Chapter VI: The Battle of El Caney (2)

But in the midst of the joy of going home, we mourn the loss
of those we leave behind. The genial, generous-hearted
McCorkle fell at his post of duty, bravely directing his men
in the advance on the stone fort. He died as the soldier
dies, and received a soldier's burial. He was beloved by all
who knew him, and his name will always be fondly remembered
by his regiment--especially by those who participated in the
Santiago campaign. The officers of the regiment will wear
the prescribed badge of mourning for Lieutenant McCorkle for
thirty days. And Corporal Benjamin Cousins, Privates Payne,
Lewis, Strother, Taliaferro, Phelps, Howell, Steel and
Leftwitch, sacrificed their lives on their country's altar.
Being of a race which only thirty-five years ago emerged
through a long and bloody war, from a condition of
servitude, they in turn engaged in a war which was
officially announced to be in the interest of humanity and
gave all they had--their lives--that the oppressed might be
free, and enjoy the blessings of liberty guaranteed by a
stable government. They also died like true soldiers and
received a soldier's burial.

By order of Lieutenant-Colonel Daggett.

M.D. CRONIN,
First Lieutenant and Adjutant, 25th Infantry.

MAJOR GENERAL AARON S. DAGGETT.

General Aaron S. Daggett is a native of Maine, born at Greene Corner, in that State, June 14, 1837. He is descended from a paternal ancestry which can be traced, with an honorable record, as far back as 1100 A.D. His mother was Dorcas C., daughter of Simon Dearborn, a collateral descendant of General Henry Dearborn. His more immediate ancestors came from Old to New England about 1630, and both his grandparents served in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. He was educated in his native town, at Monmouth Academy, Maine Wesleyan Seminary and Bates College. At the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted as a private, April 27th, 1861, in the 5th Maine Infantry; was appointed second lieutenant May 1, and promoted first lieutenant May 24, 1861. He commanded his company at the first Bull Run battle, and was promoted captain August 14, 1861.

From the first engagement of the regiment to the end of its three years' memorable service, Captain Daggett proved a faithful and gallant soldier. He was promoted major, January 8th, 1863; on January 18th, 1865, was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the 5th Regiment, United States Veteran Volunteers, Hancock Corps, and was brevetted colonel and brigadier-general of volunteers, March 13, 1865, for "gallant and meritorious services during the war." He also received the brevets of major in the United States Army for "gallant and meritorious services at the battle of Rappahannock Station, Va.," November 7, 1863, and lieutenant-colonel for "gallant and meritorious services in the battle of the Wilderness, Va." Immediately after the battle of Rappahannock Station, the captured trophies, flags, cannons, etc., were escorted, by those who had been most conspicuous in the action, to General Meade's headquarters, Colonel Daggett being in command of the battalion of his brigade. General Upton to whom he owed this distinction, wrote of him as follows:

"In the assault at Rappahannock Station, Colonel Daggett's
regiment captured over five hundred prisoners. In the
assault at Spottsylvania Court House, May 10, his regiment
lost six out of seven captains, the seventh being killed on
the 12th of May, at the "angle," or the point where the tree
was shot down by musketry, on which ground the regiment
fought from 9.30 A.M. to 5.30 P.M., when it was relieved. On
all these occasions Colonel Daggett was under my immediate
command, and fought with distinguished bravery.

"Throughout his military career in the Army of the Potomac,
he maintained the character of a good soldier and an upright
man, and his promotion would be commended by all those who
desire to see courage rewarded."

General Upton also wrote to the Governor of Maine as follows:

"I would respectfully recommend to Your Excellency, Major
A.S. Daggett, formerly 5th Maine Volunteers, as an officer
highly qualified to command a regiment. Major Daggett served
his full term in this brigade with honor both to himself and
State, and won for himself the reputation of being a brave,
reliable and efficient officer. His promotion to a colonelcy
would be a great benefit to the service, while the honor of
his State could scarcely be entrusted to safer hands."

