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PC28.05.20   o'day

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28.05.17 RIDDERHOF
28.05.17 ADAMS
28.05.18 SCHIEBLER
28.05.20 O'DAY
28.05.21 JENKINS
28.05.21 KENYON
28.05.22 CRAMER

28.05.20.   O'Day, Report of Contact, Darailí Ranch

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T  R  A  N  S  C  R  I  P  T  I  O  N

Detachment 57th Company.
Daraili, Nicaragua.
20 May 1928

From: The Detachment Commander.
To: The Commanding Officer, Second Battalion.
Via: (1) The Commanding Officer, 57th. Company.
Subject: Report of Contact.

     1.   On or about 5:15 p.m. 19 May 1928, I received the report that bandits passed San Andres for Santa Rosa, and having but three saddles, I had them saddled immediately and started with mounted men for that area, borrowing a mount from Sr. Moise Gonzales [Moises Gonzalez, Moisés González].

     2.   Moise Gonzales, informer and guide, agreed to accompany us, free of cost, and as we entered Santa Rosa, he picked up another mozo, who worked for him, as he told us that the bandits were in two (2) houses to the North of Santa Rosa. Hiring him, we proceeded towards the houses. Having information that they were drinking, we proceeded towards the houses cautiously.

     3.   As we neared the houses, at or about 8:00 p.m., there being two (2) of them, I ordered Moise to the right of the house, and when we got close, men started running from the second house, so I ran down there single handed and saw five (5) men go over the fence. I dragged my pistol for a full clip at them, and when I started to load the second clip, I heard Moise calling to me.

     4.   I returned and found that he was shot through the back, so I immediately called for an assembly; we took Moise Jr. to a shack about a mile away.

     5.   I despatched the patrol to Daraili for medical attention, I having given first aid as far as was possible, and about 11:00 p.m. Senor Don Moise Gonzales, who is a practicant, and another Marine patrol arrived, and administered treatment.

     6.   At that time, everything being quiet, I cleared the vicinity with a patrol of ten (10) men, and searched the area. Not finding any men with rifles, I cleared the circle at 5:30 a.m., for Condega with one (1) wounded friendly native.

     7.   Moise Gonzales, Jr., is one of the bravest men that I have ever encountered, always willing and trying, doing his utmost, and is already to go.

     8.   Marine casualties. None.  Friendly Native casualties. One (1) Moise Gonzales, Jr.

     9.   I recommend Moise Gonzales Jr., for a citation by the Brigade Commander for his gallantry in action in the face of an enemy of extreme daringness, fearless of self safety, and away beyond any call of duty he ran to the front in chase of SANDINO mule buyers, placing [ p. 2 ] himself in line of fire, not only from the bandits, but the entire combatants, and without fear or favor, he carried on his work as a "Good Man".

     10.   Having searched the entire area, I had a messenger despatched to C.O. 57th., Condega. Assembling the patrol, I hired eight (8) natives to carry Moise Gonzales, Jr., to Condega, where we arrived at 10:00 a.m., 20 May 1928.

     11.   The following named men participated in the engagement:

Pvt. McMullan, Bethea.
Pvt. Early, Raymond J.
Pvt. Davis, Horace A.

/s/ Edward F. O'Day.

127/204/3

Summary & Notes:

   Four mounted Marines, with Moisés González, hijo, as guide (one other mozo of González's picked up along the way) from newly-established Darailí garrison, to two houses just outside Santa Rosa, following report of "bandits" in vicinity.
   Firefight erupts as patrol approaches the two houses in the dark (at 8 p.m.), with at least 5 men in one of the two houses.
   Fight stops as soon as Moisés González, hijo, is wounded.
   Fascinating portrayal of Moisés, hijo: shot in the back in the fight, carried to Condega by 8 hired natives (evidently pretty severe wound); praised by Lt. O'Day as "one of the bravest men that I have ever encountered," recommended for citation.  High respect shown to Moises, hijo, tinged with paternalism (a "Good Man" in quotes).
   "Don" Moisés González, Sr. sent for; arrives at 11 p.m. with another Marine patrol:  flattering portrayal by O'Day; referred to with respect; a "practicant" (medic / doctor / healer, and probably herbalist).
   Moisés Sr. doubtless heartsick that his son was wounded cooperating with the Marines.
   Same Lt. O'Day of El Bramadero fame, 3 months earlier in same locale (see
PC 28.03.01); Bramadero fight a turning point for Darailí Ranch; by this time González family headed by Moisés (who as we learn elsewhere is around 70 yrs. old at this time) has allied with Marines & Guardia, permitting a garrison at their ranch and, in this case, accompanying a small mounted patrol as "informer and guide" (more accurately: informant).

   "enemy of extreme daringness" - ?   What did they do that was so daring?  Who led this group?  Very probably EDSN  (by now this is EDSN country).

P C - D O C S :      P A T R O L   &   C O M B A T    R E P O R T S
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