WORLD WAR II 1937 - 1945

20,000,000 casualties of war

• January 1 - Aircraft from a carrier task group under Rear Admiral Sherman bomb a Japanese convoy escorted by cruisers and destroyers off Kavieng, New Ireland. Naval Air Facility at Honolulu, Oahu is established. The destroyers USS Smith (DD-378) and USS Hutchings (DD-476) are damaged in a collision in the eastern New Guinea area. LST-446 is damaged by an accidental explosion in the Solomons. 
• January 2 - Army troops land at Saidor, New Guinea under the cover of cruisers and destroyers commanded by Rear Admiral Barbey. 
• January 3 - The submarine USS Bluefish (SS-222) lays mines off the eastern Malayan coast. The destroyer USS Turner (DD-648) is sunk by an explosion in the Ambrose Channel, New York Harbor. 
• January 4 - Aircraft from a carrier task group under Rear Admiral Sherman bomb Japanese shipping at Kavieng, New Ireland. The submarine USS Rasher (SS-269) lays mines off Cochin, China. PT-145 is damaged by grounding and sunk by US forces. 
• January 6 - The gunboat USS St. Augustine (PG-54) is sunk by a collision off of North Carolina. Russian troops advance into Poland. 
• January 8 - A cruiser and destroyer task force under Rear Admiral Ainsworth bombards Japanese shore installations on Faisi, Poporand and Shortland Islands in the Solomons. 
• January 9 - The German submarine U-81 is sunk by Army aircraft at Pola, Italy. 
• January 10 - The motor minesweeper YMS-127 is grounded and sunk in the Aleutians. 
• January 11 - Naval land-based aircraft, under Rear Admiral J.H. Hoover, from the Gilbert and Ellice Islands bomb Japanese shipping and installations at Kwajalein in the Marshalls.
• January 12 - The US Naval Air Station at Port Lyautey, French Morocco is established.
• January 14 - The fuel oil barge (self-propelled) YO-159 is damaged by a submarine torpedo and sunk by US forces in the south Pacific. The Japanese destroyer Sazanami is sunk by the submarine USS Albacore (SS-218) in the Central Pacific. 
• January 15 - The submarine USS Crevalle (SS-291) lays mines east of Saigon, French Indochina. 
• January 16 - The German submarine U-544 is sunk by aircraft (VC-13) from the escort carrier USS Guadalcanal (CVE-60) in the mid-Atlantic. 
• January 17 - Allies launch first attack toward Cassino, Italy. 
• January 19 - Naval land-based aircraft from Attu in the Aleutians bomb the Paramushiro- Shimushu area of the Kurile Islands. Similar attacks are made on three succeeding nights.
• January 20 - The submarine USS Tinosa (SS-283) lands personnel and equipment in northeast Borneo. LST-288 is grounded and sunk in the Azores. 
• January 22 - A combined US-British Army force under the command of Major General J.P. Lucas, USA, lands at the Anzio-Nettuno area of Italy. Naval gunfire continues to support the troops ashore during the 3-month struggle for the beachhead. The minesweeper USS Portent (AM-106) is sunk by a mine at Anzio, Italy. The oiler USS Cache (AO-67) is damaged by a submarine torpedo in the south Pacific. The Japanese submarine RO-37 is sunk by the destroyer USS Buchanan (DD-484) in the south Pacific. Japanese auxiliary submarine chaser No. 40 is sunk by Army aircraft off the Admiralty Islands. 
• January 24 - US Naval vessels damaged at Anzio, Italy include the destroyer s USS Plunkett (DD-431), by a dive bomber; and USS Mayo (DD-422), by an external explosion; and the minesweeper USS Prevail (AM-107) by horizontal bomber. 
• January 25 - The motor minesweeper YMS-30 is sunk by a mine at Anzio, Italy. 
• January 26 - A cruiser and destroyer task group under Rear Admiral Berkey bombards Japanese installations in the Madang-Alexischafen area of New Guinea. PT-11 is sunk in a collision off New Britain which damages PT-114. The Japanese destroyer Suzukaze is sunk by the submarine USS Skipjack (SS-184) in the Carolines. Japanese submarine chaser No. 14 is sunk by naval land-based aircraft in the central Pacific. 
• January 27 - The siege of Leningrad ends after 900 days. 
• January 28 - The German submarine U-271 is sunk by naval land-based aircraft (VB-103) in the north Atlantic. 
• January 29 - Aircraft from a fast carrier force under Rear Admiral M.A. Mitscher begin a series of strikes to destroy Japanese air power and shipping in the Marshalls. Attacks continue daily until February 6. The submarine USS Bowfin (SS-287) lays mines off the southeastern coast of Borneo. The ocean tug ATR-1 is damaged by a horizontal bomber at Anzio, Italy. 
• January 30 - Naval land-based aircraft from Midway Island bomb Wake Island. The destroyer USS Anderson (DD-411) is damaged by a coastal defense gun in the Marshalls. Japanese submarine chasers No.s 18, 19, 21 and 28 are sunk by aircraft and surface vessels in the Marshalls. 
• January 31 - Marines and Army troops under Major General H.M. Smith, USMC, land on Kwajalein and Majro Atolls in the Marshalls. The operation is under the overall command of Commander Central Pacific Force Vice Admiral Spruance and is composed of Southern Attack Force under Rear Admiral R.K. Turner, Northern Attack Force under Rear Admiral R.L. Conolly, and Reserve Force and Majuro Attack Group under Rear Admiral H.W. Hill. Landings are supported by carrier-based aircraft under Rear Admiral M.A. Mitscher and land-based aircraft under Rear Admiral Hoover. Aircraft from a fast carrier group under Rear Admiral Sherman bomb aircraft and airfield facilities at Engebi Island, Eniwetok Atoll in the Marshall Islands. Attacks by this carrier group continue on the first three days of February and afterward by Rear Admiral S.P. Ginder's carrier group through February 7. The carrier USS Franklin (CV-13) is commissioned at Newport News, Virginia. The heavy cruiser USS Louisville (CA-28) is damaged by naval gunfire and the destroyer USS Colahan (DD-658) is damaged by grounding, both during the Marshall Islands' invasion. The cargo ship USS Enceladus (AK-80) is damaged by a storm in the Solomons. The Japanese submarine I-171 is sunk by the destroyers USS Guest (DD-472) and USS Hudson (DD-475) in the Bismarck Archipelago area. The Japanese minelayer Nasami is sunk by the submarine USS Trigger (SS-237) and auxiliary submarine chaser No. 33 is sunk by aircraft, both in the central Pacific.
• February 1 - The invasion of the Marshall Islands continues as Marines land on Roi and Namu Islands, and Army troops land on Kwajalein Island under cover of heavy naval gunfire from battleships, cruisers and destroyers. US naval vessels damaged during the invasions include the destroyer USS Anderson (DD-411) by grounding and the destroyer USS Haggard (DD-555) by accidental explosion. The command designated Amphibious Forces, Pacific Fleet with headquarters at Pearl Harbor, Oahu is established. Vice Admiral R.K. Turner, Commander Fifth Amphibious Force, is ordered to assume this command as an additional duty.  The US Naval Base at Finschhafen, New Guinea, is established. The Japanese destroyer Umidaze is sunk by the submarine USS Guardfish (SS-217) in the Carolines. The Japanese submarine RO-39 is sunk by the destroyer USS Walker (DD-517) in the Marshalls. 
• February 2 - Roi and Namur Islands in the Marshalls are secured. The battleships USS Washington (BB-56) and USS Indiana (BB-58) are damaged in a collision in the Marshall Islands operation. 
• February 3 - Cruiser and destroyer gunfire supports the landing of Army troops on Ebeye, Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshalls. The destroyer USS Claxton (DD-571) is damaged by a coastal defense gun in the Solomons. The minesweeper USS Chief is damaged by grounding in the Marshalls. 
• February 4 - Cruisers and destroyers under Rear Admiral W.D. Baker bombard Japanese installations at Paramushiro in the Kurile Islands.
• February 5 - The submarine USS Narwhal (SS-167) delivers supplies and evacuates personnel from near Libertad, Panay in the Philippines. The Japanese submarine I-21 is sunk by the destroyer escort USS Fair (DE-35) in the Marshalls. 
• February 6 - The German submarine U-177 is sunk by naval land-based aircraft (VB-107) in the south Atlantic. 
• February 7 - Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshalls is declared secured. The submarine USS Narwhal (SS-167) delivers supplies and evacuates personnel from near Balatong Point, Negros in the Philippines. 
• February 8 - The destroyer USS Ludlow (DD-438) is damaged by a coastal defense gun in the Italian area. 
• February 10 - Aircraft from a carrier task group under Rear Admiral S.P. Ginder bomb Japanese installations on Eniwetok Atoll in the Marshalls. Similar attacks are made on February 11 and 12. LST-170 is damaged by a horizontal bomber in the eastern New Guinea area. The Japanese destroyer Minekaze is sunk by the submarine USS Pogy (SS-266) off of Formosa. 
• February 11 - PT-279 is sunk in a collision with PT-282 in the Solomons. 
• February 12 - Marines land on Arno Atoll in the Marshalls. This begins a series of "mopping-up" operations in minor atolls in the Marshalls. Japanese aircraft bomb and destroy supply concentrations on the Roi Islands in the Marshalls. The submarine rescue vessel USS Macaw (ASR-11) is sunk by grounding at the entrance to the Midway Channel. 
• February 14 - The light cruiser USS St. Louis (CL-49) is damaged by a dive bomber in the Bismarch Archipelago. 
• February 15 - The US Third Amphibious Force, under R.A. Wilkinson, lands New Zealand troops in the Green Islands off of New Ireland. The operation is covered by cruisers, destroyers and aircraft based in the Solomons. The command designated Central Pacific Forward Area, under R.A. Hoover, is established. Rear Admiral Hoover flies his flag in the seaplane tender USS Curtiss (AV-4). Naval aircraft from Abemama in the Gilberts bomb Wake Island. The destroyer escort USS Herbert C. Jones (DE-137) is damaged by a radio-controlled bomb at Anzio, Italy. The Japanese submarine I-43 is sunk by the submarine USS Aspro (SS-309) in the central Pacific. The Japanese submarine RO-40 is sunk by the destroyer USS Phelps (DD-360) and the minesweeper USS Sage (AM-111) in the Marshalls. Allies bomb Monte Cassino, destroying the landmark monastery. 
• February 16 - Aircraft from the carrier group under Rear Admiral Ginder bomb Eniwetok Atoll in the Marshalls. The Japanese light cruiser Agano is sunk by the submarine USS Skate (SS-305) in the central Pacific. The Japanese submarine chasers No.s 16 and 39 are sunk by Army aircraft north of New Ireland. German forces counter-attack against the Anzio beachhead.