He was subsequently recommended for promotion by Generals Meade, Hancock, Wright and D.A. Russell. He was in every battle and campaign in which the Sixth Corps, Army of the Potomac, was engaged, from the first Bull Run to Petersburg, and was twice slightly wounded. On July 28, 1866, without his knowledge or solicitation, he was appointed a captain in the U.S. Regular Army, on recommendation of General Grant, and has since been promoted colonel in this service. During his subsequent career he has won the reputation of being a fine tactician and of being thoroughly versed in military law, as is indicated by Major Hancock's commendatory words in 1878:

"I look upon him as by far the best tactician in the
regiment, and as for a thorough, clear knowledge of tactics
his superior is not in the army. As regards military and
civil law, I know of no one so well informed."

His ability and soldierly qualities have also been highly commended by General Crook, Colonel Hughes--Inspector-General in 1891--and Colonel ----, Inspector-General in 1892.

Not only as a soldier, but in many other ways, has General Daggett distinguished himself. As a public speaker the following was said of him by the Rev. S.S. Cummings, of Boston:

"It was my privilege and pleasure to listen to an address
delivered by General A.S. Daggett on Memorial Day of 1891. I
had anticipated something able and instructive, but it far
exceeded my fondest expectations. The address was dignified,
yet affable, delivered in choice language without
manuscript, instructive and impressive, and highly
appreciated by an intelligent audience."

General Daggett is noted for his courteous and genial manner, and his sterling integrity of character. He is a member of the Presbyterian church.

War Department, Inspector-General's Office,
Washington, Jan. 6th, 1899.

To the Adjutant-General, U.S.A., Washington, D.C.

Sir:--I desire to recommend to your favorable consideration
and for advancement in case of the reorganization of the
Regular Army, Lieutenant-Colonel A.S. Daggett, 25th U.S.
Infantry.

I have known Colonel Daggett for a long time; he served in
the War of the Rebellion with the 5th Maine Volunteers and
acquitted himself with much honor; he served in Cuba in the
war with Spain, commanding the 25th U.S. Infantry, and was
conspicuous for gallantry at the battle of El Caney. He is
an officer of the highest character, intelligent, courageous
and energetic.

I sincerely trust that he may receive all the consideration
he deserves.

Very respectfully,

(Sd) H.W. LAWTON,
Major-General, U.S.V.

A true copy:

M.D. CRONIN,
First Lieutenant and Adjutant 25th Infantry.
Headquarters Department of the East,
Governor's Island, New York City,
December 29, 1898.

Honorable R.A. Alger, Secretary of War, Washington, D.C.

Sir:--I recommend to the favorable consideration of the
Secretary of War for promotion to Brigadier-General, Colonel
A.S. Daggett, 25th Infantry. This officer has an excellent
war record; his service has been faithful since then, and in
the recent Spanish-American war he distinguished himself by
his good judgment and faithful attention to duty, as well as
for gallant service in action. An appointment of this
character will be very highly appreciated throughout the
army as a recognition of faithful, meritorious and gallant
service. From my observation of Colonel Daggett he is well
qualified for the position.

Very respectfully,

(Sd) WM. R. SHAFTER,
Major-General, U.S. Volunteers.

M.D. CRONIN,

A true copy:

First Lieutenant and Adjutant 25th Infantry.

To this very brilliant official record it is necessary to add but a word personal. Colonel Daggett is a typical New Englander; tall, well-formed, nervous and sinewy, a centre of energy, making himself felt wherever he may be. Precise and forceful of speech, correct and sincere in manners, a safe counsellor and a loyal friend, his character approaches the ideal. Stern and commanding as an officer he is nevertheless tender and sympathetic. His very sensitiveness concerning the feelings of others embarrasses him in giving expression to his own feelings on seeing suffering, unless it should be urgent, but those who know him best know him to be just, humane and tender. No man could have taken more care than he did for his regiment in Cuba. Hating oppression and wrong with a vehemency suited to his intense nature, he nevertheless deplores war and bloodshed. The President of the United States never did a more worthy act than when he gave to Lieutenant-Colonel A.S. Daggett of the Twenty-fifth Infantry his commission as Brigadier-General of Volunteers in recognition of his valor and skill at El Caney and of his general efficiency as an officer in our army.

TESTIMONIES CONCERNING THE WORK OF THE TWENTY-FIFTH INFANTRY BEFORE EL CANEY.

Headquarters First District, Southern Luzon,
El Deposito, P.I., April 20, 1900.

My Dear General Daggett:--Some time ago I received a letter
from you asking me to make an official statement as to where
and at what objective the energies and fire of the 25th
Infantry were directed during the battle of El Caney, Cuba,
July 1, 1898.

