A Skirmish in Nicaragua (Epilogue)
Historical Map Problem
The following reports describe the events that provided the basis for the historical map problem “A Skirmish in Nicaragua.” The observations and opinions that they offer often differ from those that appear in the historical map problem. These range from the number of mules in the column and the location of “Bromaderos” to the conduct of the gunnery sergeant.
If you think that you might want to work through the historical map problem, you should refrain from reading this article until you have completed that exercise.
Headquarters, 2nd Battalion, 11th Regiment
Condega, Nicaragua1 March 1928
From: First Lieutenant Edward F. O'Day, U.S.Marine Corps.
To: The Battalion Commander, 2nd Battalion, 11th Regiment.
Subject: Report of engagement with bandit forces
1. The following report of a skirmish with bandit forces is herewith submitted:
On 27 February 1928, the ration train under my command that left ESTELI on 23 February, 1928, and proceeded to SAN RAFAEL and YALI with commissary stores, cleared YALI at 8:15 a.m. on 27 February, 1928, all stores having been delivered. The column consisted of one officer, thirty five Marines, one pharmacists mate third class, U.S.Navy, twenty muleros and two "Jefe" muleros with ninety nine mules and was proceeding along the trail between YALI and CONDEGA. At approximately one-half the distance between the two towns, the column was ambushed by the bandit forces. The exact location of the skirmish is about one thousand yards west of a town named BROMADEROS [El Bramadero].
2. The column had just been closed up and was proceeding west, and as it entered the flat space of ground between the two ranges of hills, the Bandit Forces opened fire on the right flank of the column throughout its entire length, also from the front and rear of the column.
3. The firing commenced at approximately 1:30 p.m., and lasted until 8:30 p.m. the same date, when it subsided to irregular harassing fire throughout the night. It is estimated beyond doubt that the bandit forces had a minimum of four machine guns, at least six hundred rifles and a large quantity of dynamite bombs. It is estimated that at least two hundred dynamite bombs were discharged.
4. The bandit forces withheld fire until the entire column was in front of them, varying in distance from 75 to 200 yards along the trail. The first shot of the skirmish was directed at the undersigned and was immediately followed by simultaneous firing along their entire line, the opening up with everything that they may have had. The mule train was stampeded upon the initial burst of fire along the line. The Marines eased off to the brush on their left and commenced firing. Being out-numbered to such an extent and the bandit forces having fire superiority, the Marines eased to the left gradually, taking position on a ridge.
The Bandit Forces continued incessant fire until about 2:30 p.m. when they advanced towards the Marines in line of skirmish. The machine guns keeping up fire on the Marine's positions, in addition to bandit rifles. Advancing to the foot of the hill the Bandit Forces fell back at about 3:00 p.m., leaving in the vicinity several groups of their men. As they fell back to their positions, they ravaged what could be found on the train.
At or about 6:30 p.m. they again moved forward in skirmish formation and proceeded to the base of the hill. This advance was also broken up and stopped by Marine fire. The Bandit Forces kept firing during the entire time until about 8:30 p.m. They were evidently well supplied with ammunition as one or more machine guns were firing practically all of the time in addition to rifle fire and bombs. During the night there was a great deal of movement of bandit troops and what sounded like bull carts and a mule train. The Marines maintained position occupied until day-break when reinforcements from the 57th Company, under Command of Captain William K. MacNulty, U.S.Marine Corps, arrived on the scene at day-break. The attack on Bandit Forces was then taken up.
5. The following named Marines were killed in action on 27 February 1928:
Private PUMP, John C.
Private ROBBINS, George E.
Private SCHLAUCH, Albert.
Two more as follows, died the following day, 28 February 1928, from wounds received in action on 27 February 1928:
Corporal AUSTIN, Cicero D.
Private MOTT, Curtis J.
There were eight men wounded as follows:
Sergeant CHRISTIAN, Wilbourn O.
Sergeant ISHAM, Charles H.
Private BALLARD, Lewis E.
Private CRUM, Peter C.
