Naval History and Heritage Command

The schooner Porpoise captures six pirate vessels off Cuba and destroys their base, while USS Spark recaptures a Dutch sloop that had been taken as a prize by pirates. A landing party destroys the pirates' base in the West Indies.

Nathan Goff Jr., took office as the 28th Secretary of the Navy, serving until March. A World War II destroyer was named for him.

Destroyers Charles Ausburne (DD-570), Braine (DD-630), Russell (DD-414) and Shaw (DD-373) sink the Japanese destroyer Hinoki, 50 miles west-southwest of Manila Bay.

Submarine Spot (SS-413) sinks the Japanese gunboat No.2 Nichiei Maru in the Inland Sea.

Dock Landing Ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD-49) is commissioned.