destroyer USS De Haven (DD-469) is sunk by dive bombers in the Solomons.  The Japanese destroyer Makigumo is sunk by a mine off Doma Reef, also in the Solomons.
• February 2 - The Germans at Stalingrad surrender.
• February 3 - The Command designated US Naval Forces Northwest African Waters is established with Headquarters at Algiers.
• February 4 - A Japanese cruiser and 22 destroyers, en route to evacuate troops from Guadalcanal, are attacked by aircraft from Henderson Field. Four destroyers are damaged.
• February 6 - North African Theater of Operations, under Lt. General Dwight D. Eisenhower, is established.
• February 7 - A Japanese force of 18 destroyers, en route to Guadalcanal to evacuate troops is attacked by aircraft from Henderson Field. Two destroyers are damaged.
• February 8 - Japanese complete the evacuation of more than 11,000 troops from Guadalcanal.  The Russians re-capture Kursk.
• February 9 - Organized resistance on Guadalcanal ends.
• February 10 - The German submarine U-519 is sunk by Army aircraft northwest of Spain.
• February 11 - The Japanese submarine RO-102 is sunk by naval aircraft, the light cruiser USS Helana (CL-50) and the destroyer USS Fletcher (DD-445) in the Coral Sea.
• February 14 - Rostov is retaken by the Russians.  Battle of Kasserine Pass between the US First Armored Division and German Panzers begins in North Africa.  Battle lasts until February 25.
• February 15 - The joint air command designated Aircraft, Solomon Islands, under Rear Admiral C.P. Mason, is established with headquarters on Guadalcanal.
• February 16 - Fleet Air Wing 16 is commissioned at Norfolk, Virginia.  The Russians re-capture  Kharkov.
• February 17 - The carrier USS Lexington (CV-16) is commissioned at Quincy, Massachusettes.  This vessel is named for the carrier USS Lexington (CV-2) that was sunk on May 8, 1942 in the Battle of the Coral Sea.  Moroccan Sea Frontier is established under Rear Admiral J.L. Hall.
• February 18 - Two cruisers and four destroyers under Rear Admiral C.H. McMorris bombard Japanese installations at Holtz Bay and Chichagof Harbor, Attu in the Aleutians.  Nazis arrest the "White Rose" leaders in Munich.
• February 20 - The motor minesweeper YMS-133 founders and sinks in Coos Bay, Oregon.  The Japanese destroyer Oshio and a patrol vessel are sunk by the submarine USS Albacore (SS-218) north of Manus in the Admiralty Islands.
• February 21 - US troops occupy the Russell Islands in the Solomons.  The German submarine U-225 is sunk by the Coast Guard cutter USS Spencer (PG-36) in the north Atlantic.
• February 22 - The battleship USS Iowa (BB-61) is commissioned at New York City.  The German submarine U-606 is sunk by the Coast Guard cutter USS Campbell (PG-32) and the Polish destroyer Burza in the north Atlantic.
• February 24 - Naval Air Facility at Amchitka, Alaska is established.
• March 1 - Naval Auxiliary Air Facility is established at Annette Island, Alaska.
• March 2 - Battle of the Bismark Sea.  US Army and Australian aircraft bomb eight Japanese transports escorted by eight destroyers in the Bismarck Sea, en route to Law, New Guinea.  Aircraft and motor torpedo boast attacks continue until all transports and four destroyers are sunk. The submarine chaser SC-1024 is sunk in a collision off North Carolina.  The Germans begin withdrawl from Tunisia.
• March 3 - Battle of the Bismarck Sea.  The Japanese destroyers Asahio, Arashio, Yokitsukaze and Shirayuki are sunk by US Army and Australian aircraft.
• March 5 - The escort carrier USS Bogue (CVE-9) commences escort of convoy duty.  This is the first time an escort carrier is assigned anti-submarine operations as a primary duty.  The submarine USS Tambor (SS-198) lands personnel, ammunition and currency at Pagadian Bay, Mindanao in the Philippines.
• March 6 - Three cruisers and seven destroyers under Rear Admiral Merrill bombard Vila and Munda in the Solomons.  Two Japanese destroyers, the Mineguo and Murasame are engaged and sunk.  The submarine USS Tautog (SS-199) lays mines off the southeast coast of Borneo.
• March 8 - The German submarine U-156 is sunk by naval land-based aircraft (VP-53) in the West Indies.
• March 9 - Japanese installations at Munda in the Solomons are bombed by naval aircraft.  Bombing of this area becomes a regular occurrence.
• March 12 - The German submarine U-130 is sunk by the destroyer USS Champlin (DD-601) in the North Atlantic.
• March 14 - Fleet Operational Training Command, Atlantic Fleet under Rear Admiral D.B. Beary is established. 
• March 15 - Commander in Chief United States Fleet, Admiral E.J. King, establishes numbered fleet system; all fleets in the Pacific to have odd numbers and those in the Atlantic even numbers. Naval Auxiliary Air Facility in the French Frigate Shoals is established.  Kharkov is recaptured by the German Army. 
• March 16 - Vice Admiral H.K. Hewitt becomes Commander Naval Forces Northwest African Waters.  The Battle of the Atlantic reaches a climax as German U-boats sink 27 merchant ships between March 16 and March 20. 
• March 17 - US vessels PT-67 nd PT-119 are sunk by fire in the eastern New Guinea area. 
• March 20-28 - Montgomery's Eighth Army breaks through the Mareth Line in Tunisia. 
• March 22 - The submarines USS Grampus (SS-207) and USS Amberjack (SS-219) are reported as presumed lost. The German submarine U-524 is sunk by Army aircraft north of the Canary Islands. 
• March 23 - Naval Station and Naval Air Facility are established at Arseu, Algeria.  Advanced Amphibious Training Bases are established at Port Lyautey, Morroco and Nemours, Tenes, Beni Saf and Mostagenem in Algeria. 
• March 25 - Naval and Army aircraft bomb Nauru Island in the South Pacific. 
• March 26 - Battle of the Komandorski Islands. A task force of two cruisers and four destroyers under Rear Admiral McMorris engages a Japanese force of four cruisers and four destroyers escorting reinforcements to Attu in the Aleutians.  In this daylight action, the heavy cruiser USS Salt Lake City (CA-25) and the destroyer USS Bailey (DD-492) are damaged by naval gunfire.  One Japanese cruiser is damaged.  Japanese reinforcements fail to reach Attu.  Naval Operating Facility is established at Belem, Brazil. 
• March 27 - Naval Air Facility at Natal, Brazil and Naval Operating Facilities at Victoria, Florianopolis, Fortaleza, Maceio, Recife, Rio Grande do Sul, Santos and Sao Luiz, Brazil are established.  Coast Guard cutter No. 85006 explodes and sinks off Long Island. 
• March 29 - The submarine USS Gato (SS-212) evacuates military and civilian personnel from Teop Island in the Solomons. 
• April 1 - Naval Operating Facility at Grandal, Greenland and Naval Air Station at Patuxent River, Maryland are established. 
• April 3 - Japanese submarine chaser No.13 is sunk by the submarine USS Pickerel (SS-117) off Japan.
