Battle of Rio Manimani

Infobox Military Conflict


caption=
conflict=Battle of Mani-Mani
partof=the Spanish-American War
date=July 23, 1898
place=Bahia Hondo, near Havana, Cuba
result=Strategic Spanish victory
combatant1=flagicon|Spain|1785 Kingdom of Spain
combatant2=flagicon|USA|1896 United States
flagicon|Cuba Republic of Cuba
commander1=Unknown
commander2=John Heard
strength1=1,000 cavalry
strength2=12 cavalry 250 infantry
casualties1=12 wounded
casualties2=3 dead 10 wounded

The Battle of the Manimani, a failed American landing attempt west of Havana, was one of the final engagements of the Spanish-American War in Cuba.

Background

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

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

For his remarkable calm and courage in the heat of battle at Mani-Mani, John Heard was later awarded a Medal of Honor noting, "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."