• February 17 - A naval task force under Vice Admiral Spruance, which includes 9 carriers and 6 battleships, strikes Japanese installations and vessels at Truk in the Carolines. The attack is repeated on the 18th. During the operation, the carrier USS Intrepid (CV-11) is damaged by an aircraft torpedo and the Japanese lose the light cruiser Naka, the training cruiser Katori and the destroyers Maikaze, Oite and Tachikaze. Japanese minesweeper No. 26 is sunk by aircraft at Rabaul, New Britain. The Japanese submarine I-11 is sunk by the destroyer USS Nicholas (DD-449) in the Marshalls and the submarine chaser No. 24 is sunk by the destroyer USS Burns (DD-588). 
• February 18 - Marines and Army forces land on Engebi Iland, Eniwetok Atoll in the Marshalls. Preliminary landings are made on the 17th on several nearby islets. The operation is under the command of Rear Admiral H.W. Hill and is supported by naval gunfire and carrier-based aircraft. Destroyers bombard Japanese positions at Kavieng, New Ireland and Rabaul, New Britain. The tug YT-198 is sunk by a mine in the Italian area. The minesweeper USS Pilot (AM-104) is damaged in a collision in the Italian area. The Japanese destroyer Fumizuki and submarine chaser No. 49 are sunk by carrier-based aircraft at Truk in the Carolines. 
• February 19 - Marines and Army troops, supported by naval bombardment, land on Eniwetok Island, Eniwetok Atoll in the Marshalls. Army, Marine and naval land-based aircraft heavily attack the airfield and other Japanese installations at Rabaul, New Britain. This area is repeatedly bombed, and after this date, the Japanese abandon air defense of Rabaul. Motor torpedo boats engage a German convoy southeast of Elba. Allied cruiser and destroyer gunfire supports US positions at Anzio, Italy. Japanese submarine chasers No.s 22, 34 and 40 are sunk by Army aircraft off of New Ireland. 
• February 20 - A carrier task group under Rear Admiral J.W. Reeves bombs Japanese installations on Jaluit Atoll in the Marshalls. LST-348 is sunk by a submarine torpedo in the Italian area. Japanese submarine chaser No. 48 is sunk by Army aircraft off of New Ireland. 
• February 22 - Marines land on Perry Island, Eniwetok Atoll in the Marshalls, under cover of a naval bombardment and carrier aircraft bombing. This operation completes US control of Eniwetok Atoll. Destroyers bombard Japanese airstrips, pier area and anchorages at Kavieng, New Ireland. The submarine USS Ray (SS-271) lays mines off of Saigon, French Indochina. PT-200 is sunk by a collision with an unknown object off of Long Island, New York. The Japanese minelayer Natsushima and tug Nagaura are sunk by destroyers off of New Ireland. 
• February 23 - Aircraft from a fast carrier task force under Rear Admiral Mitscher bomb Saipan, Tinian, Rota and Guam in a first strike against the Marianas Islands. 
• February 24 - The destroyers USS Buchanan (DD-484) and USS Farenholt (DD-491) are damaged by coastal defense guns north of New Ireland. The German submarine U-761 is sunk by naval land-based aircraft (VP-63 and VB-127), British aircraft and surface vessels off of Gibraltar. 
• February 25 - Destroyers bombard Japanese positions at Kavieng, new Ireland and Rabaul, New Britain. 
• February 26 - PT-251 is sunk by coastal defense guns in the Solomons. LST-349 is grounded and sunk in the Italian area. 
• February 28 - The destroyer USS Abner Read (DD-526) is damaged by grounding in the eastern New Guinea area. 
• February 29 - A destroyer task group under Rear Admiral W.M. Fechteler lands Army troops on Los Negros Island in the Admiralties. Destroyers bombard the wharf area and buildings at Rabaul, New Britain.  
• March 1 - The US Naval Base at Milne Bay, New Guinea and the Naval Auxiliary Air Facility at Tanaga, Alaska are established. The German submarine U-603 is sunk by the destroyer escort USS Bronstein (DE-189) in the north Atlantic. The German submarine U-709 is sunk by the destroyer escorts USS Thomas (DE-102) and USS Bostwick (DE-103) in the north Atlantic. 
• March 2 - The submarine USS Narwhal (SS-167) delivers ammunition and supplies and evacuates personnel from Butuan Bay, Nasipit, Mindanao in the Philippines. 
• March 3 - Roosevelt announces that the Italian fleet will be distributed among the US, Britain and Russia. The Japanese river boat Karatsu is sunk by the submarine USS Narwhal (SS-167) in the Philippines. 
• March 4 - Army and naval land-based aircraft attack Choiseul Island in the Solomons. An Allied task force under Rear Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, RN, including 2 US cruisers and 4 destroyers, bombards Japanese shore batteries and positions on Hauwei and Norilo Islands in the Admiralties. The bombardment is repeated on March 6 and 7. Russian troops begin an offensive on the Belarussian front. The Allies stage the first major daylight bombing raid on Berlin. 
• March 5 - The submarine USS Narwhal (SS-167) delivers cargo and evacuates personnel from Tawi Tawi in the Philippines. 
• March 6 - The submarine USS Scorpion (SS-278) is reported as presumed lost in the Pacific Ocean. The destroyer USS Nicholson is damaged by coastal defense guns in the Bismarck Archipelago. 
• March 7 - PT-337 is sunk by coastal defense guns in the eastern New Guinea area. 
• March 8 -Japanese aircraft attack the US position on Eniwetok Atoll in the Marshalls.
• March 9 - The US Naval Air Facility (Lighter than Air) is established at Santa Cruz, Brazil. The destroyer escort USS Leopold (DE-319) is sunk by submarine torpedo south of Iceland. 
• March 10 - The submarine chaser SC-700 is sunk by fire at Vella Lavella in the Solomons. 
• March 11 - The German submarines U-380 and U-410 are sunk by Army aircraft near Toulon, France. 
• March 13 - The Japanese light cruiser Tatsuta is sunk by the submarine USS Sandlance (SS-381) off of Honshu, Japan. The German submarine U-575 is sunk by aircraft (VC-95) from the escort carrier USS Bogue (CVE-9), the destroyer USS Hobson (DD-464), the destroyer escort USS Haverfield (DE-393), British aircraft and a Canadian vessel in the north Atlantic. 
• March 15 - Allied forces make a second attempt to capture Monte Cassino. 
• March 16 - The Japanese destroyer Shirakumo is sunk by the submarine USS Tautog (SS-199) off of Japan. The German submarine U-392 is sunk by Naval land-based aircraft (VP-63) and British surface craft in the western Mediterranean. The German submarine U-801 is sunk by aircraft (VC-6) from the escort carrier USS Block Island (CVE-21), the destroyer USS Corry (DD-463) and the destroyer escort USS Bronstein (DE-189) west of the Cape Verde Islands. 
• March 17 - PT-283 is sunk by coastal defense guns in the Solomons. 
• March 18 - A task group including a carrier, two battleships and destroyers under Rear Admiral Lee bombs and bombards Japanese installations on Mili Island in the Marshalls. The battleship USS Iowa (BB-61) is damaged by a coastal defense gun. Destroyers bombard the Japanese in the Wewak area of New Guinea. The bombardment continues on the 19th. The British drop 3000 tons of bombs during a bombing raid on Hamburg. 
• March 19 - The German submarine U-1059 is sunk by aircraft (VC-6) from the escort carrier USS Block Island (CVE-21) in the Atlantic. German forces occupy Hungary. 
• March 20 - A naval attack group under Commodore L.F. Reifsnider lands the 4th Marine Division, under Brigadier General A.H. Noble, on Emirau Island in the Bismarck Archipelago. A task force including four battleships, two escort carriers and destroyers under Rear Admiral Griffin bombards and bombs Kavieng, New Ireland. The submarine USS Angler (SS-240) evacuates 58 persons, including women and children, from the west coast of Panay in the Philippines. Japanese submarine chasers No.s 47 and 49 are sunk by Army aircraft north of New Guinea. 
• March 23 - Destroyers bombard Japanese installations on the Mussau Islands in the St. Matthias group in the Bismarck Archipelago. The US Naval Air Facility at Dunkeswell, England is established. The Japanese submarine I-42 is sunk by the submarine USS Tunny (SS-282) off the Palau Islands. 
• March 24 - The Japanese submarine I-32 is sunk by the destroyer escort USS Manlove (DE-36) and the submarine chaser PC-1135 in the Marshalls. 
• March 25 - Japanese submarine chaser No. 54 is sunk by the submarine USS Pollack (SS-180) north of the Bonin Islands. 
• March 26 - The submarine USS Tullibee (SS-284) is sunk, probably by a circular run of her own torpedoes, north of the Palau Islands in the Carolines. 
• March 27 - PT-121 and PT-353 are accidentally sunk by a friendly bomber in the Bismarck Archipelago. PT-207 is damaged by naval gunfire in the Italian area. 
• March 28 - Destroyers bombard Japanese positions on Kapingamarangi Atoll, north of New Ireland. 
• March 30 - Fast carrier forces under Commander Fifth Fleet Admiral Spruance commence intensive bombing of Japanese airfields, shipping, fleet service facilities and other installations at Palau, Yap, Ulithi and Woleai in the Carolines. The following Japanese vessels are sunk at Palau: repair ship Akashi; oilers Ose, Sata and Iro; submarine chasers No.s 6 and 26; auxiliary submarine chasers No.s 22 and 53; and patrol boat No. 31. Extensive minefields are planted by carrier-based aircraft in and around the channels and approaches to the Palau Islands.  Attacks continue until April 1. The submarine USS Grayback (SS-208) is reported as presumed lost in the Pacific. The submarine USS Tunney (SS-282) is accidentally damaged by friendly aircraft off the Palau Islands. 
• March 31 - The old Japanese destroyer Wakatake is sunk by carrier-based aircraft off the Palau Islands in the Carolines. 
• April 4 - The destroyer USS Hall (DD-583) is damaged by coastal defense guns in the Marshalls. 
• April 5 - The Japanese auxiliary submarine chaser No. 46 is sunk by carrier-based aircraft in the Carolines. 
• April 7 - The German submarine U-856 is sunk by the destroyer USS Champlin (DD-601) and the destroyer escort DE-145 in the north Atlantic. USS Champlin is damaged by ramming and gunfire during the encounter. The Japanese submarine I-2 is sunk by the destroyer USS Saufley (DD-465) north of New Ireland. 
• April 8 - Russian troops begin an offensive to liberate the Crimea. 
• April 9 - The submarine chaser SC-984 is grounded and sunk in the New Hebrides. The German submarine U-515 is sunk by aircraft (VC-58) from the escort carrier USS Guadalcanal (CVE-60) and destroyer escorts USS Pillsbury (DE-133), USS Pope (DE-134), USS Flaherty (DE-135) and USS Chatelin (DE-149) off Madeira Island. 