Private DAVIS, Lem, C.
Private MAYNARD, Linton C.
Private CARTER, Raymond B.
Private PHELPS, Clarence E.
Four of the twenty muleros with the column were wounded by rifle fire, two of them leaving the vicinity for ESTELI at dusk, one going to CONDEGA, the other being wounded in the groin, remained with the Marines.
6. On the morning of 28 February, 1928, after the attack upon the enemy emplacements, the three dead Marines were collected and interred near the village of BROMADEROS under the supervision of Captain MacNulty. Such equipment and effects as were found were returned to CONDEGA. The bandits killed and wounded in the skirmish were taken to their rear and it is practically impossible to ascertain the number or to form an estimate, although there were many evidences of bandits having been wounded and evacuated.
7. The two Marines that died on 28 February, 1928, of wounds received in action on 27 February, 1928, were interred at DARIJLI. Existing instructions pertaining to deceased Marines were complied with to the best extent practicable.
8. Two or more of the bandit forces could speak irregular English, and made a specialty of harassing the Marines with slurs and insults during any lull in firing. All the bandit troops that came in sight of the undersigned were outfitted with shoes.
9. At about 7:30 p.m., their fire was lulled and the man with a tenor voice complimented the bandits for their work. This was repeated in loud tones all along the line, the message as heard seemed to be, "Complimentado todos soldato por travio bueno." Upon the message being repeated, three tremendous cheers were given, interspersed each time with the detonation of from six to ten bombs. The cheer was "Vive la Sandino, vive las Nicaraguans."
10. Immediately following this cheer, three more were given for some general, the name I could not ascertain, but it sounded as though it had three syllables.
11. Shortly after 8:30 p.m., some of the bandit troops started to leave. This was the signal for more cheers. Some that were understood were "Bueno Concordia,” “Adios Condega,” “Adios Jinotega,” apparently detachments from those vicinities.
12. Approximately one-third of horses and mules in the column were killed, wounded, or captured by the bandit forces.
13. The Marine dead were whacked over the head with bolos, the bandit skirmishers, splitting their skulls wide open.
14. It is recommended that the following named men be cited for exceptional bravery in the face of hostile bandit fire. Statements of witnesses to the acts described are not available at present, but can be obtained at an early date.
Gunnery Sergeant Herbert F. Larrick, U.S.M.C., who, in the face of the tremendous volume of initial firing by the bandits, by his steadiness and coolness in action, displayed keen judgement in assembling the Marines near the center of the train and conducted them to a point of advantage, from where he opened up fire on the bandit emplacements. Cooling down the men, most of whom were receiving their baptismal fire, he ably assisted in repelling the enemy advance.
Sergeant Wilbourn O. Christian, U.S.M.C., who was at the head of the column, his horse shot from underneath him and he being pitched to the ground, maintained a cool and steady nerve, although wounded, took charge of the Marines in the forward section of the train, directed their fire upon the bandit emplacements, and got them to a point of vantage from where he opened fire on vulnerable spots in the bandit defense, later assisting to break up the bandit advance.
Sergeant Charles H. Isham, U.S.M.C., who was bringing up the rear of the column, having been shot through the thigh on the first volume of fire, organized a squad of men and delivered volley fire at vulnerable spots in the bandit emplacements, his very active conduct under a disastrous and withering enemy fire, was an example for the men near him, most of whom were receiving their baptismal fire. By his well directed fire, the remainder of the detachment along the rear of the train, was enabled to get into position and pick up the fire. Badly wounded, he exercised command over the right of the line during the entire engagement, disregarding his own comfort and safety to perform an arduous task far beyond the call of duty.
Pharmacists Mate Third Class Linn H. McEwan U.S. Navy, with the bandit forces to the front and left front made a timing movement around the head of the column, far above and beyond the call of duty, volunteered to cross an open field in order to get the message to Sergeant Christian, under extremely heavy and close hand fire, the bandit forces concentrating their fire on him. He successfully performed the mission, and then proceeded with treatment of the wounded, helping them out of open spaces to cover under devastating machine gun fire. No known wounded man went without treatment, once McEwan was informed of the location of the wounded, absolutely sacrificing his own safety to render assistance to any man in need.
