T  R  A  N  S  C  R  I  P  T  I  O  N

GUARDIA NACIONAL DE NICARAGUA
SAN ALBINO, 4 FEBRUARY, 1928.

    1.   On 28 Jan 1928, while patrolling Northern Chipote, at about 7.00 am, this company was fired upon by approximately 40 Sandinistas, who were well entrenched and concealed on a high mountain crest, known as "Chipote del Norte". This position was very difficult to ascent, the trail leading thereto following a naked crest, with occasional large pines, and the slopes being steep at both sides, with banana groves concealing the position of the enemy, who took full advantage of his natural cover.
 
   2.   Fire was opened by the enemy at a range of about 250 yards which was promptly returned by the Guardia. Lewis Gun crew #1, commanded by Sergeant Poveda #241, was detailed to follow the trail on the crest which led to the enemies position, while Lewis Gun crew #2, commanded by Cadet Ostick, was detailed to a position on the right flank, and Cadet Smith in charge of Lewis Gun Crew #3 was detailed to a position on the left flank of the enemy. All three guns were directed on the enemies position which soon became untenable, but stubborn resistance was given, for some fifteen minutes, the enemy firing heavily, but very high. The Guardia had advanced to within 75 yards of the enemies fort and were using hand grenades when he finally broke and ran.
 
   3.    Only nine dead Sandinistas were found, and no wounded could be located. The rifles and ammunition had been removed by the enemy from their dead. Two rifles were found and destroyed by Cadet Smith.
 
   4.    This position is believed to have been Sandino's headquarters, as it was well furnished with seven modern beds, rocking chairs, dining room chairs and table ware. The house was well kept and was of wooden construction. In front of this building was a Guard House, and in its rear was another building which contained several beds and a small supply of medicines, which I have reason to believe was Sandino's hospital. This group of buildings ran due north and south. East of these buildings, some one hundred yards, was four large barracks and another guardhouse, which would easily accommodate two hundred troops, and a store-room containing military stores, all of which were destroyed.
 
   5.    The conduct of the Officers and men was admirable, all taking good distance and taking advantage of cover in absolute silence. To this fact I attribute the reason that we suffered no losses.
 
   6.    This was an ALL GUARDIA operation without aid from the Marine forces whatsoever.
 
   7.    I desire to recommend the following named Officers and men for citations.
 
   (a)   Cadet C. T. Ostick, who led his Lewis gun crew into action, placed [ p. 2 ] his men and gun under cover, and by his personal bravery and disregard for danger, was a wonderful example to his men.
 
   (b)   Cadet Moses E. Smith, who led his Lewis gun crew into action placed his men and gun under cove, and by his personal braver and disregard for danger, was a wonderful example to his men.
 
   (c)   Sergeant Poveda, #241, for exceptional heroism displayed under fire, by assisting Sergeant Combia to secure a vantage point, by carrying a Lewis gun by its tripod, thereby enabling Sergeant Combia to advance towards an entrenched position, occupied by the enemy, firing the weapon as he advanced. It is recommended that Sergeant Poveda #241, be promoted to the rank of First Sergeant.
 
   (d)   Sergeant Roberto Cambia, #108, for utterly disregarding his own personal safety, did, with the aid of Sergeant Poveda, advance with his Lewis gun towards the enemies position, from which the enemy were firing, selected a position for his gun, firing as he advanced, thereby setting a wonderful example to the gun squad under his command. It is recommended that Sergeant Cambia be promoted to the rank of First Sergeant.
 
   (e)   Raso Juan Cortez Carazo #392, for operating and maintaining his Lewis machine gun skillfully in action, and for his coolness under fire. It is recommended that he be promoted to Cabo.
 
   (f)   Raso R. Gutierrez, #375, for operating and maintaining his Lewis machine gun skillfully in action, and for his coolness under fire. It is recommended that he be promoted to the rank of Corporal.

The following named officers and men participated in the engagement:

           /s/ Lt. McDonald

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