The Battle of Leyte Gulf begins off the coast of the Filipino islands Leyte and Samar. The battle, fought between the U. S. Navy's 3rd and 7th fleets and the Japanese Imperial Navy, is considered the largest naval battle in military history, and the American victory would secure the Leyte beachhead for amphibious landings.
Two suicide bombings attack American and French forces stationed in Beirut, Lebanon, killing 241 United States servicemen. American and French soldiers were stationed in Lebanon as part of the Multinational Force in Lebanon deployed to contain the Lebanese Civil War.
Help us tell the story of America.
For over 75 years, American Heritage has chronicled our nation's history like no other publication. Please support our trusted, non-partisan historical writing and the volunteers that sustain it by donating today. We rely on contributions from readers like you to survive. Donate
