August 17
Air War, France
The first wholly US bomber raid over Europe strikes targets in France.

August 19
Western Front, France
A force of 5000 Canadian, 1000 British, and 50 US troops attacks the port of Dieppe. It is a 'reconnaissance in force' to gain experience and intelligence for landing a force on the continent. The assault is disastrous. Allied losses include almost 4000 men killed or captured.

August 19-24
Eastern Front, Soviet Union
Determined drives toward Stalingrad by Germany's Army Group B eventually reach the Volga River. Fierce resistance by the Soviet forces begins within a 30-mile (45-km) range of the city of Stalingrad.

August 22
Politics, Brazil
The government declares war on Germany and Italy.

American ground crew prepare an aircraft for
action during US offensives against
the Japanese on Guadalcanal

August 22-25
Sea War, Pacific
In the Battle of the Eastern Solomons, Admiral Frank Fletcher's three-carrier task force engages a Japanese convoy bound for Guadalcanal, plus three other carriers operating in two separate groups. The Japanese light carrier Ryujo, a destroyer, plus 90 aircraft are lost. The US carrier Enterprise is damaged and 17 US aircraft downed.

August 23
Air War, Soviet Union
A raid by 600 German bombers on Stalingrad claims thousands of lives.

August 30
Africa, Egypt
Germany's tanks try to outflank the Allied line at El Alamein, but meet dense minefields and fierce resistance. The offense disintegrates under air attack and supply problems.

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