Battle of Rio Manimani

Battle of Manimani
Part of the Spanish–American War
Date July 23, 1898 Location Bahia Hondo, near Havana, Cuba Result Spanish victory
Belligerents
Kingdom of Spain	United States Republic of Cuba
Commanders and leaders
Unknown	John Heard
Strength
1,000 cavalry	12 cavalry, 250 infantry
Casualties and losses
12 wounded	3 dead 10 wounded

The Battle of the Manimani, was a failed American landing attempt west of Havana and 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 Manimani, 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."