In reply I have the honor to officially state that about
noon July 1, 1898, the regiment moved from the mango grove,
near the Ducro House, toward a stone fort located on a hill,
near the town of El Caney.

It arrived at about one of the afternoon at a point about
eight hundred yards to the south and east of the fort;
immediately deployed, and the First Battalion, under command
of Captain Walter S. Scott, and of which I was adjutant,
designated as the attacking line. Presently, after advancing
a few yards, we were subjected to a galling fire from the
stone fort, the trenches in its front and from a blockhouse
on its right. The line steadily moved forward, directing its
fire at the stone fort and the trenches surrounding it. When
within about one hundred and fifty yards from the fort the
line was halted, and several sharpshooters, directed by
their company officers to fire at the loopholes. Finally,
when the men had regained their wind, a rush was made, part
of the line going through a cornfield. At the foot the line
was again halted, and after a few moments' rest charged up
the hill, and the fort surrendered.

I went to the fort and found a Spanish lieutenant and seven
enlisted men whom I passed out and were taken charge of by
an officer of the 12th Infantry. This was about 3.50 P.M.

* * * * *

Note.--Since the above was written, General Daggett
served with great distinction in the Philippines and in
China, and was retired as a brigadier-general--a hero
of four wars. A bill is now before Congress to make him
a major-general, an honor to which he is most justly
entitled.

* * * * *

As soon as the line reached the top of the hill it was
fired on from the town, which had before been masked by the
hill; the fire was of course returned, and this was the
first fire from the battalion directed at the town. About
five o'clock firing had ceased, the battalion was assembled
and marched away.

(Sd) H.W. FRENCH,
First Lieutenant, 17th Infantry (late Second Lieutenant 25th
Infantry).

A true copy:

H.G. LEARNARD,
Capt. and Adj. 14th Infantry.
Manila, P.I., March 30, 1900.

I certify that in the action of El Caney, Cuba, July 1,
1898, the company I commanded, i.e., H, 25th Infantry,
directed its fire almost exclusively on the stone fort and
the trench a few yards from its base. That very little of
this company's fire was directed on the town and none before
the fort was carried.

(Sd) VERNON A. CALDWELL,
First Lieutenant, 25th Infantry.

A true copy:

H.G. LEARNARD,
Capt. and Adj. 14th Infantry.
Tayug, Luzon, Philippine Islands,
April 17th, 1900.

To Those in Military Authority.

Regarding the battle of El Caney, Cuba, July 1, 1898, I
hereby certify:

1. From about 1.20 o'clock P.M. to the time of the capture
of the town of El Caney, I was in command of two
companies--C and G--forming part of the 25th U.S. Infantry
firing line.

2. From about 2.55 o'clock P.M. to the time of the capture
of the town, very nearly the entire 25th Infantry firing
line was under my observation.

3. From about 2.55 o'clock P. M. to about 3.20, the time of
the surrender of the stone fort to the east of the town, the
fire of the entire 25th Infantry firing line within my sight
was directed against the fort.

4. During this period of the battle the 25th Infantry firing
line was about 150 yards from the stone fort.

5. From the time the firing line began firing--about 1
o'clock P.M.--to the time of the surrender of the stone
fort--about 3.20 P.M.--the companies under my command and
all others under my observation concentrated their fire on
the fort.

6. About 3.20 P.M., I was standing about 150 yards from the
stone fort, and I plainly and distinctly saw a Spaniard
appear in the door of the fort, and, for two or three
seconds, wave a white flag at the 25th Infantry firing line,
and upon being shot down, another Spaniard picked up the
flag and likewise waved it at the 25th Infantry firing line.

7. After the white flag had twice been presented to the 25th
Infantry firing line, and after all fire from the stone fort
had ceased, the firing line rushed forward, took up a
position facing to their left--that is, facing the town--and
began a vigorous fire on a small blockhouse and on the town.

Respectfully,

JAMES A. MOSS,
First Lieutenant, 24th U.S. Infantry.

RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN, BY CAPTAIN R.H.R. LOUGHBOROUGH, 25TH U.S. INFANTRY.

The 25th U.S. Infantry left its stations in Montana on the
10th of April, 1898; six companies (B, C, D, E, F and H)
went in camp at Chickamauga National Park; the other two
companies (A and G) went to Key West, Fla.

