Battle of Quingua
Part of the Philippine–American War

Battle of Quingua, Kurz and Allison
DateApril 23, 1899
Location
Result

First phase: Filipino victory

Second phase: American victory
Belligerents
 United States  Philippine Republic
Commanders and leaders
J. Franklin Bell
John Stotsenburg 
Irving Hale
Gregorio del Pilar
Pablo Tecson
Strength
800 50-100
Casualties and losses
7 killed[1]
44 wounded[1]
52 killed[1]

The Battle of Quingua (Filipino: Labanan sa Quingua, Spanish: Batalla de Quingua) was fought on April 23, 1899, in Quingua[2] — now Plaridel, Bulacan, Philippines, during the Philippine–American War (1899–1902). The engagement was a two-part battle that started general Elwell S. Otis' Bulacan and Pampanga offensive a day early.[3]: 106  The first phase was a brief victory for the young Filipino general Gregorio del Pilar when he stopped the advance of the American Cavalry led by Major J. Franklin Bell. In the second phase of the battle, Bell was reinforced by the 1st Nebraskan Infantry, who routed the Filipinos, but not before they repelled a cavalry charge that killed Colonel John M. Stotsenburg.

Battle

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The battle began when US Major Bell with the 4th Cavalry, while on a reconnaissance mission,[4] came upon a strong Filipino position led by Colonel Pablo Tecson, a Revolutionary officer from San Miguel, Bulacan[5] who was under command of General Gregorio del Pilar. The Filipinos laid down heavy fire which halted Bell's cavalry advance.[3]: 106  After a short firefight, Bell recognized his position was badly exposed to the opposition, and as a result his force risked defeat. Bell sent for reinforcements, and the 1st Nebraskans came to his aid under Colonel John M. Stotsenburg, while Irving Hale sent companies from the 51st Iowa as well as artillery from the Utah Battery.[3]: 106 

Once he arrived on the field, Stotsenburg led the Nebraskan Infantry, with a dozen or so Cavalrymen— in a charge on the enemy's position.[3]: 106  The Filipinos held their ground and opened fire. Stotsenberg was one of the first to fall, a bullet to the heart.[3]: 107  Several of the cavalrymen's mounts were also slain. The Filipino soldiers sustained the heavy fire, forcing the cavalrymen to retreat.

The Nebraskans, only 200 in number, continued advancing under fire by the Filipino riflemen. Despite the accuracy and intensity of the riflemen's fire, the Nebraskan line continued to advance. Inevitably, the two forces clashed in close combat, but after an exhaustive battle, the Filipinos retreated. During the fight, Hale's brigade lost 7 men killed, and 44 more men were wounded.[3]

Legacy

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References

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  1. ^ a b c "Arlington National Cemetery Website:John M. Stotsenburg". Retrieved April 14, 2008.
  2. ^ "John M. Stotsenburg, Colonel, United States Army". October 23, 2023.
  3. ^ a b c d e f Linn, B.M., 2000, The Philippine War, 1899–1902, Lawrence: University of Kansas Press, ISBN 0700612254
  4. ^ "Battle of Quingua Monument". vigattintourism.com.
  5. ^ Memories of Two Wars: Cuban and Philippine Experiences, Frederick Funston. New York: C. Scribner's Sons, Publisher. 1911. p-268
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Further reading

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