Corporal Homer T. Provost, U.S.M.C., attached to train from the Intelligence Section, Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, upon the train being ambushed, knowing that the Marines were greatly outnumbered, and being surrounded, made a getaway right through their midst, and once clear, make a straight course for CONDEGA, 15 miles distant, there informing the Battalion Commander of the plight of the train. En route to CONDEGA, he also advised Captain MacNulty, who had a combat patrol on the trail, of the circumstances, who proceeded hastily to the scene of the encounter, reaching there at day-break, probably saving many mens' lives.
Private First Class Edward L. Garrison, U.S.M.C., who, when Gunnery Sergeant Larrick asked for a volunteer to get through the bandit lines and into YALI, about 12 miles distant, with the information that the train was ambushed and surrounded, and that help was needed, gladly and willingly, volunteered for the mission. Leaving at dark, he successfully worked his way through the bandits, and ran practically all the way to YALI, where a mounted patrol under Lieutenant Cloud was organized, and, under the guidance of Garrison, proceeded to the scene of the attack.
Several other exceptional and distinguished acts of bravery by members of the train convoy will be forwarded when all the details are available.
15. It is further recommended that all the men in the train convoy be commended for their loyal and brave conduct under severe fire and adverse conditions, it being the first time practically all of them had been subjected to heavy fire, conducted themselves as well trained soldiers performing their task in a very commendable manner.
16. The following is a roster of the men who participated in the action against the Bandit Forces, 27 February, 1928, near the vicinity of BROMADEROS:
57th Co., 2nd Bn., 11th Regt.
Gy. Sgt. LARRICK, Herbert F.
Sgt. CHRISTIAN, Wilbourn O.
Sgt. ISHAM, Charles H.
Cpl. AUSTIN, Cicero D.
Cpl. GRIFFITH, Forrest E.
Cpl. PEARLSTEIN, Joseph.
Cpl. ZERNICKE, Edgar L.
Pfc. GARRISON, Edward L.
Pfc. McDANIEL, Eugene I.
Pfc. PETTERSON, Walter B.
Pfc. NINER, Charles E.
Pfc. SIMPSON, Oran G.
Pvt. ADAMS, Romain F.
Pvt. BALLARD, Lewis E.
Pvt. BIGELOW, Tracy "L".
Pvt. BREVIK, Lewis C.
Pvt. BUNN, Bennie M.
Pvt. CARTER, Raymond B.
Pvt. CLARK, Lloyd.
Pvt. CORDON, Walter E.
Pvt. CRUM, Peter C.
Pvt. DAVIS, John.
Pvt. DOUGHTERTY, Glenn M.
Pvt. DOWNEY, John P.
Pvt. LOUDEN, Arthur G.
Pvt. McCARVILLE, John W.
Pvt. MAYNARD, Linton C.
Pvt. PHELPS, Clarence E.
Pvt. PIERSON, Edward J.
Pvt. PUMP, John C.
Pvt. ROBBINS, George E.
Pvt. SCHLAUCH, Albert.
Pvt. MOTT, Curtis J.
Pvt. DAVIS, Lem. C.
HQ & HQ Co., 2ndBn, 11th Regt.
Cpl. PROVOST, Homer T.
NAVY PERSONNEL.
PhM3c. McEWAN, Linn H.
/ s / EDWARD F. O'DAY.
1st Endorsement 2 March 1928.
Headquarters, 2nd Battalion, 11th Regiment, Condega, Nicaragua.
From: Commanding Officer
To: Area Commander, Northern Area, Ocotal, Nicaragua.
1. Forwarded.
2. It is recommended that those men recommended in paragraph 14, for exceptional bravery by the detachment commander be cited in orders and that they be recommended for award of the Navy Cross. Necessary statements will be forwarded as soon as obtainable. Further recommendations are contemplated as soon as necessary statements can be obtained.