• April 10 - The German submarine U-68 is sunk by aircraft (VC-58) from the escort carrier USS Guadalcanal (CVE-60) off Madeira Island. Russian forces capture Odessa. 
• April 11 - The destroyer escort USS Holder (DE-401) is sunk by submarine torpedo in the western Mediterranean. The Japanese destroyer Akigumo is sunk by the submarine USS Redfin (SS-272) in the Celebes Sea. 
• April 12 - PT-135 is damaged by grounding and sunk by US forces in the Bismarck Archipelago. The rescue tug ATR-98 is sunk by collision in the Azores. 
• April 13 - The Japanese destroyer Ikazuchi is sunk by the submarine USS Harder (SS-257) in the central Pacific. 
• April 15 - Alaskan Sea Frontier under Vice Admiral Fletcher with headquarters at Adak in the Aleutians and the Seventeenth Naval District under Rear Admiral F.E.M. Whiting with temporary headquarters at Adak and permanent headquarters at Kodiak, Alaska are established. US Naval Base at Abemama in the Gilberts is established. The carrier USS Hancock (CV-19) is commissioned at Fore River, Massachusetts. 
• April 16 - The battleship USS Wisconsin (BB-64) is commissioned at Philadelphia. The German submarine U-550 is sunk by the destroyer escorts USS Peterson (DE-152), USS Joyce (DE-317) and USS Gandy (DE-764) in the north Atlantic. The USS Gandy is damaged while intentionally ramming the U-boat. 
• April 17 - The submarine USS Trout (SS-202) is reported as presumed lost in the Pacific. The German submarine U-986 is sunk by the minesweeper USS Swift (AM-122) and submarine chaser PC-619 in the north Atlantic. 
• April 19 - An Allied naval force under Admiral J.F. Sommerville, RN, and including the carrier USS Saratoga (CV-3) and three US destroyers, strikes enemy positions at Sabang in the Netherlands East Indies. 
• April 20 - The destroyer USS Landsdale (DD-426) is sunk by an aircraft torpedo in the western Mediterranean. The Japanese submarine RO-45 is sunk by the submarine USS Seahorse (SS-304) off the Marianas Islands. 
• April 21 - A naval task force under Vice Admiral Mitscher, including carriers, battleships, cruisers and destroyers, bombs and bombards Japanese airfields and defensive positions at the Hollandia, Wadke, Sawar and Sari areas of New Guinea. Attacks continue on the 22nd. 
• April 22 - Army forces land at Aitape, Tanahmerah Bay and Humbolt Bay in New Guinea. The operation is under the command of Rear Admiral Barbey and supported by gunfire and carrier-based aircraft from Vice Admiral Mitscher's carrier task force. The submarine USS Redfin (SS-272) lays mines off Sarawak, Borneo. 
• April 23 - The Japanese destroyer Amagiri is sunk by a mine in Makassar Strait in the Netherlands East Indies. 
• April 26 - The Japanese submarine I-180 is sunk by the destroyer escort USS Gilmore (DE-18) in the north Pacific. The German submarine U-488 is sunk by the destroyer escorts USS Frost (DE-144), USS Huse (DE-145), USS Barber (DE-161) and USS Snowden (DE-246) in the mid-Atlantic. 
• April 27 - The cargo ship USS Etamin (AK-93) is sunk by aircraft torpedo in the western New Guinea area. The Japanese light cruiser Yubari is sunk by the submarine USS Bluegill (SS-242) southwest of the Palau Islands. The Japanese minelayer Kamone is sunk by the submarine USS Halibut (SS-232) off the Ryukyu Islands. 
• April 28 - Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox dies in Washington. LST-507 and LST-531 are sunk by torpedoes from surface craft in the English Channel. The Japanese submarine I-183 is sunk by the submarine USS Pogy (SS-266) off Kyushu, Japan. 
• April 29 - Aircraft from a fast carrier task force under Vice Admiral Mitscher, including twelve carriers, commence a 2-day bombing attack on Japanese shipping, oil and ammunition dumps, aircraft facilities and other installations at Truk in the Carolines. PT-346 and PT-347 are accidentally sunk by friendly aircraft in the Bismarck Archipelago. The Japanese submarine I-174 is sunk by aircraft from the light carrier USS Monterey (CVL-26) and destroyers USS MacDonough (DD-351) and USS Stephen Potter (DD-538) in the Carolines. The Japanese river gunboat Tahure is sunk by the submarine USS Flasher (SS-249) in the South China Sea. The German submarine U-421 is sunk by Army aircraft near Toulon, France. 
• April 30 - A cruiser and destroyer force under Rear Admiral Oldendorf bombards Japanese positions on Satawan Island, Namoi Group in the Carolines.  
• May 1 - A battleship and carrier group under Vice Admiral Lee bombards and bombs the wharf area, Japanese seaplane base and other facilities on Ponape Island in the Carolines. 
• May 2 - The destroyer USS Parrott (DD-218) is damaged in a collision off Norfolk, Virginia. 
• May 3 - The destroyer escort USS Donnell (DE-56) is damaged by submarine torpedo in the north Atlantic. The destroyer escort USS Menges (DE-320) is damaged by submarine torpedo in the western Mediterranean. 
• May 4 - US Naval Base and Naval Air Facility at Majuro Atoll in the Marshalls are established. The German submarine U-371 is sunk by the destroyer escorts USS Joseph E. Campbell and USS Pride (DE-323) and British and French surface craft in the western Mediterranean. 
• May 5 - Admiral S. Toyoda's appointment as Commander in Chief of the Japanese Combined Fleet is announced. He succeeds Admiral Koga, killed in an airplane crash on March 31, 1944. The destroyer escort USS Fechteler (DE-157) is sunk by a submarine torpedo in the western Mediterranean. PT-247 is sunk by coastal defense guns in the Solomons. 
• May 6 - The destroyer escort USS Buckley (DE-51) is damaged by the intentional ramming of a German U-boat in the mid-Atlantic. 
• May 8 - The carrier USS Ticonderoga (CV-14) is commissioned at Newport News, Virginia. 
• May 9 - The submarine chaser PC-558 is sunk by submarine torpedo. Russian troops re-capture Sevastopol. 
• May 10 - The US Naval Base at Eniwetok in the Marshalls is established. The old Japanese destroyer Karukaya is sunk by the submarine USS Cod (SS-224) in the Philippines. 
• May 11 - The submarine USS Crevalle (SS-291) evacuates 28 women and children from Negros in the Philippines. The US Naval Advanced Amphibious Base at Southampton, England is established. Allied forces attack the Gustav Line. 
• May 12 - German forces in the Crimea surrender. 
• May 13 - Naval land-based and Army aircraft stage a heavy bombing attack on Japanese installations on Jaluit Atoll in the Marshalls. The attack continues on the 14th. The Japanese submarine RO-501 (ex-German U-1224) is sunk by the destroyer escort USS Francis M. Robinson (DE-220) in the mid-Atlantic. 
• May 14 - The Japanese destroyer Inazuma is sunk by the submarine USS Bonefish (SS-223) in the Celebes Sea. 
• May 15 - The US Naval Air Bases at Ebeye and Roi-Namur on Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshalls are established. The German submarine U-731 is sunk by US naval land-based aircraft (VP-63) and British surface craft in the western Mediterranean. The Germans withdraw to the Adolf Hitler Line. 
• May 16 - The Japanese submarine I-176 is sunk by the destroyers USS Franks (DD-554) and USS Haggard (DD-555) north of the Solomons. 
• May 17 - Army troops land at the Wakde-Toem are of New Guinea, preceded by a cruiser and destroyer bombardment commanded by Rear Admiral Berkey. An Allied task force under Admiral Somerville, including the carrier USS Saratoga (CV-3), bombs Japanese shipping and harbor installations at Surabaya, Java. Destroyers bombard Japanese defenses on Eniben Island, Maleolap Atoll in the Marshalls. The German submarine U-616 is sunk by the destroyers USS Gleaves (DD-423), USS Hilary P. Jones (DD-427), USS Ellyson (DD-454), USS Hambleton (DD-455), USS Rodman (DD-456), USS Emmons (DD-457), USS Macomb (DD-458) and USS Nields (DD-616) and British aircraft in the western Mediterranean. 
• May 18 - The US Naval Base and Naval Air Station at Manu Island in the Admiralties are established. 
• May 19 - James Forrestal, Under Secretary of the Navy since 1940, becomes Secretary of the Navy. Aircraft from a carrier task group under Rear Admiral Montgomery bomb Marcus Island. The attack continues on the 20th. The Japanese submarine I-16 is sunk by the destroyer escort USS England (DE-635) in the Solomons. The German submarine U-960 is sunk by the destroyers USS Niblack (DD-424) and USS Ludlow (DD-438) and British aircraft in the western Mediterranean. 
• May 21 - Naval land-based and Army aircraft heavily attack Japanese positions on Wotje Atoll in the Marshalls. LST 43, LST 69, LST 179, LST 353 and LST 480 are sunk by an accidental explosion at Pearl Harbor. 
• May 22 - Destroyers bombard Japanese installations in the Wotje Atoll in the Marshalls. The Japanese destroyer Asanagi is sunk by the submarine USS Pollack (SS-180) southeast of Japan. The Japanese submarine RO-106 is sunk by the destroyer escort USS England (DE-635) north of the Bismarck Archipelago. 
• May 23 - Aircraft from a carrier task group under Rear Admiral Montgomery bomb building and other targets on Wake Island. The light cruiser USS Philadelphia (CL-41) and destroyer USS Laub (DD-613) are damaged in a collision in the Italian area. The Japanese submarine RO-104 is sunk by the destroyer escort USS England (DE-653) north of the Bismarck Archipelago. 
• May 24 - The submarine USS Narwhal (SS-167) lands men and supplies on Samar in the Philippines. The Japanese submarine RO-116 is sunk by the destroyer escort USS England (DE-635) north of the Bismarck Archipelago. The Japanese frigate Iki is sunk by the submarine USS Raton (SS-270)in the Netherlands East Indies. 
• May 25 - The Germans retreat from Anzio. 
• May 26 - Destroyers bombard Japanese shore batteries and installations on Mili Atoll in the Marshalls. The Japanese submarine RO-108 is sunk by the destroyer escort USS England (DE-635) north of the Bismarck Archipelago. 
• May 27 - Army forces land on Biak in the Schouten Islands off of New Guinea under the cover of naval gunfire from a cruiser and destroyer force commanded by Rear Admiral Fechteler. PT-339 is grounded and sunk by US forces in the western New Guinea area. The submarine chaser SC-699 is damaged by a suicide plane in the western New Guinea area. 
