In Italy... Elements of the US 5th Army launch an attack on Monte Camino. The British 10th Corps and the newly arrived US 2nd Corps (General Keyes) lead the assault. The US 6th Corps advances to right. In the east, the British 8th Army captures Lanciano and Castelfrentano in its advance. During the night (December 2-3) German bombers raid Bari. An ammunition ship in the harbor is hit and explodes, sinking 18 transports of 70,000 tons and 38,000 tons of supplies.

On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces attacking, south of Kremenchug, cross the Ingulets River and move toward Znamenka.

In New Guinea... Australian forces capture Huanko on the Huon Peninsula.