• April 5 - The Japanese submarine RO-34 is sunk by the destroyer USS O'Bannon (DD-450) in the Solomons. 
• April 6 - Axis forces in Tunisia begin to withdraw toward Enfidaville as the US and British forces join together. 
• April 7 - Japanese aircraft make a heavy strike against US naval vessels near Tulagi in the Solomons.  The destroyer USS Aaron Ward (DD-483) and the oiler Kanawha (AO-1) are sunk, both by horizontal bombers, and the cargo ship USS Adhara (AK71) and the oiler USS Tappahanock are damaged, both by dive bombers.  The submarine USS Trout (SS-202) lays mines near Sarawak, Borneo. 
• April 9 - The Japanese destroyer Isonami is sunk by the submarine USS Tautog (SS-199) off Celebes.  The rank of Commodore, US Navy, is reestablished. 
• April 10 - The submarine USS Triton (SS-201) is reported as presumed lost in the Pacific Ocean Area. 
• April 15 - The carrier USS Yorktown (CV-10) is commissioned at Newport News, Virginia; this vessel is named for the carrier USS Yorktown (CV-5) that was sunk on June 7, 1942 after the Battle of Midway.  The Italian submarine Archimede is sunk by naval land-based aircraft (VP-83) off Brazil. 
• April 17 - The German submarine U-175 is sunk by the Coast Guard cutter USS Spencer (PG-36) in the north Atlantic. 
• April 18 - Admiral Yamamoto, Commander in Chief Japanese Combined Fleet, is killed when his aircraft if shot down by Army aircraft. 
• April 19 - The submarine USS Scorpion (SS-278) lays mines off Kashima Nada, Japan. The SS attacks Jewish resistance in the Warsaw Ghetto. 
• April 20 - The submarine USS Runner (SS-275) lays mines near Hong Kong. 
• April 21 - The submarine USS Stingray (SS-186) lays mines near Wenchow, China. 
• April 22 - Japanese aircraft bomb the airfield at Funafuti in the Ellice Islands. The submarine USS Grenadier (SS-210) is damaged by a Japanese air attack and scuttled in the Straits of Malacca. 
• April 23 - Japanese patrol boat No. 39 is sunk by the submarine USS Seawolf (SS-197) off Formosa. 
• April 26 - A task group of 3 cruisers and 6 destroyers under Rear Admiral C.H. McMorris bombards Japanese installations on Attu in the Aleutians.  US Naval Station is established at Mers el Kebir, Morocco. 
• April 27 - The German submarine U-174 is sunk by naval land-based aircraft (VB-125) in the north Atlantic. 
• April 29 - The submarine USS Gato (SS-212) lands coast watchers and evacuates missionaries at Teop Island in the Solomons. 
• April 30 - The submarine USS Gudgeon (SS-211) lands personnel and equipment on Payay in the Philippines.  The submarine USS Snook (SS-279) lays mines off Saddle Island, China.  The US Atlantic Fleet turns over responsibility for convoys between Halifax and the United Kingdon to British and Canandian naval forces. 
• May 2 - Coast Guard cutter 58012 is sunk by an explosion off Manomet Point, Massachusettes. 
• May 7 - Minelayers lay a minefield across Blackett Strait in the Kula Gulf, Solomon Islands.  Allies capture Tunisia. 
• May 8 - The Japanese destroyers Kuroshiro, Oyashio and Kagero are sunk by mines and aircraft in the Kula Gulf in the Solomons. 
• May 10 - The destroyer USS MacDonough (DD-351) and the light minelayer USS Sicard (DM-21) are damaged in a collision in the Aleutians. 
• May 11 - Army troops land on Attu in the Aleutians.  The landing is covered by naval forces under Rear Admirals Kinkaid and Rockwell. 
• May 12 - Roosevelt, Churchill and the Combined Chiefs of Staff open a meeting in Washington.  The Advanced Amphibious Training Base in Bizerte, Tunisia is established.  The submarine USS Steelhead (SS-280) lays mines off Erimo Saki, Japan.  The submarine USS Pickerel (SS-177) is reported as presumed lost in the Pacific Ocean Area.  Axis forces in North Africa surrender. 
• May 13 - Cruisers and destroyers under Rear Admiral Ainsworth bombard Munda and Vila in the Solomons, while minelayers lay mines across the northwest approaches to Kula Gulf.  The light cruiser USS Nashville (CL-43) and the destroyer USS Nicholas (DD-449) are damaged by an accidentl explosion.  The Italian submarine Mocenigo is sunk by Army aircraft at Cagliari, Sardinia. 
• May 14 - The German submarine U-657 is sunk by naval land-based aircraft (VP-84) in the north Atlantic. 
• May 15 - A Naval Advanced Base and Naval Air Facility in the Russel Islands in the Solomons and a Naval Air Station at Adak in the Aleutians are established. The German submarine U-176 is suk by naval land-based aircraft (VS-62) and Cuban submarine chaser No. 13, off of Cuba. 
• May 16 - The German submarine U-182 is sunk by the destroyer USS Mackenzie (DD-614) west of the Madeira Islands.  Jewish resistance in the Warsaw Ghetto ends.  The British stage an air raid on the Ruhr.   
• May 17 - The German submarine U-128 is sunk by naval land-based aircraft (VP-74) and the destroyers USS Moffett (DD-362) and USS Jouett (DD-396) off of Brazil. 
• May 20 - The US Tenth Fleet, with headquarters in Washington, is established under the Commander in Chief, US Fleet Admiral King to control US anti-submarine operations in the Atlantic. 
• May 21 - The Italian submarine Gorgo is sunk by the destroyer USS Nields (DD-616) off of Algeria. 
• May 22 - The US Advanced Amphibious Training Base at Tunis, Tunisia is established. The German submarine U-569 is sunk by aircraft (VC-9) from the escort carrier USS Bogue (CVE-9) in the north Atlantic.  Admiral Donitz suspends U-boat activities in the north Atlantic. 
• May 23 - The battleship USS New Jersey (BB-62) is commissioned at Philadelphia. The PT-boat tender USS Niagara (AGP-1) is sunk by a horizontal bomber in the Solomons.  The motor torpedo boats PT-165 and PT-173 are sunk by submarine torpedoes off New Caledonia. 
• April 25 - The carrier USS Bunker Hill (CV-17) is commissioned at Quincy, Massachusettes.  The German submarine U-467 is sunk by naval land-based aircraft (VP-84). 
• May 26 - The submarine USS Trout (SS-202) lands personnel, currency and equipment on Basilan Island in the Philippines. 
• May 27 - Naval Station at Coco Solo in the Canal Zone is established. 
• May 29 - The Japanese submarine RO-107 is sunk by the submarine chaser PC-669 in the New Hebrides. 
• May 30 - Organized Japanese resistance ends on Attu in the Aleutians. 
• May 31 - The submarine USS Steelhead (SS-280) lays mines off Erimo Sake, Japan. 
• June 2 - The German submarine U-521 is sunk by the submarine chaser PC-565 off of Virginia. 
