Naval History and Heritage Command

The battleship Oregon (BB 3) launches. During the Spanish-American War, she participates in the Battle of Santiago. After decommissioning in 1924, she serves as a historic ship before being sold to become a storage hulk for ammunition during World War II.

An N-9 seaplane piloted by Cmdr. Holden C. Richardson successfully completes its first compressed-air turntable catapult from a pier at Philadelphia Navy Yard, Penn.

Lt. Cmdr. Godfrey de Chevalier, flying an Aeromarine, makes the first landing on board a carrier, USS Langley (CV 1) while underway off Cape Henry, Va.

In the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, the Japanese try again to drive U.S. forces from Guadalcanal. During this aircraft carrier action, the fourth of the Pacific War, USS Hornet (CV 8) and a destroyer are lost and USS Enterprise (CV 6) is badly damaged. Two Japanese carriers and a heavy cruiser are severely damaged, giving the US time to further strengthen Guadalcanals defenses.

The Battle of Leyte Gulf ends with Navy carriers and U.S. Army Air Forces aircraft continuing the attack on the retreating Japanese. Three enemy light cruisers and several smaller ships are lost during the day. At a distinct disadvantage at the beginning of the Leyte Gulf fight, the Japanese Imperial Navy loses so many ships and men in a few days of battle that it could play only a minor role during the remainder of World War II.

Three U.S. Navy submarines sink a number of Japanese vessels: USS Drum (SS 228) sinks freighter Taishu Maru, cargo ship Taihaku Maru and damages transports Aoki Maru and Tatsura Maru; USS Icefish (SS 367) sinks freighter Taiyo Maru and USS Rock (SS 274) sinks Takasago Maru.

U.S. Amphibious Force Seventh (7th) lands 1st Marine Division at Wonsan, Korea.

USS Andrew Jackson (SSBN 619) launches the first Polaris A-3 missile while cruising submerged 20 miles off Cape Canaveral, Fla.

Tragedy strikes USS Oriskany (CVA 34) when a fire erupts on the starboard side of the ship's forward hangar bay and races through five decks, killing 44 members of her crew and air group.