• May 28 - The destroyer USS Stockton (DD-646) is damaged by coastal defense guns on Biak Island in the Schouten Islands, off New Guinea. 
• May 29 - Destroyers bombard Japanese installations on the northern coast of New Ireland. The escort carrier USS Bock Island (CVE-21) is sunk by submarine torpedo northwest of the Canary Islands. The destroyer escort USS Barr (DE-576) is damaged by submarine torpedo northwest of the Canary Islands. The German submarine U-549 is sunk by the destroyer escorts USS Abrens (DE-575) and US Eugene E. Elmore (DE-686) northwest of the Canary Islands. 
• May 31 - The Japanese submarine RO-105 is sunk by the destroyers USS Hazelwood (DD-531) and USS McCord (DD-534) and destroyer escorts USS England (DD-635), USS George (DE-697) and USS Raby (DE-68) north of the Bismarck Archipelago. The Japanese frigate Ishigaki is sunk by the submarine USS Herring (SS-233) in the north Pacific.  
• June 1 - The submarine USS Narwhal (SS-167) lands men and supplies on the southwest coast of Mindanao in the Philippines. 
• June 2 - The Japanese frigate Awaji is sunk by the submarine USS Guitarro (SS-363) off of Formosa. 
• June 3 - The destroyer USS Reid (DD-369) is damaged by a dive bomber in the western New Guinea area. 
• June 4 - The German submarine U-505 is captured by a hunter-killer group 150 miles off the coast of Rio de Oro, Africa. The hunter-killer group, under Captain D.V. Gallery, consists of the escort carrier USS Guadalcanal (CVE-60, Captain Gallery) and an escort division, under Comdr. F.S. Hall, composed of destroyer escorts USS Pillsbury (DE-133, Lt. G.W. Casselman), USS Pope (DE-134, Lt. Comdr. E.H. Headland), USS Flaherty (DE-135, Lt. Comdr. M. Johnston), USS Chatelain (DE-149, Lt. Comdr. D.S. Knox) and USS Jenks (DE-665, Lt. Comdr. J.F. Way). Japanese aircraft attack an Allied cruiser and destroyer force under R.A. Crutchley off Biak, New Guinea. The light cruisers USS Nashville (CL-43) and USS Phoenix (CL-46) are damaged. Japanese transport No. 128 is sunk by Army aircraft in the Philippine Sea. 
• June 5 - The submarine USS Nautilus (SS-168) lands supplies at Tucuran, Mindanao in the Philippines. The minesweeper USS Osprey (AM-56) is sunk by a mine off Normandy, France. LST 981 is damaged by a mine, also off Normandy. Allied forces enter Rome. 
• June 6 - D-Day. The Allied Expeditionary Force under the supreme command of General Dwight D. Eisenhower, USA, invades Western Europe. Landings are made on the beaches of Normandy, France, following pre-invasion minesweeping and bombardment by Allied warships, and under the cover of Allied aircraft and naval gunfire. The invasion fleet of thousands of naval vessels, merchant ships, and landing craft under the command of Admiral Sir Bertram H. Ramsay, RN, is divided into a Western American) Task Force and an Eastern (British) Task Force. The Western Task Force, commanded by Rear Admiral A.G. Kirk, USN, and composed to two assault forces, "O" under the command of Rear Admiral J.L Hall, USN, and "U" under the command of Read Admiral D.P. Moon, USN, lands the First United States Army commanded by Lt. General Omar N. Bradley, USA, on "Omaha" and "Utah" beaches. Naval gunfire support groups commanded by Rear Admiral M.L. Deyo, USN, and Rear Admiral C.F. Bryant, USN effectively prevent the Germans from moving up reinforcements and cover the troops advancing inland. US naval vessels sunk during the Normandy invasion include the destroyer USS Corry (DD-463) and the submarine chaser PC-1261, both by mines. LST 375 is damaged in a collision during the operation. US naval vessels listed as sunk or damaged in the Normandy invasion do not include amphibious types smaller than the LST. The Japanese destroyer Minazuki is sunk by the submarine USS Harder (SS-257) in the Celebes Sea. Japanese coastal defense vessel No. 15 is sunk by the submarine USS Raton (SS-270) in the South China Sea. 
• June 7 - Construction of artificial harbors and sheltered anchorages from sunken blockships and concrete caissons begins off Normandy beachheads. The US Naval Advanced Base at Hollandia, New Guinea, is established. The submarine USS Gudgeon (SS-211) is reported as presumed lost in the Pacific. The minesweeper USS Tide (AM-125) and the transport USS Susan B. Anthony (AP-72) are sunk by mines in the Normandy area. The destroyer USS Harding (DD-625) is damaged by grounding, the minesweeper USS Pheasant (AM-61) is damaged in a collision and PT-505 is damaged by a mine, all in the Normandy area. The Japanese destroyer Hayanami is sunk by the submarine USS Harder (SS-257) in the Celebes Sea. 
• June 8 - Beginning shortly before midnight and continuing on June 9, an Allied naval force under Rear Admiral Crutchley, RN, including 2 US light cruisers and destroyers, intercepts and turns back 5 Japanese destroyers attempting to reinforce Biak Island, in the Schouten Islands off New Guinea. The submarine USS Harder (SS-257) evacuates coast-watchers from the northeast coast of North Borneo. The destroyer escort USS Rich (DE-695) and LST 499 are sunk by mines in the Normandy area. The destroyers USS Glennon (DD-620) and USS Meredith (DD-726) are damaged by mines in the Normandy area. The Japanese destroyer Harusame is sunk by Army aircraft in the Biak, New Guinea area. The Japanese destroyer Kazagumo is sunk by the submarine USS Hake (SS-256) at Mindanao in the Philippines. 
• June 9 - Destroyers bombard Japanese repair facilities in the Fangelawa Bay area, New Ireland. The destroyer USS Meredith (DD-726) is sunk as a result of mine damage suffered on June 8 in the Normandy area. LST-314 is sunk by a torpedo from surface craft and LST 376 is damaged by a torpedo from a surface craft and sunk by US forces, both in the Normandy area. The motor minesweeper YMS-305 is damaged by coastal defense guns in the Normandy area. The Japanese destroyer Matsukaze is sunk by the submarine USS Swordfish (SS-193) off the Bonin Islands. The Japanese destroyer Tanikaze is sunk by the submarine USS Harder (SS-257) in the Celebes Sea. Russian forces begin an offensive on the Finnish front. 
• June 10 - The destroyer USS Glennon (DD-620) is sunk by coastal defense guns in the Normandy area. The Japanese submarine RO-42 is sunk by the destroyer escort USS Bangust (DE-739) in the Marshalls. The Germans liquidate Oradour-sur-Glane, France. 
• June 11 - US Battleships off Normandy give gunfire support to Army forces 10 miles inland at Carentan, France. The US Naval Base at Biak Island in the Schouten Islands is established. The battleship USS Missouri (BB-63) is commissioned at New York City. LST 496 is sunk by a mine and the ocean tug USS Partridge (ATO-138) is sunk by a torpedo, both in the Normandy area. The destroyer USS Nelson (DD-623) and LST 538 are damaged by torpedoes in the Normandy area. The Japanese submarine RO-111 is sunk by the destroyer USS Taylor (DD-468) north of the Bismarck Archipelago. The German submarine U-490 is sunk by aircraft (VC-95) from the escort carrier USS Croatan (CVE-25) and the destroyer escorts USS Frost (DE-144), USS Huse (DE-145) and USS Inch (DE-146) in the north Atlantic. 
• June 12 - Aircraft from the 15 carriers of the fast carrier force under Vice Admiral Mitscher bomb Japanese air facilities and coastal defenses on Saipan, Tinian, Guam, Rota and the Pagan Islands in the Marianas Islands. Two Japanese convoys are attacked and damaged. The Japanese torpedo boat Otori is sunk. Carrier aircraft continue strikes on June 13 and 14. The destroyer USS Kalk (DD-611) is damaged by a horizontal bomber in the western New Guinea area. 
• June 13 - A battleship and destroyer task group under Vice Admiral Lee bombards Japanese installations on Saipan and Tinian in the Marianas. A cruiser and destroyer force under Rear Admiral E.G. Small bombards Japanese positions on Matsuwa Island in the Kuriles. The submarine USS Narwhal (SS-167) shells oil tanks at Bula, Ceram Island in the Netherlands East Indies. The Japanese submarine RO-36 is sunk by the destroyer USS Melvin (DD-680) in the Marianas. The Germans make their first V-1 rocket attacks on Britain. 
• June 14 - Two task groups of battleships, cruisers and destroyers, under Rear Admirals Oldendorf and Ainsworth, bombard Japanese installations on Saipan and Tinian in the Marianas. The battleship USS California (BB-44) and the destroyer USS Braine (DD-630) are damaged by coastal defense guns in the Marinas. LST 280 is damaged by submarine torpedo in the Normandy area. 
• June 15 - A naval task force under Vice Admiral Turner lands Marines under Lt. General H.M. Smith on Saipan in the Marianas under cover of intensive naval gunfire carrier-based aircraft. Carrier-based aircraft from two task groups, under Rear Admirals J.J. Clark and W.K. Harrill, bomb Japanese installations on Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands and Chichi Jima and Haha Jima in the Bonin Islands. The attack on Iwo Jima is repeated on June 16. The battleship USS Tennessee (BB-43) is damaged by coastal defense guns at Saipan. LST 2, LST 133, LST 266, LST 307, LST 331 and LST 360 are damaged by coastal defense guns and mine in the Normandy area. The Japanese minelayer No. 101 is sunk by surface craft in the Marianas. The German submarine U-860 is sunk by aircraft (VC-9) from the escort carrier USS Solomons (CVE-67) in the south Atlantic. 
• June 16 - A battleship, cruiser and destroyer force under Rear Admiral Ainsworth bombards Japanese installations on Guam in the Marianas. The Japanese submarine RO-44 is sunk by the destroyer escort USS Burden R. Hastings (DE-19) in the Marshalls and RO-114 is sunk by the destroyers USS Melvin (DD-680) and USS Wadleigh (DD-689) in the Marianas. 
• June 17 - An Allied task force under Rear Admiral T.H. Troubridge, RN, lands French troops on the island of Elba off of Italy. The motor minesweeper YMS-377 is damaged by a mine in the Normandy area. The escort carrier USS Fanshaw Bay (CVE-70) is damaged by a horizontal bomber and LST 84 is accidentally damaged by US naval gunfire, both in the Marianas. The Japanese submarine RO-117 is sunk by naval land-based aircraft (VB-109) from Eniwetok. June 18 - PT-63 and PT-107 are sunk by fire off New Ireland. The destroyer USS Phelps (DD-360) is damaged by coastal defense guns and the oilers USS Neshanic (AO-71) and USS Saranac (AO-74) are damaged by horizontal bombers, all in the Marianas. 