• June 4 - The submarine USS Silversides (SS-236) lays mines in Steffan Strait between New Hanover and New Ireland.  The submarine chaser PC-496 is sunk by a mine. 
• June 5 - The German submarine U-217 is sunk by aircraft (VC-9) from the escort carrier USS Bogue (CVE-9) in the mid-Atlantic. 
• June 8 - Naval Air Facility at Attu in the Aleutians is established. 
• June 10 - The Japanese submarine I-9 is sunk by the submarine chaser PC-487 in the Aleutians.  The "point blank" directive to improve Allied bombing strategy is issued. 
• June 11 - The motor torpedo boat PT-22 is beached and abandoned near Adak in the Aleutians.  Himler orders the liquidation of all Polish ghettos. 
• June 12 - The submarine USS Trout (SS-202) lands personnel and supplies on Mindanao in the Philippines.  The US submarine R-12 sinks off Key West, cause unknown.  The German submarine U-118 is sunk by aircraft (VC-9) from the escort carrier USS Bogue (CVE-9) in the mid-Atlantic. 
• June 13 - The Coast Guard cutter USS Escanaba (PG-77) is sunk by a German torpedo off Ivigtut, Greenland.  The Japanese submarine I-31 is sunk by the destroyer USS Frazier (DD-607) in the Aleutians. 
• June 16 - Japanese aircraft attack ships at Guadalcanal.  A large number of these aircraft are shot down.  The cargo ship USS Celeno (AK-76) and LST-340 are damaged by dive bombers. 
• June 17 - The submarine chaser SC-740 is grounded and sunk.  In the North African area, LST-6 and LST-326 are damaged in a collision. 
• June 20 - The German submarine U-338 is sunk by naval land-based aircraft (VP-84) in the north Atlantic. 
• June 21 - Marines and Army troops land at Segi Point, New Georgia in the Solomons. 
• June 22 - The submarine chaser SC-751 is grounded and sunk.  LST-33 and LST-387 are damaged by submarine torpedoes in the North African area.  The Japanese submarine I-7 is sunk by the destroyer USS Monaghan (DD-354) in the Aleutians. 
• June 23 - The cargo ships USS Aludra (AK-72) and USS Deimos (AK-78) are sunk by submarine torpedoes in the Solomons. 
• June 24 - The tug YT-211 is damaged in a storm in the North African Area.  The German submarine U-200 is sunk by naval land-based aircraft (VP-84) in the north Atlantic. 
• June 27 - The salvage vessel USS Redwing (ARS-4) is sunk by an underwater explosion in the North African area. 
• June 30 - The Naval Auxiliary Air Facility at Shemya, Alaska is established.  Beginning shortly before midnight on June 29, 4 cruisers and 4 destroyers under Rear Admiral Merrill bombard Vila-Stanmore on Kolombangara and Buin-Shortland, Bougainville in the Solomons.  Mines are laid off Shortland Harbor, Bougainville.  The Third Fleet Amphibious Force under Rear Admiral Turner supported by land-based aircraft under Vice Admiral Fitch lands Marines and Army troops on Rendova and other islands in the New Georgia area in the Solomons.  The attack transport USS McCawley (APA-4) is damaged by a Japanese submarine torpedo and sunk by a US motor torpedo boat off New Georgia. Coast Guard cutter No. 83421 is sunk in a collision with the submarine chaser SC-1330, which is damaged, while en route to Miami.  The high speed minesweeper USS Zane (DMS-14) is damaged by grounding in the Solomons. 
• July 1 - The submarine USS Gar (SS-206) lands personnel on the south coast of Timor in the Netherlands East Indies.  US Naval Operating Base at Espiritu Santo in the New Hebrides is established.  The Japanese submarine RO-101 is sunk by the destroyer USS Radford (DD-446) in the Solomons. 
• July 2 - Japanese cruisers, destroyers and aircraft attack Rendova in the Solomons.  The motor torpedo boats PT-153 and PT-158 are grounded, beached and abandoned in the Solomons. 
• July 4 - The destroyer USS Wilkes (DD-441) is damaged by grounding in the North Africa area. 
• July 5 - Cruisers and destroyers under Rear Admiral Ainsworth bombard Vila, Kolombangara and Bairoko Harbor, New Georgia in the Solomons.  US forces land at Rice Anchorage, New Georgia.  The destroyer USS Strong (DD-467) is sunk by a submarine torpedo in the Solomons.  The Germans begin their last offensive against Kursk. 
• July 6 - Battle of Kula Gulf.  A task group consisting of 3 cruisers and 4 destroyers, under Rear Admiral Ainsworth, engages 10 Japanese destroyers carrying troops and supplies to Kolombangara in the Solomons.  The light cruiser USS Helena (CL-50) is sunk by destroyer torpedoes. The Japanese lose the destroyers Niizuki, to naval gunfire, and Nagatsuki, which is grounded and abandoned. 
• July 7 - The German submarine U-951 is sunk by Army aircraft in the eastern Atlantic. 
• July 8 - Vila, Kolombangara in the Solomons is bombed by US Naval aircraft. 
• July 9 - Munda, New Georgia in the Solomons is bombarded by US destroyers. The submarine USS Thresher (SS-200) lands personnel, stores and ammunition on the west coast of Negros in the Philippines.  The German submarine U-590 is sunk by naval land-based aircraft (VP-94) at the mouth of the Amazon River, Brazil. 
• July 10 - Allies invade Sicily.  Troops land under cover of naval gunfire and aircraft.  The overall commander is General Dwight D. Eisenhower, USA; the naval commander is Admiral of the Fleet Sir Andrew Cunningham, RN.  Western Naval Task Force under Vice Admiral H.K. Hewitt, USN lands the US Seventh Army under Lieutenant General George S. Patton, USA, and Eastern Naval Task Force under Vice Admiral Sir Bertram Ramsay, RN, lands the British Eighth Army under British General Sir B.L. Montgomery.  Naval gunfire continues to support the forces ashore throughout the Sicilian campaign. US naval vessels sunk during the Sicily landings include the destroyer USS Maddox (DD-622), LST 313, and the minesweeper USS Sentinel (AM-113).  The destroyers USS Roe (DD-418) and USS Swanson (DD-443), the attack transport USS William P. Biddle (APA-8), LST-382, LST-345 and the submarine chaser PC-621 are damaged in collisions. 
• July 11 - US cruiser and destroyer gunfire stops a German tank assault on the landing beaches near Gela, Sicily.  LST-158 is damaged by a horizontal bomber, beached and abandoned.  The attack transport USS Barnett (APA-5) and the transports USS Orizaba (AP-24) and USS Monrovia (AP-54) are damaged by horizontal and dive bombers. 
• July 12 - Cruisers and destroyers under Rear Admiral Merrill bombard Munda, New Georgia in the Solomons.  The Japanese submarine I-25 is sunk by the destroyer USS Taylor (DD-468) in the Solomons.  The German submarine U-506 is sunk by Army aircraft near Portugal. 
