Battle of Cienfuegos

Infobox Military Conflict


caption=Depiction of American boats cutting the cable at Cienfuegos.
conflict=Battle of Cienfuegos
colour_scheme=background:#ffcccc
partof=Spanish-American War
date=May 11, 1898
place=near Cienfuegos, Cuba
result=Spanish victory
combatant1=flagicon|Spain|1785 Kingdom of Spain
combatant2=flagicon|USA|1896 United States
commander1=Unknown
commander2=Bowman H. McCalla
strength1=Unknown
strength2=1 cruiser
1 gunboat
52 Marines
casualties1=None
casualties2=2 dead 15 wounded

The Battle of 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."