• June 19 - Battle of the Philippine Sea. Japanese carrier-based aircraft attack the US Fifth Fleet covering the Saipan operation. Two US battleships, two aircraft carriers and a heavy cruiser are damaged, the USS South Dakota (BB-57) by dive bomber, USS Indiana (BB-58)by suicide plane, USS Bunker Hill (CV-17) and USS Wasp (CV-18) by dive bombers and USS Minneapolis (CA-36) by horizontal bomber. Also damaged are the destroyer USS Hudson (DD-475) by accidental US naval gunfire and the motor minesweeper YMS-323 by coastal defense guns. During the battle, two Japanese carriers, Shokaku and Taiho are sunk by the submarines USS Cavalla (SS-244) and USS Albacore (SS-218), respectively. The Japanese lose over 300 aircraft is what is to become known as the "Great Marianas Turkey Shoot." LST 523 is sunk by a mine and the ocean tug ATR-15 is grounded, both in the Normandy area. The Japanese submarine I-184 is sunk by aircraft (VT-60) from the escort carrier USS Suwannee (CVE-27) in the central Pacific. 
• June 20 - Battle of the Philippine Sea continues. Aircraft from the Fifth Fleet task force under Vice Admiral Mitscher strike the Japanese fleet. The Japanese carrier Hiyo is sunk. In the 2-day Battle of the Philippine Sea the engaged Japanese Fleet loses 395 (92%) of its carrier planes, and 31 (72%) of its float planes. Only 35 carrier planes and 12 float planes remain operational.  Besides the losses afloat, an estimated 50 land-based Japanese aircraft from Guam are destroyed. The US Fleet's loss is 130 planes and a total of 76 pilots and crewmen for the 2 days. The submarines USS Narwhal (SS-167) and USS Nautilus (SS-168) land supplies and evacuate personnel from Negros and Panay in the Philippines. The destroyer USS Phelps (DD-360) is damaged by coastal defense guns in the Marianas. 
• June 21 - The Coast Guard cutters 83415 and 83471 are sunk by a storm and the destroyer USS Davis (DD-395) is sunk by a mine, all in the Normandy area. 
• June 22 - The battleship USS Maryland (BB-46) is damaged by an aircraft torpedo and LST 119 is damaged by coastal defense guns, both in the Marianas. The Japanese submarine I-185 is sunk by the destroyer USS Newcomb (DD-586) and the high- speed minesweeper USS Chandler (DMS-9) in the Marianas. The Russian Summer Offensive begins. 
• June 23 - Aircraft from a carrier task group under Rear Admiral J.J. Clark bomb Japanese air facilities on Pagan Island in the Marianas.
• June 24 - Aircraft from carrier task groups under Rear Admirals J.J. Clark and A.E. Montgomery strike Japanese airfields and facilities on Iwo Jima and Pagan Island. PT-193 is grounded and sunk by US forces in the western New Guinea area. The Japanese submarine I-52 is sunk by aircraft (VC-69) from the escort carrier USS Bogue (CVE-9) in the Atlantic. June 25 - A US battleship, cruiser and destroyer force under Rear Admiral M.L. Deyo bombards German shore batteries and coastal defenses at Cherbourg, France. The battleship USS Texas (BB-35) and the destroyers USS Barton (DD-722), USS Laffey (DD-724) and USS O'Brien (DD-275) are damaged by coastal defense guns during the operation. 
• June 26 - Cruisers and destroyers under Rear Admiral E.G. Small bombard Japanese positions at Kauabu Zaki, Paramushiro in the Kurile Islands. The cargo ship USS Mercury (AK-42) is damaged by and aircraft torpedo in the Marianas. 
• June 27 - Cherbourg is captured by US forces. 
• June 28 - Japanese coastal defense vessel No. 24 is sunk by the submarine USS Archerfish (SS-311) in the western Pacific. 
• June 29 - The coastal minesweeper USS Valaor (AMC-108) is sunk in a collision off Newport, Rhode Island. The Japanese minelayer Tsugaru is sunk by the submarine USS Darter (SS-227) in the Netherlands East Indies. 
• July 2 - An allied naval force under Rear Admiral Fechteler lands army troops on Noemfoor Island off New Guinea. The motor minesweeper YMS-350 is sunk by a mine in the Normandy area. The German submarine U-543 is sunk by aircraft (VC-58) from the escort carrier USS Wake Island (CVE-65) southeast of the Azores. 
• July 3 - The German submarine U-154 is sunk by the destroyer escorts USS Frost (DE-144) and USS Inch (De-146) off Madiera. The Battle of the Hedgerows takes place in Normandy. Russian forces capture Minsk. 
• July 4 - Carrier-based aircraft and naval gunfire from two task groups, under Rear Admirals Clark and R.E. Davison, hit Japanese installations on Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands and Chichi Jima and Haha Jima in the Bonins. The submarine S-28 is sunk during training exercises off Hawaii, cause unknown. Japanese auxiliary submarine chaser No. 16, coastal minesweeper Sarushima and transport No. 103 are sunk by carrier-based aircraft in the Bonins. Transport No. 130 is sunk by carrier-based aircraft near Iwo Jima. The Japanese submarine I-10 is sunk by the destroyer USS David W. Taylor (DD-551) and the destroyer  escort USS Riddle (DE-185) in the Marianas. 
• July 5 - The German submarine U-133 is sunk by the destroyer escorts USS Thomas (DE-102) and USS Baker (DE-190)in the north Atlantic. The German submarine U-586 is sunk by aircraft near Toulon, France. 
• July 6 - Carrier-based aircraft commence daily bombings of Japanese coastal and anti-aircraft guns, supply dumps, airfields and other installations on Guam and Rota in the Marianas. The Japanese destroyer Hokaze is sunk by the submarine USS Paddle (SS-263) in the Celebes Sea. 
• July 7 - The Japanese destroyer Usugumo is sunk by the submarine USS Skate (SS-305) in the Kurile Islands. The Japanese destroyer Tamanami is sunk by the submarine USS Mingo (SS-261) in the South China Sea. Japanese forces are defeated on Saipan 
• July 8 - A cruiser and destroyer task group under Rear Admiral C.T. Joy commences daily bombardment of Japanese defenses on Guam. Battleships join the bombardment beginning on July 14. 
• July 9 - Organized Japanese resistance ceases on Saipan. The submarine USS Nautilus (SS-168) lands men and supplies on Pandan Island off the west coast of Mindoro in the Philippines. The minesweeper USS Swerve (AM-121) is sunk by a mine in the Italian area. British and Canadian forces capture Caen. 
• July 10 - The command designated US Ports and Bases, France under Rear Admiral Wilkes  is established with headquarters at Cherbourg, France. 
• July 13 - The submarine USS Herring (SS-133) is reported as presumed lost in the Pacific. 
• July 14 - The Japanese submarine I-6 is sunk by the destroyer escort USS William C. Miller (DE-259) in the Marianas. 
• July 15 - PT-133 is sunk by coastal defense guns in the eastern New Guinea area. 
• July 17 - Japanese minesweeper No. 25 is sunk by the submarine USS Gabilan (SS-252) off of Honshu, Japan. 
• July 18 - Premier Tojo and the Japanese cabinet resign. General Koiso forms a new cabinet. The motor boat PGM-7 is damaged by a collision in the Bismarck Sea. Japanese submarine chaser No. 50 is sunk by the submarine USS Plaice (SS-390) south of Honshu, Japan. US forces reach St. Lo. 
• July 19 - The Japanese light cruiser Oi is sunk by the submarine USS Flasher (SS-249) in the South China Sea. The Japanese submarine RO-48 is sunk by the destroyer escort  USS Wyman (DE-38) in the central Pacific. 
• July 20 - A German assassination attempt on Hitler fails. 
• July 21 - A naval attack force under Rear Admiral R.L. Conolly lands Marines and Army forces under Major General Geiger on Guam. The assault is preceded by intensive naval gunfire and carrier-based aircraft attacks. The submarine chaser SC-1316 is damaged by coastal mortars in the Marianas. 
• July 23 - The destroyer USS Norman Scott (DD-690) is damaged by coastal  defense guns and the high-speed minesweeper USS Chandler (DMS-9) is damaged by fire, both in the Marianas. 
• July 24 - A naval attack force under Rear Admiral H.W. Hill lands Marines under Major General Schmidt on Tinian in the Marianas. The landing is supported by naval gunfire, carrier-based aircraft and land-based aircraft from Saipan. The battleship USS Colorado (BB-45) and LST 481 are damaged by coastal defense guns in the Marianas. Russian troops liberate the first concentration camp at Majdanek. 
• July 25 - Aircraft from the fast carrier task force under Vice Admiral  Mitscher attack Japanese positions in the western Caroline Islands of Yap, Ulithi, Fis, Ngulu, Soro and Palau. The Japanese minelayer Sokuten is sunk by carrier-based aircraft in the Palau Islands. Operation Cobra begins in Normandy as US forces break out west of St. Lo. 
• July 26 - The submarine USS Golet (SS-361) is reported as presumed lost in the Pacific. The submarine USS Robalo (SS-273) is sunk off western Palawn in the  Philippines, cause unknown. The Japanese submarine I-29 is sunk by the submarine USS Sawfish (SS-276) in Luzon Strait in the Philippines. 
• July 27 - Japanese transports No.s 1 and 150 are sunk by carrier-based aircraft in the Palau Islands. 
• July 28 - The Japanese submarine I-55 is sunk by the destroyer escorts USS Wyman (DE-38) and USS Reynolds (DE-42) in the central Pacific. A Japanese submarine chaser  (name unknown) is sunk by carrier-based aircraft. Russian troops capture  Brest-Litovsk. US troops capture Coutances. 
• July 29 - LST 340 is damaged by grounding in the Marianas. The German submarines U-872 and U-2323 are sunk by Army aircraft at Bremen, Germany. 
• July 30 - A naval task force under Rear Admiral Flechteler lands Army troops near Cape Opmarai, northwest New Guinea and on the offshore islands of Amsterdam and  Middleburg. Troops made shore-to-shore movement to Cape Sansapor on the 31st. The motor minesweeper YMS-304 is sunk  and YMS-378 is damaged, both by mines in the Normandy area.  
• August 1 - Organized Japanese resistance ends on Tinian. A US Naval Air Base is established on Tinian. The Polish Home Army uprising against the Nazis in  Warsaw begins. US forces reach Avranches. 
• August 2 - The destroyer escort USS Fiske (DE-143) is sunk by a submarine torpedo in the north Atlantic. 