On May 6th the six companies at the Chickamauga National
Park moved by rail to Tampa, Fla., arriving the night of the
7th, where they were joined by the two companies from Key
West. With the exception of three days in 1870, the regiment
had never been together since its organization in 1869. It
necessarily followed that many of the officers, as well as
men, were strangers to each other.

Our camp at Tampa was fair; the ground is sandy and flat,
but as the rainy season had not set in, it was dry and the
health was good. Drills and parades were held daily (Sundays
excepted), but on account of the intense heat the hours for
it were limited to the early mornings and after sunset. The
clothing of the men was the same they had worn in Montana,
and did not add to their comfort. Supplies of all kinds
(except rations) came by piecemeal, and we finally sailed
for the tropics with the same clothing used in the
Northwest.

At 6 o'clock P.M. June 6th the regiment received orders to
strike tents and be ready to move within an hour; the order
was immediately complied with, though the necessary
transportation to move the baggage did not report until the
forenoon of the following day; it was not far from noon when
the last of it left the camp for the railroad station, en
route to Port Tampa, where we were to embark on transports
for the seat of war.

As soon as the camp equipage was started, the regiment was
formed and marched to West Tampa (about three miles), where
we took a train for Port Tampa, distant nine miles. On
arrival, the regiment boarded the steamer "Concho," one of
the vessels to carry the expedition to its destination. The
4th U.S. Infantry had preceded us, and the next day a
battalion of the 2d Massachusetts Volunteers was put on, but
owing to the crowded condition of the ship, a few days later
they were transferred to another vessel.

The "Concho" is a large ship, but without the comforts I
have seen since then on the U.S. Army transports plying
between San Francisco and Manila. The ships used were
hastily fitted up for the occasion, and it could not be
expected that they would be all that was required, but some
of the appointments could and should have been better. After
a tedious wait until June 14th, we sailed down Tampa Bay and
out on the Gulf of Mexico, still in ignorance of our
destination. The evening of the 15th the light at Dry
Tortugas was seen to our right. June 16th, 17th and 18th our
course was a little south of east, and part of the time the
north coast of Cuba was visible. The weather (except the
intense heat) was fine. On Sunday morning, June 18th, we
entered the Windward Passage, and it seemed certain, from
our course, that Santiago was our objective. Early the next
morning the high mountains of Santiago de Cuba were in plain
sight to our north. June 20th and 21st, remained off the
coast; the sea was rough and the vessel rolled considerably,
adding to the discomfort of every one, especially those
subject to seasickness. During the evening of the 21st,
orders were received to be ready to disembark the following
morning. About 8 A.M. on the 22d our warships began shelling
the coast, and two hours later the troops started in small
boats from the transports to the shore. By evening most of
the Second Division and part of the Cavalry Division were on
Cuban soil. There was no opposition to our landing; I
believe that a small force well handled could have made it
very difficult, if, indeed, it could not have prevented it.

As soon as the regiment had landed it was marched out about
four miles and bivouacked for the night. The country is
rugged and covered with a dense tropical vegetation. A few
"Cuban Patriots" had joined us and formed the extreme
advance, saving us some disagreeable outpost duty. This was
the only service that I know of them doing throughout the
campaign, though they were always on hand ration day. Later
developments showed that the service rendered was not so
important, as any Spanish force had retired to a safe place,
something our friends looked out for whenever there was any
danger.

June 23d, the regiment started shortly after daylight
towards the city of Santiago. About 9 o'clock there was a
report that the enemy were in our front. The regiment was
immediately formed for battle, and reconnoitering parties
sent forward; after about thirty minutes' delay the supposed
enemy proved to be the large leaves of some tropical trees
being moved by the wind, giving them the appearance of
persons in motion. Our route was over a narrow trail,
through a dense wilderness; water was scarce and the heat
was intense. About noon we arrived at Siboney, where we
bivouacked for the night. Before daylight next morning the
troops in our rear were heard passing on the trail by our
camp. Shortly after daylight Captain Capron's battery of
four guns passed, and the men lined up along the road and
cheered lustily. About an hour later, musketry fire and the
occasional discharge of a Hotchkiss gun could be plainly
heard towards Santiago. About three-quarters of an hour
later we received orders to march. By mistake, the wrong
trail was taken, and after marching fourteen hours we
returned to our camp of the previous night, all fagged out.
A great many men of the brigade were overcome with heat
during this long, tiresome and fruitless ramble. I cannot
say how many of these were of the 25th Infantry, but in my
own company (B) there was not a man out of the ranks when
the camp was reached. (I have called the above-mentioned
place "Siboney." There is probably some other name for it,
as the Cubans have one for every hamlet. It is not far from
Siboney, and not knowing the name, have called it Siboney.)

