Battle of Agua Carta facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Agua Carta
Part of the Nicaraguan Civil War, Occupation of Nicaragua, Banana Wars
Chesty Puller (center left) and Ironman Lee (center right) in Nicaragua, 1931.
Date 26 September 1932 Location Agua Carta, Nicaragua Result American-Nicaraguan victory
Belligerents
Nicaragua	Sandinistas
Commanders and leaders
1st Lt. Lewis Puller GySgt William A. Lee	Augusto César Sandino
Strength
2 marines 40 national guard	150 guerrillas
Casualties and losses
2 killed 4 wounded	At least 24 killed 10 dead rebel bodies counted 10 wounded

The Battle of Agua Carta, also known as the Battle of Lindo Lugar, was a fight in 1932. It took place between the National Guard of Nicaragua and a group of rebels led by Augusto César Sandino.

This battle happened near Mount Kilambe, by a river called Agua Carta. This area was controlled by Sandino's forces. The battle was part of a time when the United States had military forces in Nicaragua. It was also part of a longer conflict called the Nicaraguan Civil War.

The Battle Unfolds

After American forces returned to Nicaragua in 1926, the U.S. Marines helped lead the Nicaraguan National Guard. Their goal was to fight against Sandino's rebels. This period was known as the American occupation of Nicaragua.

Preparing for the Raid

In early September 1932, a U.S. Marine officer named Chesty Puller found a trail. He believed this trail was used by the rebels to move south. Puller went back to Jinotega to plan his next move.

He teamed up with Gunnery Sergeant William "Ironman" Lee. Together, they put together a strong group of 40 guardsmen. Their plan was to go on a raid against the rebels.

Leaders of the Patrol

Even though Puller and Lee were U.S. Marines, they were also part of the National Guard. So, Puller took on the rank of captain for this mission. Lee became a first lieutenant.

The Nicaraguan National Guard force, led by Puller and Lee, started their mission on September 20. They traveled a long way, moving northwest from the Auyabal river.

The Ambush

On September 26, 1932, the patrol was suddenly attacked. A volley of rifle fire came from hidden rebels. Ambushes near river crossings were common during this time.

Captain Puller and his guards were ready for such an attack. They quickly fought back. A fast charge made the attackers run away. This first attack was just meant to bother the patrol.

Lieutenant William A. Lee used a Lewis machine gun to keep the enemy pinned down. This allowed the Nicaraguan guards to move up the slope. Once they reached the top, they could fire directly at the rebel positions.

Inside the Rebel Camp

Puller's men pushed into the middle of a rebel camp. They believed they had killed 16 enemy fighters. However, only 10 dead rebels were counted. At least 10 others were wounded and escaped.

Of Puller's guards, two men were killed and four were wounded. To get medical help for his wounded men, Puller decided to go back to Jinotega right away.

The Return Journey

On the way back to Jinotega, Puller's patrol was ambushed two more times. But they did not suffer any more injuries. Instead, the Nicaraguan guards under Puller killed eight more rebels.

Puller's patrol arrived back in Jinotega on September 30. Their raid on the rebel camp was complete.

Aftermath and Recognition

Captain Puller received his second Navy Cross for his actions in this battle. He would later earn five Navy Crosses in total and become a general in the U.S. Marine Corps.

First Lieutenant Lee was also wounded during this operation. He survived and also received a Navy Cross for his bravery.