The Battle of Manimani was a failed American landing attempt west of Bahia Honda, Cuba. On July 23, 1898, the U.S.S. Wanderer was disabled at the mouth of the Manimani River, after Spanish forces opened fire and shot two men. The ship eventually reached safety after Lieutenant John Heard took their position and transmitted orders to the engine room. The award noted:<blockquote>After two men had been shot down by Spaniards while transmitting orders to the engine-room on the Wanderer, the ship having become disabled, this officer took the position held by them and personally transmitted the orders, remaining at his post until the ship was out of danger.