Battle of La Paz Centro facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of La Paz Centro
Part of United States occupation of Nicaragua, Banana Wars
Date 16 May 1927 Location La Paz Centro, Nicaragua Result American victory
Belligerents
United States	Nicaraguan Liberals
Commanders and leaders
Cap. Richard B. Buchanan  †	unknown (possibly Francisco Sequeira "General Cabulla")
Strength
40 marines	75 guerrillas
Casualties and losses
2 killed (died from wounds) 2 wounded	14 killed unknown number captured ("a small group of prisoners" who were soon released.)

The Battle of La Paz Centro was a fight that happened on May 16, 1927, in Nicaragua. It took place during a time when the United States military was present in Nicaragua. This period is known as the American occupation. This battle happened after a civil war in Nicaragua had mostly ended. It also occurred before another conflict called the Sandino Rebellion fully began.

What Was the Battle of La Paz Centro?

The United States had soldiers in Nicaragua from 1926 to 1933. This time is sometimes called the Banana Wars. The Battle of La Paz Centro was a small but important event during this period. It showed that even after the main civil war, tensions were still very high.

The Fight Begins

The battle started very early in the morning, around 1:00 AM. American Marines heard gunshots coming from the town of La Paz Centro. This town is located between Managua and Chinandega. The Marines decided to go and investigate the sounds.

A group of Marines, led by Captain Richard B. Buchanan, entered the town. As they moved into La Paz Centro, they came under attack. About seventy-five armed Nicaraguans fired at them. The Marines had to quickly find cover.

What Happened During the Battle?

Captain Buchanan was badly hurt while crossing the main street. He was hit by gunfire coming from a local building. Sergeant Glendell L. Fitzgerald and two other Marines then cleared out that building. They fought the enemy soldiers inside.

The Americans had four soldiers injured in total. They brought the injured into the building they had just secured. Sadly, Captain Buchanan died from his wounds at 2:30 AM. Another soldier, Private Marvin A. Jackson, was also fatally wounded. The fighting continued until the Nicaraguan fighters started to leave around 3:00 AM.

After the Battle

After the battle, fourteen enemy soldiers were found dead. Some of them were wearing a red hatband, which was a sign of the rebel Liberal army. It is not fully known who led the Nicaraguan fighters in this attack. However, a person named Francisco Sequeira, also known as "General Cabulla," was thought to be involved.

A few days later, on May 26, 1927, two groups of Marines went to find Cabulla. Captain William P. Richards was leading them. During this encounter, Captain Richards killed the Liberal general.

American Soldiers Injured

Here are the American soldiers who were injured during the battle:

• Captain Richard B. Buchanan (died from wounds)
• Private Marvin A. Jackson (died from wounds)
• Corporal Anthony J. Rausch (wounded in his chest and arm)
• Private First Class William F. Simon, Jr. (wounded in his hand)