Battle of Tayacoba

Infobox Military Conflict


caption=
partof=the Spanish-American War
date=June 30, 1898
place=near Tayacoba, Cuba
result=Spanish victory
conflict=Battle of Tayacoba
colour_scheme=background:#ffcccc; color:#2222cc
combatant1=flagicon|Spain|1785 Kingdom of Spain
combatant2=flagicon|USA|1896 United States
flagicon|Cuba Republic of Cuba
commander1=
commander2=C.P. Johnson
strength1=
strength2=425 infantry,
1 gunboat
casualties1=
casualties2=8 dead,
15 woundedFact|date=August 2008The Battle of Tayacoba was a disastrous American effort to land supplies and reinforcements to Cuban rebels fighting for their independence in the Spanish-American War. Repulsed at the port of Cienfuegos on June 29, 1898, the American force aboard the USS "Florida" went ashore near Tayacoba the following day.

Battle

Prior to the drop off of mules, men, and war materiel, a small landing party was dispatched to provide reconnaissance on Spanish outposts in the area. Rowing onto the beach, the force crept into the jungle but was discovered by Spanish scouts and soon scathed by enemy fire. Unable to retaliate or even protect themselves, the Americans retreated onto the beach only to find that their boats had been sunk by Spanish cannon fire.

Out on the "Florida", Lieutenant Johnson began organizing rescue attempts. The first four were dispersed by heavy enemy fire and forced to retreat, but the fifth, operating under cover of darkness and crewed by only four men of the U.S. 10th Cavalry, successfully located and repatriated American and Cuban survivors.

Its men safely aboard, the "Florida" promptly left the bay of Tayacoba.

Aftermath

All four rescuers, Dennis Bell, William H. Thompkins, Fitz Lee, and George H. Wanton, were subsequently awarded Medals of Honor for their heroism.