On the Eastern Front... Red Army troops capture Gzhatsk on the approaches to Vyazma, south of Rzhev.

In Tunisia... A major Axis attack on Medenine, mounted in the morning, is defeated. The attack is renewed in the afternoon and again it is ineffective. British and New Zealand troops note the ineffective performance of their opponents. Fifty Axis tanks have been lost, for no gain. The Axis forces have about 100 tanks left. Meanwhile, Rommel, commanding the Axis forces, favors of withdrawing to Wadi Akarit. 

In Washington... Roosevelt appoints a committee to investigate manpower problems in American industry. Among the committee members are Byrnes and Baruch.

In Burma... The Chindits execute a number of demolitions on the railroad between Nankan and Bongyaung.

In the Solomon Islands... Three American cruisers and seven destroyers bombard Japanese airfields at Munda and Vila. Little damage is done. Two Japanese destroyers, however, are sunk in an encounter engagement.