• July 13 - Battle of Kolombangara. A task force consisting of 3 cruisers and 10 destroyers under Rear Admiral Ainsworth engages a Japanese cruiser and 5 destroyers escorting destroyer transports.  The destroyer USS Gwin (DD-433) is damaged by a destroyer torpedo and scuttled.  The light cruisers USS Honolulu (CL-48) and USS St. Louis (CL-49) are damaged by destroyer torpedoes.  The destroyers USS Woodworth (DD-460) and USS Buchanan (DD-484) are damaged in a collision.  The Japanese light cruiser Jintsu is sunk by cruiser gunfire and destroyer torpedo.  US Naval Advanced Base in Gela, Sicily is established. The German submarine U-487 is sunk by aircraft (VC-13) from the escort carrier USS Core (CVE-13) in the north Atlantic. 
• July 14 - US destroyers bombard Kiska in the Aleutians.  The bombardment is repeated on July 15.  A Naval Operating Base at Adad in the Aleutians is established.  The light cruiser USS Brooklyn (CL-40) is damaged by a mine in the Sicilian area.  The German submarine U-160 is sunk by aircraft (VC-29) from the escort carrier USS Santee (CVE-29), south of the Azores. 
• July 15 - The submarine USS Narwhal (SS-167) shells the Japanese airfield on Matsuwa Island in the Kuriles.  The minesweeper USS Staff (AM-114) is damaged by a mine in the Sicilian area.  The German submarine U-159 is sunk by naval land-based aircraft in the Caribbean.  The German submarine U-509 is sunk by aircraft (VC-29) from the escort carrier USS Santee (CVE-29) south of the Azores. 
• July 16 - The German submarine U-67 is sunk by aircraft (VC-13) from the escort carrier USS Core (CVE-13) in the mid-Atlantic. 
• July 17 - Naval and Army aircraft attack Japanese Shipping at Buin, Bougainville in the Solomons.  The Japanese destroyer Hatsuyuki is sunk during the attack. 
• July 18 - Naval and Army aircraft attack the Buin-Kahile area on Bougainville in the Solomons.  The Naval airship K-74 is shot down by a German U-boat in the Florida Straits.  This is the only naval airship lost to enemy action.   LST-342 is sunk by a submarine torpedo in the Solomons.  The submarine chaser PC-562 is damaged by a mine in the Sicilian area. 
• July 19 - The German submarine U-513 is sunk by naval land-based aircraft offof Brazil. Rome is bombed by the Allies. 
• July 20 - Land-based aircraft attack Japanese ships south of Choiseul Island in the Solomons.  The destroyers Kiyonami and Yugure are sunk during the attack.  The submarine USS Runner (SS-275) is reported as presumed lost in the Pacific Ocean Area.  PT-166 is strafed and sunk in the Solomons.  The German submarine U-588 is sunk by Army aircraft in the Bay of Biscay. 
• July 21 - The German submarine U-662 is sunk by naval land-based aircraft (VP-94) in the mouth of the Amazon River, Brazil. 
• July 22 - A task force of 2 battleships, 5 cruisers and 9 destroyers under Rear Admirals Giffen and Griffin bombard the Kiska area in the Aleutians.  The Japanese seaplane tender Nisshin is sunk by naval land-based aircraft off of New Georgia in the Solomons.  American forces capture Palermo, Sicily. 
• July 23 - Patrol Squadron 63, the first US naval aircraft squadron to operate from the United Kingdom, arrives in South Wales for anti-submarine patrol duty in the Bay of Biscay.  The German submarine U-527 is sunk by aircraft (VC-9) from the escort carrier USS Bogue (CVE-9).  The German submarine U-613 is sunk by the destroyer USS Badger (DD-126) south of the Azores.  The German submarine U-598 is sunk by naval land-based aircraft (VB-107) off of Brazil. 
• July 24 - The German submarine U-622 is sunk by Army aircraft off Norway.  The British bomb Hamburg, Germany. 
• July 25 - Destroyers and aircraft strike enemy positions at Munda in the Solomons. Mussolini's government is overthrown in Italy.  Marshal Badoglio takes over and negotiates with the Allies. 
• July 26 - The destroyer USS Mayrant (DD-402) is damaged by a horizontal bomber at Palermo, Sicily.  The German submarine U-759 is sunk by naval land-based aircraft (VP-32) in the Caribbean.  Martial law is declared in Italy by Marshal Badoglio. 
• July 27 - The Japanese submarine I-24 is sunk by the submarine USS Scamp (SS-277) off the Admiralty Islands.  The Japanese minelayer Hirashima is sunk by the submarine USS Sawfish (SS-276) off Kyushu, Japan.  An Allied bombing raid on Hamburg causes a firestorm. 
• July 28 - The Japanese evacuation of Kiska in the Aleutians is completed without detection by US forces.  A Naval Operating Base at Palermo, Sicily is established.  The Japanese destroyers Ariake and Mikazuki are sunk by Army bombers in the New Britain area.  The German submarine U-359 is sunk by naval land-based aircraft (VP-32) in the West Indies.  The German submarine U-404 is by US Army and British aircraft in  the Bay of Biscay. 
• July 29 - US Advanced Amphibious Training Base at Appledore, England is established. 
• July 30 - A German U-boat lays mines off the entrance to Chesapeake Bay.  The German submarine U-591 is sunk by naval land-based aircraft off Brazil.  The German U-43 is sunk by aircraft (VC-29) from the escort carrier USS Santee (CVE-29) in the mid-Atlantic.  The German submarine U-375 is sunk by the submarine chaser PC-624 off Tunisia. 
• July 31 - The submarine USS Guardfish (SS-217) lands a survey party on the west coast of Bougainville in the Solomons.  The submarine USS Grayling (SS-209) lands supplies and equipment at Pucia Point, Panay in the Philippines. The German submarine U-199 is sunk by naval land-based aircraft (VP-74) and Brazilian aircraft off of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. 
• August 1 - US motor torpedo boats attack Japanese destroyers near Rendova in the Solomons. PT-117 is damaged by a dive bomber, beached and abandoned and  PT-164 is sunk by a horizontal bomber.  The submarine USS Mingo (SS-261) bombards Sorol Island in the Carolines.  Army aircraft initiate daily bombings of Kiska in the Aleutians. The minesweeper USS Skill (AM-115) is damaged by a horizontal bomber in the Sicilian area.  A Naval Station at Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico is established. 
• August 2 - Naval task groups consisting of 2 battleships, 5 cruisers, and 9  destroyers under Rear Admirals H.F. Kingman and W.D. Baker bombard Kiska in the Aleutians.  Kiska is bombarded 10 times between this date and August 15. PT-109 is sunk by a collision with a Japanese ship in the Solomons.  The Japanese torpedo boats Nos. 112 and 113 are sunk by Army aircraft.  The German submarine U-706 is sunk by Army aircraft in the eastern Atlantic.
• August 3 - The German submarine U-572 is sunk by naval land-based aircraft (VP-205) north of Dutch Guiana.  The Italian submarine Argento is sunk by the destroyer USS Buck (DD-420) off of Tunisia. 
• August 4 - The destroyer USS Shubrick (DD-639) is damaged by a dive bomber in the Sicilian area. 
• August 5 - Munda, New Georgia in the Solomons falls to US forces.  The gunboat USS Plymouth (PG-57) is sunk by a submarine torpedo. 
