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Naval History and Heritage Command

NH 79949 Cienfuegos Cable-Cutting Operation, 11 May 1898

Photo #: NH 79949 Cienfuegos Cable-Cutting Operation, 11 May 1898
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Description: Halftone reproduction of an artwork, published in Deeds of Valor, Volume II, page 358, by the Perrien-Keydel Company, Detroit, 1907. It depicts boats from USS Nashville (Gunboat # 7) and USS Marblehead (Cruiser # 11) cutting underwater telegraph cables off Cienfuegos, Cuba, while under intense Spanish gunfire. Their ships are shown in the background, returning fire, with Nashville on the right and Marblehead at left. The Medal of Honor was liberally awarded to those who participated in this operation. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.
Related Content

Medal of Honor citation of Coxswain Benjamin F. Baker (as printed in the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 72):


"On board the U.S.S. Nashville during the cutting of the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, BAKER set an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action."

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