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Spanish American War
African-American Heroes

SPANISH AMERICAN WAR

HONORING SOLDIERS FROM THE SPANISH AMERICAN WAR

In 1898, the battleship Maine exploded in Havana's harbor, killing more than 250 personnel, including 22 black sailors. Despite Spanish claims that the explosion was an unfortunate internal accident, political leaders viewed the event as an act of war and the Spanish American war was ignited. The U.S. Army used African-American troops extensively during the campaigns in Cuba and the Philippines.

Edward L. Baker, Jr.

EDWARD L. BAKER, JR.

Rank and organization: Sergeant Major, 10th U.S. Cavalry
Place and date: At Santiago, Cuba, 1 July 1898

Citation: Left cover and, under fire, rescued a wounded comrade from drowning.

William H. Thompkins

WILLIAM H. THOMPKINS

Rank and organization: Private, Troop G, 10th U.S. Cavalry
Place and date: At Tayabacoa, Cuba, 30 June 1898

Citation: Voluntarily went ashore in the face of the enemy and aided in the rescue of his wounded comrades; this after several previous attempts at rescue had been frustrated.