A notable engagement of the Sandino Rebellion in which a small Marine convoy was ambushed by a much larger Sandinista force along the Yalí–Condega trail.
Key Facts
- Marine convoy size
- 36 Marines, 1 pharmacist's mate, 22 Nicaraguans
- Estimated Sandinista strength
- At least 600 rifles, minimum 4 machine guns
- Marine casualties
- 3 killed, 2 died of wounds, 8 wounded
- Relief force size
- 88 Marines under Captain MacNulty
- Sandinista casualties (Feb 28)
- ~10 killed, ~30 wounded (conservative estimate)
- Mule losses
- One-third of mules killed, wounded, or captured
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
During the American occupation of Nicaragua (1926–1933), Sandinista rebels under Miguel Angel Ortez sought to harass U.S. Marine forces. A convoy of Marines and Nicaraguan muleros traveling the Yalí–Condega trail presented an opportunity for ambush by a numerically superior insurgent force estimated at 600 or more fighters.
On 27 February 1928, Sandinista rebels ambushed a Marine convoy led by First Lieutenant Edward F. O'Day, opening fire along its right flank and sealing off the trail. The Marines fell back to a ridge, suffering three killed. Fighting continued through the night, and at dawn on 28 February a relief force of 88 Marines under Captain William K. MacNulty arrived and drove off the remaining insurgents.
The Marines ultimately repelled the Sandinistas, but at a cost of five dead and eight wounded, plus significant mule losses. The engagement illustrated the guerrilla nature of the Sandino Rebellion, including the use of local part-time fighters who returned to civilian life after the battle, complicating efforts by U.S. forces to suppress the insurgency.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
First Lieutenant Edward F. O'Day, Captain William K. MacNulty.
Side B
1 belligerent
Miguel Angel Ortez.