Combat· Spanish-American War
Battle of Manila Bay and Cavite landing
On the other side of the world, the war's first great battle took place in the Philippines.
Commodore George Dewey led the American squadron into Manila Bay and destroyed the Spanish Pacific fleet in a one-sided victory, losing not a single ship. Marines served as part of the ships' guards throughout the battle, manning the secondary batteries as the squadron fought. After the Spanish fleet was wrecked, Dewey needed to control the naval station at Cavite, across the bay. Marines from the squadron went ashore and occupied the station, securing it for the Americans. This ended the Pacific phase of the war. The Marine presence at Cavite did not end there; it grew into a permanent post, and over the next two years the Corps sent several battalions to garrison the Philippines and support operations across the islands.
Podcast episodes on Spanish-American War
Record no. 525