• August 6 - Battle of Vella Gulf. Shortly before midnight, four Japanese destroyers attempting to bring troops and supplies to Kolombangara in the Solomons is attacked by six US destroyers under Commodore F. Moosbrugger in Vella Gulf. The Japanese destroyers Kawakaze, Hagikaze and Arashi are sunk and the other is damaged.  The US force suffers no damage.  LST-3 is damaged by a horizontal bomber in the Sicilian area.  The German submarine U-615 is sunk by naval land-based aircraft (VB-130, VP-204 & VP-205) and Army aircraft in the Caribbean. 
• August 7 - The German submarine U-117 is sunk by aircraft (VC-1) from the escort carrier USS Card (CVE-11) in the north Atlantic. 
• August 8 - PT-113 is grounded, beached and abandoned in the eastern New Guinea area. 
• August 9 - The German submarine U-664 is sunk by aircraft (VC-1) from the escort carrier USS Card (CVE-11) in the north Atlantic. 
• August 10 - LST-318 is damaged by a dive bomber, beached and abandoned and the salvage vessel USS Brant (ARS-32) is accidentally damaged by US naval gunfire, both in the Sicilian area. 
• August 11 - The German submarine U-525 is sunk by aircraft (VC-1) from the escort carrier USS Card (CVE-11) in the north Atlantic.  U-604 is damaged by naval land-based aircraft (VB-129 & VP-107) and the destroyer USS Moffett (DD-362) and scuttled in the south Atlantic. 
• August 12 - The submarine chaser SC-526 is grounded and sunk in the Sicilian area.  German evacuation of Sicily begins. 
• August 13 - Japanese aircraft attack US shipping at Guadalcanal.  The attack transport USS John Penn (APA-23) is sunk. 
• August 14 - The Japanese auxiliary submarine chaser no. 109 is sunk by the submarine USS Finback (SS-230) on the east coast of Celebes. 
• August 15 - The Third Amphibious Force under Rear Admiral T.S. Wilkinson lands Naval, Marine and Army personnel at Vella Lavella in the Solomons.  This landing by-passes the Japanese position on Kolombangara.  A naval task force under Vice Admiral Kinkaid lands US and Canadian troops at Kiska in the Aleutians. Kiska is found to have been evacuated by the Japanese. 
• August 16 - The carrier USS Intrepid (CV-11) is commissioned at Newport News, Virginia. 
• August 17 - US Army troops enter Messina, ending the campaign in Sicily.  Lipari and Stromboli Islands, north of Sicily, surrender to US destroyers and  PT boats.  Portugal agrees to grant bases in the Azores to Great Britain.  The destroyers USS Walker (DD-466) and USS Philip (DD-498) are damaged in a collision in the Solomons.  The Quebec conference begins.  Germans complete the evacuation of Sicily.  The US stages daylight air raids on Regensburg and Schweinfurt in Germany.  The Allies reach Messina, Italy. 
• August 18 - A US cruiser and destroyer force shell Gioia Taura and Palmi on the Italian mainland.  A task group composed of 4 destroyers under Captain T.J. Ryan engages 4 Japanese destroyers escorting landing barges north of Vella Lavella in the Solomons.  The US Advanced Amphibious Training Base at St. Mawes, Cornwall, England, is established.  LST-396 is sunk by an accidental explosion in the Solomons.  The destroyers USS Abner Read (DD-526) is damaged by a mine in the Aleutians.  The Japanese auxiliary submarine chasers No.s 5 and 12 are sunk by US surface craft near Vella Lavella. 
• August 19 - The Japanese submarine I-17 is sunk by naval land based aircraft (VS-57) and a New Zealand naval vessel off of eastern Australia. 
• August 20- The US Naval Base at Rosneath, Scotland is re-established. 
• August 23 - The submarine USS Grayling (SS-209) delivers supplies to Panay in the Philippines.  The submarine chasers SC-694 and SC-696 are sunk by dive bombers in the Sicilian area.  The coastal minesweeper USS Crow (AMC-20) is  sunk by an erratically running US aircraft torpedo in Puget Sound, Washington. Kharkov is re-captured by the Russians. 
• August 24 - The New Georgia campaign in the Solomons ends as Army troops occupy Bairoko Harbor.  The Quebec conference ends.  The German submarines U-84 and  U-185 are sunk by aircraft (VC-13) from the escort carrier USS Core (CVE-13)  in the mid-Atlantic. August 25 - The light minelayers USS Montgomery (DM-17) and USS Preble (DM-20) are damaged in a collision in the Solomons.  The Japanese submarine I-178 is sunk by the destroyer USS Patterson (DD-392) in the south Pacific. 
• August 27 - Marines and Seabees occupy Nukufetau in the Ellice Islands.  Army troops are landed on Arundel Island in the Solomons.  The German submarine U-487 is sunk by aircraft (VC-1) from the escort carrier USS Card (VCE-11) in the mid-Atlantic. 
• August 28 - Marines occupy Nanumea in the Ellice Islands. 
• August 31 - A carrier task force under Rear Admiral C.A. Pownall bombs Marcus Island.
• September 1 - Army troops land on Baker Island supported by a naval task force  under Rear Admiral W.A. Lee.  Navy assumes full responsibility for airborne anti-submarine operations by US forces in the Atlantic.  Naval Air Station at Kahului, Maui is established.
• September 2 - The submarine USS Bowfin (SS-287) delivers supplies and evacuates personnel from Binuni Point, Mindanao in the Philippines.  The Japanese frigate Mutsure is sunk by the submarine USS Snapper (SS-185) in the Carolines. 
• September 3 - British troops, with naval and air support, land on the Italian mainland.  Allies sign armistice with Italy.  The Japanese submarine I-168 is  sunk by the destroyer USS Ellet (DD-398) in the south Pacific. 
• September 4 - A US naval force under Rear Admiral D.E. Barbey lands Australian  troops on Huon Peninsula, near Lae, New Guinea.  The destroyer USS Conyngham  (DD-371) is damaged by a dive bomber near eastern New Guinea. LST-471 and LST-473 are damaged by torpedo and dive bombers in the eastern New Guinea area. 
• September 7 - Japanese aircraft bomb Nanumea in the Ellice Islands.  PT-118 and PT-172 are damaged by grounding and sunk by US forces in the Solomons. 
• September 8 - Four United States destroyers bombard Lae, New Guinea.  The Italian surrender is announced. 
• September 9 - The Italian mainland is invaded in force.  Under the protection of the Western Naval Task Force, under Vice Admiral H.K. Hewitt, USN, the Allied Fifth Army, under Lt. General Mark W. Clark, USA, lands on the assault beaches in the Gulf of Salerno.  The tug USS Nauset (AT-89) is sunk by a dive bomber and LST-336, LST-375, LST-385, LST-389 and LST-386 are damaged by coastal defense fire and a mine during the Italian landings.  The Japanese submarine I-182 is sunk by the submarine USS Trout (SS-202) in the Philippines.  Allied forces land at Salerno and Taranto. 
• September 10 - Rome is occupied by the Germans. 