On the morning of the 25th we got rations from the transport
and all enjoyed a hearty breakfast. At 1 P.M. we broke camp
and marched to Sevilla, about six miles. Here we remained
until the morning of the 27th, part of the regiment being
out on picket duty. June 27th, the regiment marched three
miles towards Santiago and bivouacked on the banks of a
small creek. Bathing was forbidden, as the creek was the
only water supply for the army. The troops remained at this
place until the afternoon of June 30th. The camp was in the
valley of the creek, the ground is low and flat, and with
the heavy rainfall every one was uncomfortable. Rations had
to be brought from Siboney over a trail and did not arrive
regularly.

About 1 o'clock in the afternoon on the 30th, the officers
of the regiment were assembled at headquarters and were
notified that there would be an attack on the Spanish
position the next morning. About 4 o'clock the regiment
started for its position, arriving after 10 o'clock, having
covered a distance of less than three miles. The route was
over an excuse for a road, but was crowded with some of the
troops of almost every organization of the army, causing
numberless halts, but worse than all, breaking the
much-needed rest of the troops. On one part of this route I
heard men asking, "What regiment is this?" and heard various
responses, as follows: "The W.W.W.'s, the 1st Cavalry, the
4th Infantry, the 10th Cavalry," etc. Some one asked, "What
are the W.W.W.'s?" and some one replied, "Wood's Weary
Walkers." I do not know who is responsible for that
condition of affairs. Had we had an enterprising enemy in
our front, disaster certainly would have followed. Here were
a number of organizations scattered along a narrow, muddy
trail, at the mercy of an active foe. All this was only
three or four miles from the Spanish works. The men were
cheerful, and few if any realized that there might be
danger.

Most of the men were up and moving about before daylight the
next morning. Shortly after, the regiment started in the
direction of El Caney. At 9 A.M. we halted in a mango grove
near the Ducureau mansion. Shortly before noon a mounted
orderly appeared with a message for the brigade commander. A
few minutes later the march towards El Caney was taken up.
Heavy musketry fire had been heard in that direction since
shortly before 7 o'clock. A march of little more than a mile
and the regiment was formed for battle, Companies G and H in
the firing line, C and D in support, the remaining four
companies in reserve.

For two hours or perhaps more the firing was very heavy,
especially during the second hour. Attention is called to
report of Colonel A.S. Daggett, pages 387 and 388, "Report
of the War Department, 1898, Vol. I," and endorsement on
same by Major-General A.R. Chaffee. He says: "This stone
fort was practically in the possession of the 12th Infantry
at about 2 P.M. July 1." I cannot reconcile this statement
with the fact that between the hours named some of the
heaviest firing was going on, which does not indicate that
its defenders were ready to give up. Lord Wellington once
said, "At the end of every campaign truth lies at the bottom
of a deep well, and it often takes twenty years to get her
out." This may not be an exception. About half-past 4
o'clock the firing ceased and El Caney was ours.

The dead were collected near a hedge and the regiment was
formed in column of masses to pay a silent tribute of
respect to our departed comrades.

The regiment then started for the mango grove where we had
left our blanket rolls and haversacks. Just as we were
starting, some men with canteens started for water (about a
mile away), when orders were received to be ready to march
in twenty minutes. A few rods took us back to the road
leading to Santiago. We moved down the road about
three-quarters of a mile and halted. Two hours later, the
pack train arrived with ammunition and then another with
rations. Before the latter were issued orders were issued to
move at once to the rear. The regiment marched over the
trail it had come on the day before, arriving at El Poso
about 8 o'clock A.M. Here we took the road leading to
Santiago. About 9 A.M. we passed under San Juan Hill and
moved to our right. Our forces held the crest of the hill.
In passing along the hill we were sheltered from the fire
except a short space, where one or two men were slightly
wounded. Arriving at the La Cruz house near the road leading
from El Caney to Santiago about 3.30 P.M. and bivouacked for
the night. About 10 o'clock the troops on our left were
attacked by the Spanish. The firing was very heavy for an
hour, when it suddenly ceased, and we retired for the night.
During this time we were under the hill and protected from
the fire.

