Naval History and Heritage Command

While commanded by Lt. Raphael Semmes, the brig Somers is chasing a blockade runner off Vera Cruz when she is caught in a sudden storm. Capsized by the heavy winds, she quickly sinks with the loss of more than 30 of her crew. In recent years, her wreck has been discovered and explored by divers.

After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States declares war on Japan.

USS Wake (PR 3), a river gunboat moored at Shanghai, surrenders to the Japanese. During WWII, Wake is the only US Navy vessel to be captured by the enemy intact.

Eight PT boats (PT 36, PT 37, PT 40, PT 43, PT 44, PT 48, PT 59, and PT 109) turn back eight Japanese destroyers attempting to reinforce Japanese forces on Guadalcanal.

USS Sawfish (SS 276) sinks Japanese transport Sansei Maru southeast of Chi Chi Jima. Also on this date, TBFs sinks Rabaul-bound fishing boats No. 3 Yusho Maru, No.7 Fukuri Maru, No.2 Takatori Maru, and No.1 Hoko Maru.

President Lyndon B. Johnson signed legislation to create the Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps of the Department of the Navy. The law established active-duty attorneys as a distinct professional group, and it ushered in a new era of legal administration within the Navy.