• September 11 - The Italian Fleet surrenders to the Allies.  A German U-boat lays mines off of Charleston, South Carolina.  The destroyer USS Rowan (DD-405) is sunk by a torpedo from surface craft in the Italian area.  The light cruisers USS Philadelphia (CL-41) and USS Savannah (CL-42) are damaged by radio controlled bombs during the Italian landings.  The tug USS Navajo (AT-64) is sunk by an explosion east of the New Hebrides.  Japanese minesweeper No. 16 is sunk by US aircraft in the southwest Pacific. 
• September 12 - LST-455 is damaged by a dive bomber in the eastern New Guinea area.  Mussolini is rescued by Germans. 
• September 13 - The submarine chaser SC-666 is damaged in a collision during the Italian landings. 
• September 15 - Fleet Air Wing 17 is commissioned in Brisbane, Australia for operations in the Southwest Pacific.  The Japanese submarine RO-103 is sunk by naval land-based aircraft (VP-23) and the destroyer USS Saufley (DD-465) in the Solomons. 
• September 17 - PT-136 is damaged by grounding and sunk by US forces in the New Guinea area. 
• September 18 - Carrier aircraft under Rear Admiral C.A. Pownall bomb Tarawa, Makin and Abemama in the Gilbert Islands.
• September 19 - The submarine USS Cisco (SS-290) departs Port Darwin, Australia to patrol the South China Sea and is never heard from again. 
• September 22 - Australian troops are put ashore at Finschafen, New Guinea by a US naval force of destroyers and landing craft under Rear Admiral D.E. Barbey. 
• September 23 - Mussolini re-establishes Fascist government in Northern Italy. 
• September 25 - The minesweeper USS Skill (AM-115) is sunk by a submarine torpedo in the Italian area.  LST-167 is damaged by a dive bomber at Vella Lavella in the Solomons.  The Russians re-capture Smolensk. 
• September 26 - US Naval Operating Facility at Natal, Brazil is established. The Japanese motor torpedo boat Kasasagi is sunk by the submarine USS Bluefish (SS-222) in the Netherlands East Indies. 
• September 27 - The German submarine U-161 is sunk by naval land-based aircraft (VP-74) off Brazil. 
• September 28 - The submarine USS Grouper (SS-214) lands personnel and supplies on the south coast of New Britain.  The salvage vessel USS Brant (ARS-32)is damaged by collision in the Italian area.  The Japanese minelayer Boko is sunk by aircraft off New Guinea. 
• September 29 - The destroyers USS Patterson (DD-392) and USS McCalla (DD-488) are damaged in a collision in the Solomons. 
• September 30 - The submarine USS Bowfin (SS-287) delivers supplies and evacuates personnel from the vicinity of Siquijor Island in the Philippines.  The submarine USS Grayling (SS-209) is reported as presumed lost in the Pacific.  PT-68 is damaged by grounding and sunk by US forces in the Eastern New Guinea area. PT-219 foundered at Attu in the Aleutians, sometime during September.  The Coast Guard cutter USS Wilcox foundered and sunk off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.  LST-334 is damaged by dive bombers and PT-126 is accidentally damaged by US naval gunfire, both in the Solomons. 
• October 1 - US Naval Air Facility at Recife, Brazil is established.  US naval forces under Commander Naval Forces Europe, Admiral Stark, are designated the Twelfth Fleet.  The destroyer USS Saufley (DD-465) and LST-448 are damaged by horizontal bombers in the Solomons.  The Japanese submarine I-20 is sunk by the destroyer USS Eaton (DD-510) in the Solomons.  Allied forces enter Naples in Italy. 
• October 2 - The submarine USS Kingfish (SS-234) lays mines off southern Celebes in the Netherlands East Indies.  LST-203 is damaged by grounding near Nanumea in the Ellice Islands. 
• October 3 - The Japanese complete evacuation of Kolombangara in the Solomons.  The destroyer USS Henley (DD-391) is sunk by submarine torpedo in the eastern New Guinea area. 
• October 4 - Aircraft from the carrier USS Ranger (CV-4) attack Axis shipping along the coast of Norway.  The German submarine U-336 is sunk by naval land-based aircraft (VB-128) in the north Atlantic.  U-422 and U-460 are sunk by aircraft  (VC-9) from the escort carrier USS Card (CVE-11) north of the Azores. 
• October 5 - A task force including 6 carriers, 7 cruisers and 24 destroyers under Rear Admiral A.E. Montgomery bombs and bombards Wake Island.  This  attack is repeated on the sixth.  LST-448 is sunk from damage received on October 1 in the Solomons. 
• October 6 - Battle of Vella Lavella.  Three destroyers under Captain F.R. Walker intercept and attack nine Japanese destroyers evacuating troops from Vella Lavella in the Solomons.  The destroyer USS Chevalier (DD-451) is damaged by submarine torpedo and sunk by US forces. The destroyer USS O'Bannon (DD-450) is damaged in a collision with USS Chevalier.  The destroyer USS Selfridge is damaged by submarine torpedo.  The Japanese destroyer Yugumo is sunk by destroyer torpedo.  The submarine USS Kingfish (SS-234) lands personnel and supplies on the northeast coast of Borneo. 
• October 7 - The Japanese complete the evacuation of Vella Lavella in the Solomons. The submarine S-44 is sunk by Japanese aircraft in the Kurile Islands. 
• October 8 - US Air Facility at Dakar, French West Africa is established. 
• October 9 - The destroyer USS Buck (DD-420) is sunk by a submarine torpedo in the Italian area. 
• October 10 - A German U-boat lays mines off the Atlantic entrance to the Panama Canal. 
• October 11 - The US Advanced Amphibious Training Base at Falmouth, Cornwall, England is established. 
• October 13 - Italy declares war on Germany.  The destroyer USS Bristol (DD-453) is sunk by a submarine torpedo in the Mediterranean.  The German submarine U-402 is sunk by aircraft (VC-9) from the escort carrier USS Card (CVE-11) in the north Atlantic. The second US air raid on Schweinfurt takes place. 
• October 14 - The US Naval Air Facility at Igarape Assu, Brazil is established. The Coast Guard cutter USS Dow (YP-353) is grounded and abandoned off Mayagues, Puerto Rico. 
• October 15 - The US Advanced Amphibious Training Base at Fowey, Cornwall, England is established. The submarine USS Pompano (SS-181) is reported as presumed lost in the Pacific. 
• October 16 - Japanese auxiliary submarine chaser No. 31 is sunk by Army aircraft off of New Britain. 
• October 17 - The German raider Schiff No. 28 (Michel) is sunk by the submarine USS Tarpon (SS-175) off Chichi Jima in the Bonin Islands. 
• October 19 - The Moscow Conference, attended by the Secretary of State and British and Russian foreign ministers, convenes and continues until the end of October. 
• October 20 - The German submarine U-378 is sunk by aircraft (VC-13) from the escort carrier USS Core (CVE-13) in the north Atlantic. 
• October 24 - The submarine USS Dorado (SS-248) is reported as presumed lost in the Atlantic.  The Japanese destroyer Mochizuki is sunk by naval land-based aircraft east of New Britain. 