• August 4 - Aircraft from a carrier task group under Rear Admiral Clark and cruisers and destroyers under Rear Admiral L.T. DuBose attack a Japanese convoy and other shipping in the Chichi Jima area of the Bonin Islands. Simultaneously, aircraft from a second carrier task group under Rear Admiral Montgomery bomb airfield facilities on Iwo Jima. Japanese naval vessels sunk during the operation include the destroyer Matsu and transports No.s 4 and 133.  Anne Franke and her family are arrested by the Gestapo in Amsterdam. Allied forces liberate Florence. 
• August 5 - Aircraft from two carrier task groups under Rear Admirals Clark and Montgomery and cruisers and destroyers under Rear Admiral DuBose bomb and bombard Japanese installations on Chichi Jima and Haha Jima in the Bonins. Fast Carrier  Task Force is reorganized into First Fast Carrier Task Force, Pacific Fleet  under Vice Admiral Mitscher and Second Fast Carrier Task Force, Pacific Fleet  under Vice Admiral McCain. Japanese transport No. 2 is sunk by carrier-based aircraft. 
• August 6 - The carrier USS Bennington (CV-20) is commissioned at New York City. The German submarines U-471, U-642, U-952 and U-969 are sunk by Army aircraft at Toulon, France. 
• August 7 - The submarine USS Seawolf (SS-197) lands men and supplies at Tawi Tawi in the Philippines. The Japanese light cruiser Nagara is sunk by the submarine USS Croaker (SS-246) west Kyushu, Japan. The Japanese frigate Kursagaki is sunk by the submarine USS Guitarro (SS-363) in the Philippines. A German counter-attack toward Avranches begins. 
• August 8 - Destroyers and land-based Marine aircraft from Majuro in the Marshalls bombard and bomb Japanese positions on Taro, Maloelap Atoll in the  Marshalls. 
• July 9 - The submarine USS Seawolf (SS-197) lands men and supplies on Palawan in the Philippines. PT-509 is sunk by naval gunfire off the Isle of Jersey in the English Channel. 
• August 10 - Organized Japanese resistance ends on Guam. 
• August 12 - German Avranches counter-attack fails. 
• August 13 - The submarine USS Flier (SS-250) is sunk by an external explosion in Balabac Strait, North Borneo. Japanese submarine chaser No. 12 is sunk by the submarine USS Bluegill (SS-242)in the Philippines. 
• August 14 - LST-921 is sunk by submarine torpedo in the English Channel. Japanese transport No. 129 is sunk by the submarine USS Cod (SS-224) in the Netherlands East Indies. 
• August 15 - Allied troops land on the coast of southern France, between Toulon and Cannes. The assault is preceded by heavy naval gunfire and aircraft attack. The operation is under the command of Vice Admiral H.K. Hewitt, USN, Naval  Commander Western Task Force and Commander Eighth Fleet and the ground forces are commanded by Major General A.M. Patch, USA. After the landings, naval gunfire engages German coastal defense batteries and continues to support the troops ashore. LST-181 is sunk by a radio-controlled bomb and the submarine chaser SC-1019 is damaged by an explosion, both in the southern France area. 
• August 16 - PT-202, PT-218 and the motor minesweeper YMS-24 are sunk and LST 391 is damaged all by mines in the southern France area. 
• August 18 - The Amphibious Force flagship USS Catoctin (AGC-5) is damaged by a horizontal bomber in the southern France area. The Japanese escort carrier Oraka is sunk by the submarine USS Rasher off northwestern Luzon in the Philippines. The Japanese light cruiser Natori is sunk by the submarine USS Hardhead (SS-365) east of Samar in the Philippines. 
• August 19 - The submarine USS Redfin (SS-272) lays mines off Sarawak, Borneo. The Resistance uprising in Paris takes place. The Russian offensive in the Balkans begins with an attack on Romania. 
• August 20 - The German submarine U-1229 is sunk by aircraft (VC-42) from the escort carrier USS Bogue (CVE-9) in the north Atlantic. 
• August 22 - The Japanese frigate Sado is sunk by the submarine USS Haddo (SS-255) and frigates Matsuwa and Hiburi by the submarine USS Harder (SS-257) in the Philippines. 
• August 23 - Destroyer and smaller naval vessels bombard Japanese installations  and positions on Aguijan Island in the Marianas. The bombardment is repeated daily until August 26.  PT-555 is damaged by a mine in the southern France area. The Japanese destroyer Asakaze is sunk by the submarine USS Haddo (SS-255) in the  Philippines and minesweeper No. 22 by the submarine USS Batfish (SS-310) in the Palau Islands area. 
• August 24 - The submarine USS Harder (SS-257) is sunk by depth charges off the west coast of Luzon in the Philippines. 
• August 25 - Paris is liberated by US and French troops. The Japanese destroyer  Yunagi is sunk by the submarine USS Picuda (SS-382) in the Philippines. 
• August 26 - The Japanese destroyer Samidare is sunk by the submarine USS Batfish (SS-310) off the Palau Islands. 
• August 27 - The submarine USS Stingray (SS-186) lands men and supplies on the  northwest coast of Luzon in the Philippines. 
• August 28 - Japanese submarine chaser No. 77 is sunk  by Army aircraft in the Kuriles.  Allied forces liberate Marseilles/Toulon. 
• August 29 - Japanese minesweeper No. 28 is sunk by the submarine USS Jack (SS-259) off the Celebes. The Slovak uprising begins. 
• August 30 - The submarine USS Narwhal (SS-167) lands men and supplies on the east coast of Luzon in the Philippines. German forces abandon Bulgaria. 
• August 31 - Aircraft from a carrier task group under Rear Admiral Davison commence a 3-day attack on Iwo Jima and the Bonin Islands. Bombardment by cruisers and destroyers augments the air strikes on September 1 and 2. The submarine USS Redfin (SS-272)lands supplies and evacuates personnel from Palawan Island in the Philippines. The Japanese minelayer Shirataka is sunk by the submarine USS Sealion  (SS-315) in Luzon Strait in the Philippines. Russian troops capture Bucharest.  
• September 1 - The submarine USS Narwhal (SS-167) lands men and supplies on the east coast of Luzon. The US Naval Operating Base at Saipan is established. The motor minesweeper YMS-21 is sunk by a mine in the southern France area. Between the 1st and 4th, the Allies liberate Verdun, Dieppe, Artois, Rouen, Abbeville, Antwerp and Brussels. 
• September 2 - Pisa is liberated. 
• September 3 - A naval task group under Rear Admiral A.E. Smith consisting of a carrier, three cruisers and three destroyers strikes Japanese positions on Wake Island. The submarine chaser SC-535 is damaged by a storm in the southern France area. 
• September 4 - Finland and Russia agree to cease-fire. 
• September 5 - Russia declares war on Bulgaria. 
• September 6 - Aircraft form a fast carrier force under Vice Admiral Mitscher, composed of 16 carriers and cruisers and destroyers, strike Japanese aircraft  installations on Yap, Ulithi and the Palau Islands in the western Caroline Islands group. The attacks continue through September 8. 
• September 7 - Army forces supported by naval vessels land on Soepiori Island in the Schouten Islands off New Guinea. 
• September 8 - The first German V-2 rocket bomb lands in England. 
• September 9 - Aircraft from the fast carrier task force under Vice Admiral Mitscher, commence a two-day strike against Japanese shipping, facilities and  aircraft at Mindanao in the Philippines. 
• September 10 - The command designated US Naval Forces France, under Vice Admiral A.G. Kirk, is established with headquarters at Paris. The minesweeper USS Seer (AM-112) is damaged by a mine in the southern France area. 
• September 11 - Japanese submarine chaser No. 165 is sunk by the submarine USS Albacore (SS-218) off Kyushu, Japan. 
• September 12 - Aircraft from a fast carrier task force under Vice Admiral  Mitscher commence a 3-day attack on Japanese airfields and shipping in the Visayas in the Philippines. On September 14, one carrier group under Vice Admiral McCain shifts operations to targets on Mindanao. Romania signs armistice  with United States, Great Britain and Russia. The high-speed transport USS Noa (APD-24) is sunk by a collision in the Palau Islands. The motor minesweeper YMS-409 foundered off the Atlantic coast. The destroyer USS Fullam (DD-474) is damaged in a collision in the Palau Islands. The Japanese destroyer Shikinami and the frigate Hirato are sunk by the submarine USS Growler (SS-215) in the South China Sea. Le Havre is liberated. 
• September 13 - The destroyer USS Warrington (DD-383) is sunk by a hurricane off the Bahama Islands. The high-speed minesweeper USS Perry (DMS-17) is sunk by a mine in the Palau Islands. Japanese submarine chaser No. 55 is sunk by carrier aircraft in the Philippines. US troops reach the Siegfried Line. 
• September 14 - The submarine USS Pargo (SS-264) lays mines near Natuna Island in the South China Sea. The Coast Guard cutters USS Bedloe (PC-128) and USS Jackson (PC-142) are sunk by a storm off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. The lightship No. 71 is sunk by a storm in Vineyard Sound, Massachusetts. Japanese transport No. 5 is sunk by carrier-based aircraft in the Philippines. 
• September 15 - The First Marine Division, under Major General W.H. Rupertus, lands at Peleliu in the Palau Islands. The operation is commanded by Vice Admiral Wilkinson and the landing is preceded by several day of intensive carrier-based aircraft bombing and naval gunfire bombardment. A naval task force, under Rear Admiral Barbey, lands Army troops, Under Major General J.C. Persons on Morotai Island in the Netherlands East Indies. The assault is supported by cruisers and destroyers, under Rear Admiral Berkey, and aircraft from escort carriers under Rear Admiral T.L. Sprague. The submarine USS Stingray (SS-186) lands men and stores on Majoe Island in the Molucca Sea. The carrier USS Shangri La (CV-38) is commissioned at Norfolk, Virginia. Japanese transport No. 3 is sunk by the submarine USS Guavina (SS-362) in the Philippines. 
• September 16 - The Second Quebec Conference, attended by Roosevelt and Churchill, ends after being in session since September 11. Marine Air Wings, Pacific is redesignated Aircraft, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific under Major General F.P. Mulcahy with headquarters at Ewa, Oahu. The destroyer USS Wadleigh (DD-689) is damaged by a mine in the Palau Islands. The Japanese escort carrier Unyo is sunk by the submarine USS Barb (SS-220) in the South China Sea. 
• September 17 - Army troops land on Anguar in the Palau Islands, supported by carrier-based aircraft and naval gunfire. Operation Market Garden takes place as Allies make an unsuccessful airborne assault in Holland. 
• September 19 - PT-371 is grounded and sunk by US forces in the Netherlands East Indies. The Japanese frigate Ioshima is sunk by the submarine USS Shad (SS-235) off Honshu, Japan. 