3. It is further recommended that the entire detachment be commended by letter for the soldierly conduct under fire. Verbal commendation has already been made by the Battalion Commander.
/s/ H. C. PIERCE
127/204/3
Marine Detachment
Yali, Nicaragua
29 February, 1928From: 2nd Lieut. D. K. Claude, U.S. Marine Corps
To: Area Commander, Area of the North.
Via: Commanding Officer, M.D. Yali.
Subject: Relief patrol to Daryli [Darailí], report of.
1. At 2310, 27 February, upon orders from the Commanding Officer M.D. Yali, I cleared Yali with patrol consisting of twenty-four enlisted marines, one enlisted navy and two native guides for the scene of the ambush of Lieut. O'Day's train near the ranch Daryli [Darailí] about 17 miles S.W. [actually N.W.] Yali, to render any assistance which might be needed there. At 0315 28 February on account of darkness and lack of familiarity with the terrain I halted the patrol. At 0520 I proceeded, and at 0805 upon my arrival reported to Lieut. O'Day at the aid station, offering the services of my patrol. Having accomplished its mission, the patrol rested, had breakfast, and at 0955 cleared for Yali (with the exception of one private from Lieut. O'Day's train and guides) . . .
/s/ D. K. Claude, 2nd Lieut, U.S. Marine Corps
127/220/6
57th Co, 2nd Bn., 11th Regt.
Condega, Nicaragua
5 March 1928From: Captain William K. McNulty, U.S.M.C.
To: The Commanding Officer, Second Battalion, 11th Regiment.
Subject: Report of action - patrol of 57th Company, commanded by Captain William K. McNulty, U.S. Marine Corps.
1. In compliance with orders from Battalion Commander, 2nd Battalion, 11th Regiment, dated 27 February 1928, I cleared Condega at 5:34 pm, February 27, 1928, with 2 commissioned officers, 1 warrant officer and 85 enlisted marines and 1 hospital corpsman, enroute to Yali and Vegas via Daraili to investigate and suppress any bandit activities at those places.
2. At 10:30 pm, 27 February 1928, the column was halted by Cpl Homer T. Provost about 4 miles from Daraili who reported that Lt. O'Day's column had been ambushed about 3 miles the other side of Daraili and that he had made a getaway to report to Condega (Cpl Provost is in the Intelligence section, 2nd Battalion). I proceeded to Daraili where the mule train and all extra equipment was left under guard.
3. Mr. Gonzalez at Daraili was questioned and stated that he had heard firing between 1:00 pm and 8:00 pm, he did not know anything about what was going on; a patrol was dispatched to Condega with this information to the Battalion Commander.
4. At 12:45 am, 28 February 1928, the column left Daraili for Lt. O'Day's relief; after marching 1 1/2 hours, I decided that we were nearly up to the place of ambush, no firing had been heard and only a few native yells; as soon as it was light enough a reconnaissance was made and it was found that we were about 500 yards from the place of ambush. Moving forward, our point entered an open space, I had gone forward at this time and we saw two pack mules, one packed with what looked like ammunition, running toward the hill on our left front. I called the Marine Gunner Allen to shoot it, which he did, at the same time halting the column in the brush and got the point under cover. At this place we found a marine hat and some equipment (sketching board and map case).
5. Shortly after the shots had been fired at the mules I heard Lt. O'Day call from the brush on the right of the trail asking "Who is there"? I answered, "Captain McNulty with the 57th Company." Lt. O'Day then came up thru the brush and joined the company giving me the approximate location of the bandit positions, and stating that his column was badly scattered.
6. I gave Marine Gunner Allen instructions to get his machine gun in a position where he could sweep the crest of the hill on our left front and formed my company along the trail, Lt. Chapelle on the left, Lt. O'Day on the right, myself in the center, we started to advance at 6:45 am, moving off to the northeast making a turning movement to the right and advancing due east striking the bandits of the right flank (see intelligence section sketch); they opened fire at about 12, which was returned, the advance was continued by short rushes, the machine gun covering the ridge ahead of us as we advanced, the gunner having a good view of the crest of the hill gave him excellent position for with very little danger to our line.