• October 27 - US troops land on Mono and Stirling Islands in the Treasury Island Group in the Solomons.  The destroyer USS Cony (DD-508) is damaged by a horizontal bomber off the Treasury Islands.  LST-399 and LST-485 are damaged by coastal mortar fire in the Solomons. 
• October 28 - The German submarine U-220 is sunk by aircraft (VC-1) from the escort carrier USS Block Island (CVE-21) in the north Atlantic. 
• October 31 - The German submarine U-584 is sunk by aircraft (VC-9) from the escort carrier USS Card (CVE-11) in the north Atlantic. 
• November 1 - An amphibious force under Rear Admiral Wilkinson lands the First Marine Amphibious Corps under Lt. General Vandegrift at Cape Torokina, Bougainville in the Solomons.  The assault is covered by aircraft and destroyer gunfire. A cruiser and destroyer force under Rear Admiral Merrill and a carrier task force under Rear Admiral A.S. Sherman shell and bomb Japanese airfields and installations in the Buka-Bonis area in the Solomons.  Rear Admiral Merrill's force later bombards Japanese airfields on Shortland Island, also in the Solomons.  The destroyer USS Fullam (DD-474) is grounded in the Solomons.  The German submarine U-405 is sunk by the destroyer USS Borie (DD-215) in the north Atlantic. 
• November 2 - Battle of Empress Augusta Bay.  A task force consisting of 4 light cruisers and 8 destroyers under Rear Admiral Merrill intercepts a Japanese force of 2 heavy and 2 light cruisers and 6 destroyers steaming to attack transports at Empress Augusta Bay, Bougainville in the Solomons.  The Japanese force is turned back.  The light cruiser USS Montpelier (CL-57) is damaged by a dive bomber  and the light cruiser USS Denver (CL-58) by naval gunfire.  The destroyers USS Foote (DD-511) is damaged by a torpedo from a surface craft and the destroyers USS Spence (DD-512) and USS Thatcher (DD-514) are damaged in a collision.  The Japanese light cruiser Sendai and destroyer Hatsukaze are sunk and the two Japanese heavy cruisers and two other destroyers are damaged.  A carrier task force under Rear Admiral Sherman attacks Japanese airfields in the Buka area in the Solomons.  The destroyer USS Borie is sunk by damage from an intentional ramming and gunfire in an encounter with U-405 on November 1. 
• November 4 - Japanese auxiliary submarine chaser No. 30 is sunk by the submarine USS Tautog (SS-199) off the Palau Islands and the survey ship Tsukushi is sunk by a mine off New Ireland. 
• November 5 - Aircraft from a carrier task group under Rear Admiral Sherman bomb Japanese warships at Rabaul, New Britain.  PT-167 is damaged by an aircraft torpedo in the Solomons.  The German submarine U-848 is sunk by naval land-based aircraft (VB-107) and Army aircraft in the south Atlantic. 
• November 6 - The destroyer USS Beatty (DD-640) is sunk by an aircraft torpedo off of northwest Africa.  Japanese submarine chaser No. 11 is sunk by aircraft in the Solomons.  The Russians re-capture Kiev. 
• November 7 - Japanese troops, transported by destroyers, land near Cape Torokina, Bougainville in the Solomons. 
• November 8 - The US Advanced Amphibious Training base at Plymouth, England is established.  The light cruiser USS Birmingham (CL-62) and attack transports USS Fuller (APA-7) and USS President Jackson (APA-18) are damaged by dive bombers at Cape Torokina in the Solomons. 
• November 9 - The submarine USS Wahoo (SS-238) is reported as presumed lost in the Pacific Ocean Area. 
• November 10 - The German submarine U-966 is sunk by US naval land-based aircraft  (VB-103) and Czechoslovakian aircraft off of northwest Spain. 
• November 11 - Aircraft from 2 carrier task groups, which include 5 carriers, under Rear Admirals Sherman and Montgomery attack Japanese ships at Rabaul, New Britain.  The destroyer Suzanami is sunk. 
• November 12 - The German submarine U-508 is sunk by naval land-based aircraft (VB-103) in the Bay of Biscay. 
• November 13 - Carrier and land-based aircraft begin daily bombings of Japanese positions in the Gilbert and Marshall Islands.  The submarine USS Narwhal (SS-167) lands personnel and supplies at Paluan Bay, Mindoro in the Philippines.  A cruiser and destroyer task force under Rear Admiral Merrill is attacked by Japanese aircraft off Empress Augusta Bay, Bougainville in the Solomons.  The light cruiser USS Denver (CL-58) is damaged by an aircraft torpedo. 
• November 15 - The submarine USS Narwhal (SS-167) lands supplies and evacuates personnel from Nasipit, Mindanao in the Philippines.  The US Advanced Naval Base and Naval Auxiliary Air Facility at Funafuti, Ellice Island is established. 
• November 16 - The Japanese minelayer Ukishima is sunk by a submarine torpedo off of Japanese. 
• November 17 - Destroyers bombard  the Japanese airfield at Buka, Bougainville in the Solomons.  Japanese aircraft attack the convoy carrying Marine reinforcements to Torokina, Bougainville.  The high speed transport USS McKean (APD-5) is sunk by an aircraft torpedo.  The submarine USS Capelin (SS-289) departs Darwin, Australia for the Molucca and Celebes Seas and is never heard from again. 
• November 18 - PT-311 is sunk by a mine off of Corsica.  The Japanese destroyer Sanae is sunk by the submarine USS Bluefish (SS-222) in the Celebes Sea.  The British stage a large air raid on Berlin. 
• November 19 - The submarine USS Sculpin (SS-191) is sunk by destroyer gunfire in the central Pacific.  PT-147 is damaged by grounding and sunk by US forces in the eastern New Guinea area.  Submarine chaser SC-1067 founders and sinks off Attu in the Aleutians.  The submarine USS Nautilus is accidentally damaged by US  naval gunfire in the Gilberts. 
• November 20 - A Naval, Marine and Army force lands on Tarawa and Makin in the Gilberts.  The operation is under the overall command of Commander Central  Pacific Force, Vice Admiral Raymond A. Spruance.  Bitter resistance is encountered on Tarawa.  US naval vessels damaged in the Gilberts include the battleship USS Mississippi (BB-41), by accidental explosion; the light carrier USS Independence (CVL-22), by aircraft torpedo; the destroyer USS Ringgold (DD-500), by coastal batteries on Tarawa; and the destroyer USS Dashiell (DD-659) by grounding. 
• November 21 - The submarine USS Nautilus (SS-168) lands a Marine reconnaissance company on Abemba in the Gilberts. 
• November 22 - The destroyer USS Frazier (DD-607) is damaged by the intentional ramming of the Japanese submarine I-35, which is sunk with the help of the destroyer USS Meade (DD-602), in the Gilberts. 
• November 23 - Betio, Tarawa Atoll and Makin in the Gilberts are declared secured. A cruiser and destroyer force under Rear Admiral Merrill bombards the Buka-Bonis area, Bougainville in the Solomons.  PT-322 is grounded and sunk in the eastern New Guinea area.  The Japanese frigate Wakamiya is sunk by the submarine USS Gudgeon (SS-211) in the East China Sea. 
