This Day in History: 1942-10-12

U.S. Navy defeats Japanese in Battle of Cape Esperance, Solomon Islands.  President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered one of his so-called “fireside chats” in which he recommended the drafting of 18-and 19 year old men.  Attorney General Francis Biddle announced during a Columbus Day celebration at Carnegie Hall in New York that Italian nationals in the U.S. would no longer be considered enemy aliens.  Successful Soviet counter attack through 37th Guards Rifle Division at Stalingrad Tractor Factory.