7. Our advance continued until 8:20 am, when the last bandits were cleared out of the vicinity.
8. It is estimated that on the morning of February 28, approximately 200 bandits were in position and a conservative estimate of their casualties would be 10 dead and 30 wounded. 7 dead horses were counted on the hill after the attack. There were no marine casualties during the attack of February 28, 1928.
9. It is believed by the undersigned that the attack on the morning of February 28, 1928, was a surprise to the bandits, they were waiting until daylight to complete the destruction of Lt. O'Day's organization and did not have information that reinforcements had arrived, when our automatic weapons started firing there was a surprise yell all along their lines.
10. The troops were withdrawn at about 9:30 am, and outposts established. In assembling Lt. O'Day's patrol, it was found that he had 3 dead and 10 wounded on February 27, 1928. The dead were buried, Brigade Order #28 of 1 March 1927, being complied with as nearly as possible, stretchers were improvised and preparations were made to return to Daraili with the wounded. At about 12:10 pm, an airplane sighted us when reports of casualties were made.
11. The column left Bromaderos at 1:00 pm, and arrived at Daraili at 2:10 p.m., where the Battalion Commander was waiting.
12. The entire command conducted themselves in the most soldierly manner during the attack of February 28th, most of the company being recruits with less than 4 months training yet they responded instantly to orders and the line never faltered in it's advance.
/s/ W. K. McNulty
127/212/1
HEADQUARTERS, 2ND BATTALION, 11TH REGIMENT
CONDEGA, NICARAGUA
2 MARCH 1928The following report was made to the Battalion Commander by Captain William K. MacNulty at DARAJLI, 28 February 1928, on his return from contact with bandit forces at JOCOTO:-
Left CONDEGA at 5:35 p.m., and proceeded to DARAJLI (15 miles NE of CONDEGA). Enroute received unconfirmed report that SANDINO was operating between DARAJLI and YALI. at 9:40 p.m., Corporal Provost of the Intelligence Platoon halted the column and reported that Lieutenant O'Day had been ambushed about one and one half miles east of DARAJLI.
On arrival DARAJLI, Señor Gonzales the owner of the finca told me that he had heard firing between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. He also told me that Sandino was present with the bandits. I left all packs and surplus equipment at the finca under guard and left at 12:45 a.m. to relief of Lieutenant O'Day. We arrived at JOCOTO about 3:15 a.m.
As soon as it was light enough a reconnaissance was made. At this time Lieutenant O'Day called from the brush to keep clear of the point of the hill.
After a conference with Lieutenant O'Day I decided to place a machine gun where it would comb the hill leaving one squad with the gun with Marine Gunner Allen and the balance of the company was formed along the trail. Lieutenant O'Day on the right, Lieutenant Chappell on the left, myself in the center, making a turning movement across the face of the hill striking the enemy on the flank; this movement started at 6:45 a.m. and at 7:12 a.m. we were fired on from the left center. The advance was continued driving them to the north over the hill. The last bandits leaving about two miles north of where contact was made.
There were no casuals [casualties] in this patrol. During the fight of the morning of February 28th, bandits lost approximately ten killed and thirty wounded. The patrol under Lieutenant O'Day was assembled and it was found that he had three dead and nine wounded. The dead were buried at JOCOTO and the wounded were cared for and taken to DARAJLI where the command was met by Major Pierce.
/s/ B. W. Atkinson
First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps,
Bn-3.
Sources: Paper copies of the documents reproduced here are held by the US National Archives and Record Service at Archives II in College Park, Maryland. The numbers at the bottom of each document (such as 127/220/6) are location codes that indicate a record group (RG 127), a carton within the record group, and a folder within the carton. Electronic copies of the documents can be found at The Sandino Rebellion, 1927-1934.