• November 24 - The carrier USS Wasp (CV-18) is commissioned at Quincy, Massachusetts. This vessel is named for the carrier USS Wasp (CV-7) which was sunk on September 15, 1942 near Espiritu Santo in the New Hebrides.  The escort carrier USS Liscombe Bay (CVE-56) is sunk by a submarine torpedo in the Gilberts. 
• November 25 - Battle of Cape St. George.  A squadron of 5 destroyers under Captain A.A. Burke intercepts 5 Japanese destroyers off Cape St. George, New Ireland. The Japanese destroyers Onami, Makinami and Yugiri are sunk and one other is damaged. US ships suffer no damage.  Carrier-based aircraft bomb Kavieng, New Ireland. The US Advanced Amphibious Base at Salcombe, Devonshire, England is established. The Japanese submarine I-19 is sunk by the destroyer USS Radford (DD-446) north of the  Gilberts. 
• November 26 - US Naval Air Facilities are established at Amapa, Aratu and Belem, Brazil.  US Naval Air Facilities (Lighter than Air) are established at Fernando Noronha, Fortaleza and Ipitanga in Brazil.  The First Cairo conference, in  session since the 22nd, ends. 
• November 29 - The carrier USS Hornet (CV-12) is commissioned at Newport News, Virginia.  This vessel is named for the carrier USS Hornet (CV-8) which was sunk on October 27, 1942 after the Battle of Santa Cruz Islands.  The destroyer USS Perkins (DD-377) is sunk by a collision with an Australian troop ship in the eastern New Guinea area.  The German submarine U-86 is sunk by aircraft (VC-19) from the escort carrier USS Bogue (CVE-9) east of the Azores. 
• November 30 - Destroyers bombard Japanese positions on Empress August Bay, Bougainville in the Solomons. 
• December 1 - The Teheran Conference, in session since November 28, ends. The Naval Air Ferry Command is established. 
• December 2 - The submarine USS Narwhal (SS-167) lands ammunition and stores, and evacuates personnel from Mindanao in the Philippines.  The gasoline tanker USS Aroostook (AOG-14) is damaged by a horizontal bomber in the Italian area. 
• December 3 - The US Naval Air Facility at Sao Luiz, Brazil is established. 
• December 4 - Aircraft from a task force, which includes six carriers, under Rear Admiral Pownall bomb Kwajalein and Wotje Atolls in the Marshall.  The carrier USS Lexington (CV-16) is damaged by an aircraft torpedo.  The light cruiser USS Mobile (CL-63)is damaged by an accidental explosion.  The destroyer USS Taylor (DD-468) is accidentally damaged by US naval gunfire. 
• December 5 - Destroyers bombard the Choiseul Bay area of Choiseul Island in  the Solomons. 
• December 6 - General Dwight D. Eisenhower is named commander of Allied Expeditionary Force for the invasion of Europe. 
• December 8 - A task group including carriers, battleships and destroyers under Rear Admiral W.A. Lee bombs Nauru Island.  The destroyer USS Boyd (DD-544) is  damaged by coastal defense batteries. 
• December 10 - The destroyer USS Sigourney (DD-643) is damaged by grounding in the Solomons. 
• December 12 - The German submarine U-172 is sunk by aircraft (VC-19) from the escort carrier USS Bogue (CVE-9) and the destroyers USS Badger (DD-126), USS Dupont (DD-152), USS Clemson (DD-186) and USS Ingraham (DD-694). 
• December 13 - The submarine USS Pompon (SS-267) lays mines southwest of Cochin, China. The German submarine U-593 is sunk by the destroyer USS Wainwright (DD-419) and a British surface craft in the Mediterranean. 
• December 14 - The US Naval Air Facility at Maceio, Brazil is established.  PT-239 is sunk by accidental fire in the Solomons. 
• December 15 - Army troops land on Arawe Peninsula, New Britain.  The US Naval Operating Base in the Treasury Islands is established. 
• December 16 - The Japanese submarine I-179 is sunk by naval land-based aircraft (VP-52) off New Britain.  The German submarine U-73 is sunk by the destroyers USS Trippe (DD-403) and USS Woolsey (DD-437). 
• December 17 - The coastal transport APC-21 is sunk by a dive bomber off New Britain.  The motor minesweeper YMS-50 is damaged by a horizontal bomber off New Britain. 
• December 18 - The submarine USS Cabrilla (SS-288) lays mines off of Cambodia, Indochina. 
• December 19 - The Japanese destroyer Namukaze is sunk by the submarine USS Grayback (SS-208) off the Ryukyu Islands. 
• December 20 - Destroyers bombard Japanese positions on the northeastern coast of Bougainville in the Solomons.  The Naval Air Training Command is established at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida.  The Japanese destroyer Fuyo is sunk by the submarine USS Puffer (SS-268) in the Philippines.  The German submarine U-850 is sunk by aircraft (VC-19) from the escort carrier USS Bogue (CVE-9) in the mid-Atlantic. 
• December 21 - Naval aircraft from Attu in the Aleutians bomb the Paramushiro- Shimushu area of the Kurile Islands.  The coastal transport APC-2 is sunk by a dive bomber off New Britain. 
• December 22-24 - The Russians launch an offensive on the Ukrainian front. 
• December 23 - The submarine USS Corvina (SS-226) is reported as presumed lost in the Pacific.  The Japanese submarine I-39 is sunk by the destroyer escort USS Griswold (DE-7) in the Solomons.  The Japanese gunboat Nanyo is sunk by aircraft. 
• December 24 - A task force of 3 cruisers and four destroyers under Rear Admiral Merrill bombard the Buka-Bunis area of the Solomons.  The destroyer USS Leary (DD-158) is sunk by a submarine torpedo in the north Atlantic.  The German submarine U-645 is sunk by the destroyer USS Schenck (DD-159) in the north Atlantic. The US Advanced Amphibious Base at Dartmouth, England is established. 
• December 25 - Aircraft from a carrier task group under Rear Admiral Sherman bomb Kavieng, New Ireland. 
• December 26 - The 1st Marine Division, under Major General W.H. Rupertus, is landed at Cape Gloucester, New Britain by the Seventh Amphibious Force, under Rear Admiral Barbey, after a heavy pre-invasion bombardment and bombing by  naval gunfire and aircraft.  The destroyer USS Brownson (DD-518) is sunk by a dive bomber.  The destroyers USS Lamson (DD-367), USS Shaw (DD-373) and USS  Mugford (DD-389) are damaged by dive bombers.  LST-66 is damaged by a horizontal bomber. 
• December 27 - Two cruisers and four destroyers under Rear Admiral Ainsworth bombard the Kieta area, Bougainville in the Solomons.  The coastal transport APC-15 is damaged by a dive bomber off New Britain. 
• December 28 - The Amphibious Training Base at Kamaole, Maui is established. 
• December 30 -  Naval aircraft from Attu in the Aleutians, bomb the Paramushiro- Shimushu area of the Kurile Islands.

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