October 17th, 1945 (WEDNESDAY)
GERMANY: The beginning of the trial against Kptlt Eck his other officers from U-852 for their involvement in the Peleus sinking.
PACIFIC OCEAN: While returning to the United States, the damaged battleship USS PENNSYLVANIA has to stop after the number 3 shaft is suddenly carried away inside the stern tube and the shaft slips aft. It is necessary to send divers down to cut through the shaft, letting the shaft and propeller drop into the sea. The battleship continues on her way to Puget Sound shipping water and with only one screw turning. (Randall Steigner)
CANADA: Minesweeper HMCS Reo II declared surplus.
U.S.A.: The USAAF 492nd BG is deactivated.
Dr. Robert Oppenheimer and Dr. Fermi meet with Secretary of State Patterson and General Groves to discuss their disaffection with the Johnson-May bill, which would stop any non-military research into nuclear power.
ARGENTINA: Buenos Aires: Millions of workers mass in the Plaza de Mayo to demand the release of Juan Peron, who had been arrested by the Argentine Navy.