The auxiliary cruiser St. Louis initially withdrew from Guantánamo Bay when local boats approached. It returned as part of a stronger force led by the unprotected cruiser Marblehead. The cruisers confronted the Spanish gunboats with enough firepower to drive them away. Their success allowed American troops to land and begin operations ashore without battleships taking part in the naval action.
Chapter · 1:41:21-1:42:36
Cruisers open Guantánamo Bay to American landings
Marblehead and auxiliary cruisers drove off Spanish gunboats and secured the harbor needed for American troops and logistics.