New Britain herald., 1928-05-29

CAPT. HUNTER DIED
 RALLYING MARINES
Dispatches From Nicaragua Tell
 of Valiant Stand

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 How Captain Robert $. Hunter. [. s. M. c. of Prescott. Kansas. died rallying his men against Sandino's rebels is described in report re- ceived at marine headquarters. 1t gives details of the fighting at La Flor near the Qua river when small marine patrol was attacked by rebels on May Is and IA.
 Wounded in Neck
 Captain Hunter was wounded fin the neck in such a manner as to make speech almost impossible, Corporal William R. Williamson Of St. Louis was killed instantly by rebel fire. Captain Hunter seized a Thompson machine gun from the hands of the dead corporal and was firing upon the rebels when he was knocked down by q second bullet which pierced his chest His last words were a command 10 his men:
 Don't go back. Go ahead"
 Lieut.. Piper Mentioned
 Special mention is made in the report of Lieut.. Earl $. Piper of St. Louis, who was left in command when Captain Hunter died, and of eleven enlisted men in the patrol.
 Captain Hunter's patrol of 25 marines, one member of the United States Navy hospital corps and 10 Nicaraguan National Guardsinen. left Quilali May to reconnoiter in the Central Jinotega area east of the Coco River. At $40 p. m. on May 13, the patrol was fired upon as it penetrated into deep ravine. The column immediately deployed 10 the right. Rebel fire broke out along the entire length Of the col umn and caused confusion among the pack animals and riding ani- mals. The brush along the narrow trail was so dense that the patrol could not see the insurgents.
 Captain nashes Back
 When the rebel fire died down Captain Hunter doubled to the rear to order the reconnaissance of the high ground to the rear of the pa trol. Lieut.. Piper. seeing about five rebels attempting to capture a run away mule on the trail ahead. moved with a group of men down the ravine to a position from which he could fire upon the rebels A strong burst of insursent firing an swered this maneuvcr and brought Captain Hunter on tho run to the head of the column.
 Corporal Falls Dead
 Corporal Williamson was struck in the chest while moving forward with achievements for Lieutenant Piper's men. He gasped one word, DOC" and fell dead into the arms of Pharmacists Mate Oliver l.. Young of Rooncsville, Miss.
 As Young ran forward 10 aid Private Max NJ. Dubtis Of Liyonia, N. Y, who was wounded. Captain Hunter was struck in the neck. Dubtis yelled into the ear Of the medical man, I'm all right, take care of the captain
 5O- Minute Battle
 After Captain Hunter was struck HtSoHu liiiIe- sloup ol 1tp'lS " uo suddenly opened fire from the left flank were qnickly silenced by Private Clay Q. Paris. of Draper. N. C. A few minutes later the rebels withdrew. This entire action lasted about 50 minutes and the marines were not able to pursue the rebels because they had to care for their own wounded.
 Captain Hunter and private Dubtis were made as comfortable as pos sihlc and a =trotcher was improviscd for the captains removal in the morning. At 1l:o5 p. m. Corporal Williamson was buried by his com panions who offered such simple prayers as they were able.
 Ambush is Thwartcd
 At q. m. on the 4th. the patrol left for La Flor. Captain Hunter was carried on the stretcher by eight marines. This was a difficult task because of the narrow trail. At s:15 Corporal Clayton W. Cox of Ed Wa rds. Ill.,. prevented a dangerous ambush when he saw a force of rebels and opened fire before they could fire upon the marines. Rebel fire immediately broke out to the right and rear Of the marines.
 The rebels pushed at the rear under cover Of two machine guns. 1 apparently with the intention of 'apturing the pack train. Private Ruitraeo Rosenberg of the National i Guard was struck by dumdum bullet and killed instantly. {