August 9, 1898 · Puerto Rico Theater
August 9, 1898
The Battle of Coamo was one of the most tactically interesting engagements of the Puerto Rico campaign. Brigadier General James Wilson planned a double envelopment of the Spanish defensive position at Coamo, a mountain town in the island's interior. While a frontal force fixed the Spanish defenders' attention, a flanking column swung around through the hills to cut off their retreat. The maneuver worked almost perfectly. The Spanish garrison was surprised, their line of retreat cut, and the town fell quickly. The action demonstrated the improving tactical skill of American volunteer forces over the course of the brief campaign.
Commanders