• September 21 - Aircraft from 12 carriers, under Vice Admiral Mitscher, commence a 2-day attack against Japanese shipping and airfields at Luzon in the Philippines. Japanese vessels sunk by carrier-based aircraft include the destroyer Satsuki, the oiler Sunosaki, coast defense vessel No. 5, auxiliary submarine chaser No. 39 and minesweeper No. 7.  The Japanese surveying ship Katsuriki is sunk by the submarine USS Haddo (SS-255) west of Manila. 
• September 22 - The submarine USS Narwhal (SS-167) lands men and supplies on the southwest coast of Mindanao in the Philippines. Boulogne is liberated. 
• September 23 - Army troops are landed at Ulithi Atoll in the Carolines, by a naval task group under Rear Admiral W.H.P. Blandy.
• September 24 - Aircraft from 12 carriers, under Vice Admiral Mitscher, attack Japanese aircraft, ground installations and shipping in the Visayas in the Philippines. Japanese naval vessels sunk by carrier-based aircraft during the raid include the torpedo boat Hayabusa, the seaplane tender Akitsushima, the minelayer Yaeyama and submarine chaser No. 32. Motor minesweeper YMS-19 is sunk by a mine in the Palau Islands. The German submarines U-565 and U-596 are sunk by Army aircraft near Salamis, Greece. 
• September 25 - The submarine USS Nautilus (SS-168) lands supplies on Cebu in the Philippines. The minelayer USS Miantonomah (CM-10) is sunk by a mine in the Normandy area. 
• September 26 - The Japanese submarine I-175 is sunk by the destroyer escort USS McCoy Reynolds (DE-440) northeast of the Palau Islands. The Japanese minelayer Aotaka is sunk by the submarine USS Pargo (SS-265) off of Borneo. Soviet troops occupy Estonia. 
• September 27 - The submarines USS Narwhal (SS-167) and USS Stingray (SS-186) land supplies on the north coast of Mindanao and the east coast of Luzon, in the Philippines, respectively. Japanese coast defense vessel No. 10 is sunk  by a submarine torpedo in the East China Sea. 
• September 28 - Marines occupy Ngesebus ad Kongauru Islands in the Palau  Islands, under the cover of naval aircraft and gunfire support. Calais is liberated. 
• September 29 - The submarine USS Narwhal (SS-167) evacuates 81 Allied prisoners of war from Sindangan Bay, Mindanao in the Philippines. These men are survivors of the torpedoed Japanese ship Shinyo Maru. The German submarine U-863 is sunk by naval land-based aircraft` (VP-107) in the south Atlantic. 
• September 30 - The submarine USS Nautilus (SS-168) lands supplies and evacuates personnel from near Libertad, Panay in the Philippines. The German submarine U-1062 is sunk by the destroyer escort USS Fessenden (DE-142) in the mid-Atlantic.  
• October 1 - The office of Deputy Commander-in-Chief, US Fleet and Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Vice Admiral R.S. Edwards is established. Motor minesweeper YMS-385 is sunk by a mine in the western Carolines. The destroyer USS Forrest (DD-461) is damaged by a collision in the southern  France area. The destroyer USS Bailey (DD-492) is damaged by strafing in the Palau Islands. The Japanese coastal minelayer Ajiro is sunk by the submarine USS Snapper (SS-185) northwest of the Bonin Islands. Russian forces enter Yugoslavia. 
• October 2 - LST 129, LST 278 and LST 661 are damaged by a storm in the Palau Islands. Warsaw uprising ends. Polish Home Army surrenders to the Germans. 
• October 3 - The submarine USS Seawolf (SS-197) is accidentally sunk by US forces off Morotai Island in the Netherlands East Indies. The destroyer escort USS Shelton (DE-407) is sunk by submarine torpedo in the Netherlands East Indies. The Japanese submarine I-364 is sunk by the destroyer escort USS Samuel E. Miles (DE-183) in the Palau Islands. 
• October 4 - Allied forces land in Greece. 
• October 6 - The Japanese gunboat Saga is sunk off Hong Kong and coastal defense vessel No. 21 is sunk by the submarine USS Seahorse (SS-304) in the South China Sea. 
• October 8 - Land-base aircraft from the Marianas increase the tempo of air strikes on Iwo Jima. 
• October 9 - A cruiser and destroyer group, under Rear Admiral A.E. Smith, bombards Japanese coastal defense positions on Marcus Island. The carrier USS Randolph  (CV-15) is commissioned at Newport News, Virginia. 
• October 10 - Aircraft from a fast carrier task force under Vice Admiral Mitscher, composed of 17 carriers escorted by 5 battleships, 14 cruisers and 58 destroyers bomb Japanese shipping and shore facilities on Okinawa and other Islands in the Ryukyus. The Japanese submarine tender Jingei and transport No. 158 are sunk during the assault. From the 10th to the 29th, Russian troops capture  Riga. 
• October 11 - Aircraft from two carrier task groups, under Vice Admiral McCain and Rear Admiral Davison, attack airfields and other Japanese installations in northern Luzon in the Philippines. PT-368 is grounded and sunk by US forces in the western New Guinea area. Japanese transport No. 105 is sunk by the submarine USS Trepang (SS-412) off Honshu, Japan. 
• October 12 - Carrier-based aircraft from the Third Fleet, under Admiral  Halsey) commence a 5-day attack against Japanese shipping, airfield facilities and industrial plants on Formosa and northern Luzon in the Philippines. These strikes meet with intensive counterattacks by Japanese aircraft. The destroyer  USS Prichett (DD-561) is accidentally damaged by naval gunfire in the Formosa area. 
• October 13 - Peleliu Island in the Palau Islands is secured. US naval vessels damaged in Luzon and Formosa area include the carrier USS Franklin (CV-13)  by suicide plane, and the heavy cruiser USS Canberra (CA-70) by aircraft torpedo. 
• October 14 - US naval vessels damaged in the Luzon and Formosa areas include the carrier USS Hancock (CV-19)by horizontal bomber, the light cruiser USS  Houston (CL-81) by aircraft torpedo, the light cruiser USS Reno (CL-96) by suicide plane, the destroyer USS Cowell (DD-547) by collision and the  destroyer USS Cassin Young by strafing. Allied forces liberate Athens. Rommel commits suicide. 
• October 15 - Aircraft from a carrier task group, under Rear Admiral Davison, bomb targets in the Manila area of Luzon in the Philippines. The Coast Guard cutter USS Eastwind (AG-279) captures the German trawler Externsteine off the northeast coast of Greenland. The command designate Minecraft, Pacific Fleet, under Rear Admiral A. Sharp, is established. The carrier USS Franklin (CV-13) is damaged by a horizontal bomber in the Philippines. 
• October 16 - The light cruiser USS Houston (CL-81) is damaged by an aircraft torpedo off of Luzon in the Philippines. The Japanese torpedo boat Hato is sunk by Army aircraft in the East China Sea. 
• October 17 - Aircraft from a carrier task group, under Rear Admiral Davison, bomb Japanese airfields on Luzon. Army troops are landed on Suluan and Dinagat Islands at the entrance to Leyte Gulf in the Philippines. The submarine USS Narwhal (SS-167) lands supplies on the northeast coast of Tawi Tawi in the Philippines. Motor minesweeper Iis sunk by a storm off Leyte. The minelayer USS Montgomery (DM-17) is damaged by a mine east of the Palau Islands. 
• October 18 - Aircraft from three task groups of the Third Fleet under Admiral Halsey, including 13 carriers, attack Japanese installations and shipping in the northern Luzon and Manila area of the Philippines. Japanese auxiliary submarine chaser No. 95 and transports No.s 135 and 136 are sunk during the raid. A cruiser task group, under Rear Admiral Oldendorf, bombs Japanese shore installations on Homonhon Island at the entrance to Leyte Gulf. The high-speed transport USS Goldsborough (APD-32) is damaged by coastal defense guns in the Leyte Gulf area. The US Naval Advanced Base at Le Havre, France is established. Iis grounded off Leghorn, Italy. 
• October 19 - The submarine USS Narwhal (SS-167) lands men and supplies on the southwest coast of Negros in the Philippines. US naval vessels damaged in the Leyte area include the escort carrier USS Sangamon (CVE-16) by horizontal bomber, the destroyer USS Ross (DD-563) by a mine, the destroyer USS Aulick (DD-569) by coastal defense guns and the salvage vessel USS Preserver (ARS-8) by horizontal bomber. 
• October 20 - Army forces land on Leyte in the Philippines, supported by naval gunfire and carrier-based aircraft. The overall commander is General Douglas MacArthur, the naval commander is Vice Admiral Kinkaid and the ground troops are commanded by Lt. General W. Krueger. US naval vessels damaged in the Leyte area include the light cruiser USS Honolulu (CL-48) by aircraft torpedo  and the destroyer USS Bennion (DD-662) and LST 452 by coastal defense guns. Naval Operating Base at Guam in the Marianas Islands is established. Belgrade is liberated. 
• October 21 - Carrier-based aircraft, under Rear Admiral G.F. Bogan, attack Panay, Cebu, Negros and Masbate in the Philippines. The transport USS Warhawk (AP-168) is damaged in a collision and LST 269, LST 483, LST 486 and LST 704 are damaged by coastal defense mortals, all in the Leyte area. A massive German surrender takes place at Aachen. 
• October 22 - Japanese auxiliary submarine chaser No. 5 is sunk by carrier-based aircraft in the Leyte area. 
• October 23 - The Battle for Leyte Gulf. US submarines off Palwan Island sight and attack the Center Force of three Japanese naval groups moving on Leyte in a  major effort to drive US forces from the Philippines. The heavy cruiser  Maya is sunk by the submarine USS Dace (SS-247) and the heavy cruiser Atago is  sunk by the submarine USS Darter (SS-227). The submarine USS Nautilus (SS-168) lands men and supplies on the east coast of Luzon. Russian forces enter East Prussia. 
• October 24 - Battle for Leyte Gulf. Carrier-based aircraft, under Vice Admiral Mitscher, locate and heavily attack the Japanese Center Force south of Mindoro in the Sibuyan Sea and the Southern Force steaming through the Sulu Sea. Japanese aircraft counterattack US forces. During the night, the US fast carriers  move north from San Bernardino Strait to be in position for dawn strikes  against the Japanese Northern Force. The Japanese Center Force moves through the San Bernardino Strait and south toward Leyte Gulf. US naval vessels sunk in  this battle include the light carrier USS Princeton (CVL-23), damaged by a dive bomber and scuttled, and the ocean tug USS Sonoma (ATO-12) by a suicide plane. US naval vessels damaged during the battle include the light cruiser USS Birmingham (CL-62) and the destroyers USS Morrison (DD-560), USS Gatling (DD-671) and USS Irwin (DD-794) by rolling against USS Princeton while alongside and by fragments from her exploding magazines; the destroyer USS Leutze  (DD-481) by a horizontal bomber; the destroyer USS Albert W. Grant (DD-649) by naval gunfire; the oiler USS Ashtabula (AO-51) by aircraft torpedo; LST 552 by horizontal bomber; and LST 695 by underwater explosion. Japanese naval vessels sunk during the battle include the battleship Musashi and destroyer Wakaha by carrier-based aircraft and the submarine I-362 by the destroyer escort USS Richard M. Rowell (DD-403). The submarine USS Darter (SS-117) is damaged by grounding on Bombay Shoal in Palawan Passage in the Philippines and destroyed by US forces. The submarine USS Tang (SS-306) is sunk by a circular run of her own torpedo, north of Formosa. 
