Battle of Coamo

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Battle of Coamo
Part of the Spanish-American War
Date August 9, 1898 Location Coamo, Puerto Rico Result American victory
Combatants
Spain	United States
Commanders
Unknown	James H. Wilson Oswald H. Ernst
Strength
Unknown	3,500
Casualties
6 dead 35 wounded	1 dead 10 wounded

Puerto Rican Campaign
San Juan – Yauco – Guayama – Guamani – Coamo – Silva Heights – Abonito Pass

The Battle of Coamo was a battle of the Spanish-American War.

Following a short siege of the town, the battle was commenced an American effort to encircle and destroy the Spanish garrison at Coamo, Puerto Rico, one of the last Spanish bastions south of San Juan.

While his artillery battered and distracted Spanish defenses, General James H. Wilson had infiltrated the 16th Pennsylvania Volunteers around the far side of the city, hoping to trap the Spanish and submit them to a crossfire.

The Pennsylvania's rear assault was then rapidly reinforced by the bulk of Wilson's army under General Oswald H. Ernst, whose charge closed the pincer on the Spanish defenders.

Realizing their situation, the Spanish quickly withdrew. American attempts to pursue the Spanish elements retreating north to San Juan were abandoned in the face of heavy fire at Aibonito Pass.