Battle of Aibonito Pass

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Battle of Aibonito Pass
Part of the Spanish-American War
Date August 12, 1898
Location Near San Gervasio, Puerto Rico
Result Inconclusive
Belligerents
Flag of Spain Kingdom of Spain Flag of the United States United States
Commanders
Unknown James H. Wilson
Oswald H. Earnst
Strength
1,200 9,000
Casualties and losses
None 2 killed
4 wounded

The Battle of Aibonito Pass, the last battle of the Puerto Rican Campaign of the Spanish-American War, was interrupted by news of the August 13 armistice before its outcome could be decided.

On August 12, United States Generals James H. Wilson and Oswald H. Ernst had deployed two brigades parallel to the Spanish defenses between Barranquitas and Cayey, chief of which were the guns at Aibonito Pass. Following several successful reconnaissance missions to determine enemy strengths and positions, General Wilson ordered an assault against the Spanish flank accompanied by heavy artillery bombardment. Meeting fierce Spanish resistance and defensive artillery fire, the American attacks collapsed, and Wilson settled the troops for the evening.

Early next morning, before renewed assaults could begin, American commanders received telegraphs informing them of the armistice. The battle for Puerto Rico was over.