Naval History and Heritage Command

During the American Revolution, two boats of volunteers from the sloop-of-war Ranger, commanded by John Paul Jones, go ashore at Whitehaven, England, burning ships in the harbor and spiking the guns of the fort.

Rear Adm. William T. Sampson leaves Key West, Fla., with the North Atlantic Squadron to begin the blockade of the northern Cuban ports, the beginning of the Spanish-American War.

USS Carter (DE 112) and USS Neal A. Scott (DE 769) sink German submarine U 518 west by south of the Azores.

USS Hardhead (SS 365) sinks Japanese cargo vessel Mankei Maru off Chimpson and USS Cero (SS 225)sinks the Japanese guardboat Aji Maru west of Tori Jima and damaged the guardboat No.9 Takamiya Maru.

USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) is commissioned at Avondale Shipyard, New Orleans, La.