Today in World War II History

  Destroyers USS Selfridge (bow shot off) and USS O'Bannon
at New Caledonia for repairs after Battle of Vella Lavella
(US Navy photo)70 Years Ago—Oct. 6, 1943: Naval Battle of Vella Lavella: US fails to prevent evacuation of island; US and Japanese each lose 1 destroyer; last surface engagement in Solomons, last clear-cut naval victory for Japanese. US reaches Volturno River in Italy.