Battle of Cienfuegos

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Battle of Cienfuegos
Part of Spanish-American War
Depiction of American boats cutting the cable at Cienfuegos.
Date May 11, 1898 Location near Cienfuegos, Cuba Result Spanish victory
Belligerents
Kingdom of Spain	United States
Commanders and leaders
unknown	Bowman H. McCalla
Strength
unknown	1 cruiser 1 gunboat 52 marines
Casualties and losses
none	2 dead 15 wounded

The Battle of Cienfuegos, or the Raid on Cienfuegos, was an engagement of the Spanish-American War, intended by the United States Navy to tighten its blockade of Cuba.

Background

Although American patrols throughout April were generally successful in capturing several Spanish merchant vessels, Spanish navy ships repeatedly eluded American pursuers and delivered troops and supplies to Cuba. When it was discovered that undersea telegraph cables provided the port of Cienfuegos with vital communications, the cruisers USS Marblehead and USS Nashville were dispatched under the command of Captain Bowman H. McCalla to sever them.

Battle

On May 11, 1898, a force of 52 U.S. Marines, all volunteers, ventured out in two small boats to seize and cut the cables with saws and axes, while American battleships and armed Marines provided covering fire. Spanish response was rapid and withering. Although Spanish large-caliber guns were too inaccurate to strike at the small American craft, small arms fire was more effective, damaging boats and wounding Marines.

After a tense, hour-long firefight, two cables were cut, and the Marines withdrew, but a third cable near the shore remained untouched.

Aftermath

Fifty-two sailors and marines were awarded the Medal of Honor for "setting an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire."

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  Carpenter's Mate 3/class William Meyer awarded Medal of Honor