From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Battle of Manimani
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Part of the
Spanish?American War
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![](//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/07/Pinar_del_Rio_in_Cuba.svg/300px-Pinar_del_Rio_in_Cuba.svg.png) Province of Pinar del Rio in Cuba
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Date
| July 23, 1898
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Location
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Result
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Spanish victory
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Belligerents
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Spain
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United States
Cuban rebels
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Commanders and leaders
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Unknown
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John Heard
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Strength
|
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1,000
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262
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Casualties and losses
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4 wounded
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70 - 97 killed
60 wounded
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The
Battle of Manimani
was a failed
American
landing attempt west of
Bahia Honda, Cuba
. On July 23, 1898, the U.S.S.
Wanderer
was disabled at the mouth of the Manimani River, after Spanish forces opened fire and shot two men.
[1]
The ship eventually reached safety after Lieutenant John Heard took their position and transmitted orders to the engine room.
[1]
It was one of the final engagements of the
Spanish?American War
in
Cuba
.
Background
[
edit
]
On July 23, 1898, Lieutenant
John Heard
anchored his force at the mouth of the
Mani-Mani River
and began unloading supplies intended for the Cuban insurgents operating in northwestern Cuba, unaware that the Spanish had discovered his presence and assembled a large force of
cavalry
in the environs.
Battle
[
edit
]
Catching the Americans off guard, Spanish cavalry advanced out onto the beach and opened fire upon the landing parties. Heard ordered his men to take cover and return fire. Pounded by accurate American volleys, the Spanish withdrew back into the jungle.
Lieutenant Heard used the temporary respite to order an immediate retreat, evacuating his wounded into the USS
Wanderer
and preparing to lift anchor just as the Spaniards reappeared, unleashing a hail of fire at those on the deck.
Aftermath
[
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]
John Heard was awarded a
Medal of Honor
on June 21, 1899, for his actions at Manimani.
[2]
The award noted:
After two men had been shot down by Spaniards while transmitting orders to the engine-room on the
Wanderer
, the ship having become disabled, this officer took the position held by them and personally transmitted the orders, remaining at his post until the ship was out of danger.
[2]
References
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edit
]