Battle of El Sauce facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of El Sauce |
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| Part of United States occupation of Nicaragua, Banana Wars | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 Nicaragua United States |
Sandinistas |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
 Cap. Lewis Puller GySgt William A. Lee |
Juan Pablo Umanzor |
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| Strength | |||||||
| 8 marines 64 national guard |
100-250 guerrillas | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 3 killed 3 wounded |
31+ killed 63 horses captured |
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The Battle of El Sauce was an important fight that happened on December 26, 1932. It took place near a town called El Sauce in Nicaragua. This battle was part of a time when the United States had soldiers in Nicaragua. It was also the very last big battle of the Sandino Rebellion, which was a conflict that lasted from 1927 to 1933.
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What Was the Battle of El Sauce?
The Battle of El Sauce is also sometimes called the Battle of Punta de Rieles or Punta Rieles. It was a clash between American and Nicaraguan government forces against a group of rebels known as the Sandinistas. The Sandinistas were led by Augusto César Sandino, who fought against the presence of U.S. troops in his country.
Why Did the Battle Happen?
The battle started because the President of Nicaragua, José María Moncada, had a special plan. He wanted to celebrate the completion of a new railway line. This railway connected the cities of León and El Sauce. The celebration was planned for December 28, 1932.
However, there were rumors that Sandinista rebels might try to disrupt the ceremony. To keep the area safe, a group of soldiers was sent to El Sauce. This group included eight U.S. Marines and 64 Nicaraguan National Guardsmen. They were led by a brave Marine officer named Captain Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller.
The Fight Begins
On December 26, 1932, Captain Puller's team traveled by train towards El Sauce. At the same time, a group of Sandinista rebels, led by Juan Pablo Umanzor, was nearby. They were taking supplies from a construction company's store.
As the train passed some old ruins, the rebels suddenly opened fire. They shot at the train from both sides of the tracks. The soldiers quickly got off the train to fight back. Captain Puller's men got off on the right side. First Lieutenant William A. Lee led his men off on the left side.
Lee's soldiers quickly found cover in a ditch. Puller's forces tried to move around the rebels to attack them from the side. During the intense fight, a Marine named Corporal Bennie M. Bunn grabbed a powerful Browning automatic rifle. He used it to push the Sandinistas back.
Who Won the Battle?
The battle lasted for about one hour and ten minutes. In the end, the U.S. Marines and the Nicaraguan National Guard won. After the fight, 31 Sandinista rebels were found to have been killed. The government forces also captured 63 horses that belonged to the rebels.
The American and Nicaraguan forces had fewer losses. Three of their soldiers were killed, and three others were wounded. This was a clear victory for Captain Puller's team.
What Happened After the Battle?
Because of the victory, President Moncada was able to have his railway ceremony as planned, two days later. He was very happy with how well the American soldiers fought. To show his appreciation, he promoted Captain Puller to the rank of major. He also promoted Lieutenant Lee to captain.