• October 25 - Battle for Leyte Gulf. The Japanese Southern Force enters Surigao Strait where it is engaged and virtually destroyed by Rear Admiral Oldendorf's force of battleships, cruisers, destroyers and motor torpedo boats (Battle of  Surigao Strait). Meanwhile, the Japanese Center Force, including 4 battleships and 5 cruisers, having passed into the Philippine Sea during the night, attacks six escort carriers and screening vessels commanded by Rear Admiral Sprague (Battle off Samar). After inflicting severe damage on this light US force, the Center  Force retires without molesting the landing operations in the Leyte Gulf area. At the same time, carrier aircraft from the Third Fleet locate and strike the Japanese Northern Force. Four Japanese carriers and other vessels  are sunk (Battle of Gape Engano). US naval vessels sunk during the battle include the escort carrier USS St. Lo (CVE-63) by suicide plane; the escort carrier USS Gambier Bay (CVE-73) by naval gunfire; the destroyers USS Hoel (DD-533) and USS Johnston (DD-557) and the destroyer escort USS Samuel B. Roberts (DE-413) by naval gunfire and PT-493. US naval vessels damaged during the battle include the escort carriers USS Sangamon (CVE-26), USS Santee  (CVE-29), USS White Plains (CVE-66), USS Kalinin Bay (CVE-68), USS Fanshaw Bay (CVE-70) and USS Kitkun Bay (CVE-71) by suicide planes and naval gunfire; the destroyer USS Heerman (DD-523) by naval gunfire; and the destroyer escorts USS Richard M. Rowell (DE-403) and USS Dennis (DE-405) by strafing and naval gunfire. Japanese naval vessels sunk include the carrier Zuikaku by carrier-based aircraft; the light carriers Chitose, Chiyoda and Zuiho by carrier-based aircraft; the battleships Fuso and Yamashiro by surface craft; the heavy cruisers Chikuma, Chokai, Mogami and Suzuya by carrier-based aircraft and surface craft; the light cruiser Tama by carrier-based aircraft and the submarine USS Jallao (SS-368); the destroyers Asagumo, Hatsuzuki, Michishio and Yamagumo by surface craft; and the destroyer Akizuki by the submarine USS Halibut (SS-232). The submarine USS  Nautilus (SS-168) lands men and supplies on the east coast of Luzon. The US and Britain resume diplomatic relations with Italy. 
• October 26 - Battle for Leyte Gulf ends. Carrier-based and Army aircraft bomb the surviving Japanese ships which are retiring. Japanese naval vessels sunk include the light cruisers Abukuma, Kinu and Noshiro and the destroyers Hayashimo,  Nowaki and Uranami by surface craft and carrier-based aircraft. US naval  vessels damaged include the escort carrier USS Suwannee (CVE-27) by dive bomber and suicide plane and PT-131 by dive bomber. 
• October 27 - Aircraft from two carrier task groups, under Rear Admiral F.C. Sherman and  Rear Admiral Davison, attack Japanese ships and installations in the Visayas and northern  Luzon area. The destroyers Fujinami and Shiranui are sunk during the attacks. The submarine USS Nautilus (SS-168) lands men and supplies on the east coast of  Luzon. US naval vessels damaged in the Leyte area include the battleship USS California (BB-44) by strafing; the submarine chaser PC-848 by horizontal bomber; and PT-523 by dive bomber. The submarine USS Kingfish (SS-234) sinks Japanese transport No. 138 in the Volcano Islands. 
• October 28 - Aircraft from carrier task group, under, Rear Admiral Davison bomb  Japanese shipping near Cebu in the Philippines. The destroyer escort USS Eversole (DE-404) is sunk by a submarine torpedo in the Leyte area. The light cruiser USS Denver (CL-58) is damaged by a suicide plane in the Leyte area. The Japanese submarines I-45, by the destroyer escort USS Whitehurst (DE-634), and I-54, by the destroyers USS Gridley (DD-380) and USS Helm (DD-388), are sunk. 
• October 29 - Aircraft from a carrier task group under Rear Admiral Bogan strike Japanese airfields and shipping in the Manila area. The carrier USS Intrepid (CV-11) is damaged by a suicide plane in the Leyte area. A Naval Operating Base and Naval Air Station are established on Samar in the Philippines. 
• October 30 - The carrier USS Franklin (CV-13) and light carrier USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24) are damaged by suicide planes in the Leyte area. Germans make last use of gas chambers at Auschwitz. 
• October 31 - The Japanese district craft Kaiyo is sunk by the submarine USS Gabilan (SS-252) off Shikoku, Japan. 
• November 1 - The submarine USS Ray (SS-271) lands men and supplies on the west coast of Mindoro in the Philippines. The destroyer USS Abner Read (DD-526) is sunk by a suicide plane in Leyte Gulf. US naval vessels damaged in Leyte Gulf include the destroyers USS Anderson (DD-411), USS Claxton (DD-571) and USS Ammen (DD-527) by suicide planes and the destroyers USS Bush (DD-529)  and USS Killen (DD-593) by horizontal bombers.
• November 2 - Japanese aircraft bomb the US airstrip and planes on the ground at Tacloban, Leyte in the Philippines. The raid is repeated on the third. 
• November 3 - The submarine USS Cero (SS-215) lands men and supplies on the east coast of Luzon. Japanese aircraft attack air facilities on Saipan and Tinian in the Marianas. The Japanese make a series of strikes in this area from which heavy bombing missions against the Japanese home islands are launched. The light cruiser USS Reno (CL-96) is damaged by a submarine torpedo in the Leyte area. The Japanese destroyer Akikaze is sunk by the submarine USS Pintado (SS-387) in the South China Sea. 
• November 4 - Axis forces in Greece surrender. 
• November 5 - Aircraft from a fast carrier task force under Vice Admiral McCain commence a 2-day attack against Japanese shipping and air installations on Luzon. PT-320 is sunk by a horizontal bomber in the Leyte area. The carrier USS Lexington (CV-16) is damaged by a suicide plane off Luzon. The Japanese heavy  cruiser Nachi and patrol boat No. 107 are sunk by carrier-based aircraft in Manila Bay. The Japanese seaplane tender Notoro is sunk by Army aircraft off Singapore. 
• November 6 - The submarine USS Gurnard (SS-254) lays mines off of western Borneo. 
• November 7 - PT-301 is damaged by an accidental explosion in the western New Guinea area. 
• November 8 - The submarine USS Growler (SS-215) is sunk west of the Philippines, cause unknown. The Japanese torpedo boat Sagi is sunk by the submarine USS Gunnel (SS-253) in the Philippines. 
• November 9 - The German submarine U-537 is sunk by the submarine USS Flounder (SS-251) in the Java Sea. 
• November 10 - PT-321 is grounded and sunk by US forces in the Leyte area. The ammunition ship USS Mount Hood (AE-11) is sunk by an explosion at Manus in  the Admiralty Islands. Japanese coast defense vessel No. 11 is sunk by Army aircraft in the Ormoc Bay area of the Philippines. Japanese patrol boat No. 46 is sunk by the submarine USS Greenling (SS-213) off Honshu, Japan. 
• November 11 - Aircraft from three carrier task groups, under Rear Admiral Sherman, attack a Japanese convoy in Ormoc Bay, Leyte. The destroyers Hamanami, Naganami, Shimakaze and Wakatzuki and minesweeper No. 30 are sunk. A cruiser and  destroyer task group under Rear Admiral A.E. Smith bombards airfield and other Japanese installations on Iwo Jima. The bombardment commences shortly before midnight and continues on the 12th. 
• November 12 - The German battleship Tirpitz is sunk by British aircraft in Tromso Fjord, Norway. The repair ships USS Egeria (ARL-8) and USS Achilles (ARL-41) are damaged by suicide planes in the Leyte area. The Japanese submarine I-37 is sunk by the destroyer USS Nicholas (DD-449) south of Yap Island. Japanese transport No. 139 is sunk by carrier-based aircraft in Manila Bay. 
• November 13 -Aircraft from three carrier task groups, under Rear Admiral Sherman,  commence a 2-day bombing of Japanese shipping and facilities in the Manila and  central Luzon areas. The light cruiser Kiso, destroyers Akebono, Akishimo, Hatsuharu and Okinami and auxiliary submarine chaser No. 116 are sunk by carrier- based aircraft in Manila Bay. The Japanese submarine I-38 is sunk by the Coast Guard cutter USS Rockford (PF-48) and minelayer USS Ardent (AM-340) in the eastern Pacific. 
• November 14 - The Japanese auxiliary submarine chaser Kurasaki is sunk by the submarine USS Raton (SS-270) in the South China Sea. Japanese coast defense vessel No. 7 is  sunk by the submarine USS Ray (SS-271), also in the South China Sea. 
• November 15 - Army troops, supported by naval gunfire, land in the Mapia Islands off the northwest coast New Guinea. 
• November 17 - The attack transport USS Alpine (APA-92) is damage by a suicide plane in the Leyte area. The Japanese escort carrier Jinyo is sunk by the submarine USS Spadefish (SS-411) in the Yellow Sea. The Japanese submarine I-26 is sunk by aircraft (VC-82) from the escort carrier USS Anzio (CVE-57) and the destroyer USS Lawrence C. Taylor (DD-415) in the Philippine Sea. The Japanese torpedo boat Hiyodori is sunk by the submarine USS Gunnel (SS-253) in the South China Sea. 
• November 18 - LST 6 is sunk by a mine in the Seine River in France. PT-311 is sunk by a mine in the Mediterranean. Japanese submarine chaser No. 156 is sunk by the submarine USS Spadefish (SS-411) in the Yellow Sea. 
• November 19 - Aircraft from a fast carrier task force under Vice Admiral McCain strike Japanese shipping and aircraft in the Luzon area. Units of the  Seventh Amphibious Force land Army troops on Asia Island off the northwest  coast of New Guinea. The Japanese submarine I-177 is sunk by the destroyer escorts USS Conklin (DE-439)