Next morning (Sunday, July 3d) desultory firing began at
daylight. About 7 A.M. the regiment left the La Cruz house
and moved across the Caney-Santiago road and formed line to
the left and moved forward to a ridge overlooking the city.
A number of shots fell about us, but no one was struck.
Shortly after, we were in possession of the ridge and began
intrenching. The firing was kept up and two men were
wounded. About noon we were informed that a truce had been
established and all work was stopped. This gave all a
much-needed rest, though it proved to be of short duration,
caused by a false alarm by Major Webb, the inspector of the
division staff.

During the afternoon the regiment was moved to the foot of
the ridge, leaving only the pickets on the crest. About 8.30
P.M. we were ordered to the picket line and began
intrenching. The tall grass was wet from a drenching rain a
few hours before. The ground, though wet, was hard, and slow
progress was made, having only their bayonets for picks and
their bare hands for shovels. All night this work went on.
The men were tired, and hungry (as rations had not come up
that day), but worked faithfully. During this, and I will
add, throughout the campaign, I never heard a murmur nor a
complaint; even when almost all the men of the regiment were
down with fever and bowel trouble they were cheerful and
ready to do any duty they were called on for.

The morning of July 3d Cervera's fleet sailed down the bay.
An officer rode by our part of the line about half-past 9
and informed us of it. A few minutes later we heard the roar
of the big guns, though at the time I little thought of what
was going on. In the afternoon we heard cheering on our line
way to the left, and as the good news came along it was
taken up, and soon the whole line was shouting.

On the morning of July 5th the non-combatants left Santiago
by two roads, one passing through our line. It was a pitiful
sight. During the forenoon of the 5th we moved about a mile
to the right and began intrenching. This position was very
near the Spanish line, and quite elaborate works were
constructed. We remained in this position until the morning
of the 11th, when the regiment was ordered to the right of
the line, about three miles. Here we intrenched. About 1
P.M. a truce was announced.

At 9.15 P.M. a staff officer came to the regimental
commander's tent and informed him that the regiment was to
be on the line at 12 o'clock midnight, and as soon as the
moon rose to advance through the jungle until fired on, when
the line was to halt and intrench. The night was stormy and
any moon there might have been was obscured by the clouds.
We were up, however, standing until daylight in a drenching
rain, for it was so dark that any movement was impossible.
Our rest was broken, without accomplishing anything that I
know or heard of.

However, the rain and storm were providential, for I will
always believe if the movement had been started we should
have met with disaster. The ground was broken, deep ravines
and underbrush with wire fences running through it. I have
never learned who was "the father" of this order, and
possibly never will. He must be ashamed of it.

The afternoon of the 12th the regiment advanced several
hundred yards to the front and dug more intrenchments. They
were still on this work the afternoon of the 14th when it
was announced that the Spanish army had agreed to surrender.
This came none too soon, for our men were coming down with
malarial fever. A few days later nearly half the regiment
were on the sick list, and the balance could not have done
much.

The regiment was moved the same afternoon to higher ground
in rear of the trenches. Strong guards were kept to look out
for our prisoners and to prevent "our allies," the Cubans,
from going into the city.

On the morning of the 17th the formal surrender of the city
and Spanish army took place. We were some distance away and
did not see anything of the ceremony.

On July 25th the regiment was moved about a mile further
back in the hills and made camp, our tents, etc., having
been brought up from the transport. Medicines appeared very
scarce, resulting in much suffering. The food supplied was
totally unfit for our new surroundings, and I believe not a
little of the sickness can be traced to this. Our last camp
was as good as any to be found in that vicinity.

The regiment remained in camp until August 13th, when it
embarked on the transport "Camanche" for Montauk Point,
arriving on the 18th, and landed on the 23d.

B.H.R. LOUGHBOROUGH,
Captain, 25th Infantry.

FOOTNOTES:

[18] First Lieutenant McCorkle killed; Captain Edwards and First Lieutenants Kinnison and Murdock wounded.