Wolfhound Army of Pacification
Cuba: October 1906 - March 1909
The 27th Infantry Regiment had made a name for them selves during peacekeeping operations in the Philippines. The regiment had been on station at Fort Sheridan, IL for several years when they were selected by the Department of War for a delicate mission to the island nation of Cuba.
The new Cuban government was facing a large insurrection and had asked the United States for help. The White House ordered five regiments of Infantry, two regiments of Calvary and several Artillery batteries to form an Army of Pacification and depart immediately for the shores of Cuba.
On 12 October, 1906, the regiment departed Newport News for Havana, Cuba aboard the "S.S. Senaca". The soldiers were well received by the population and the violent fighting soon stopped. The Regimental Commander dispatched companies and detachments of men to Bejucal, Lajas Pinar del Rio, Mariano, Santa Clara, Consolacion del Sur, Guines, and Juanajay. The regimental headquarters was based at Camp Columbia.
Stations of units in Cuba:
Hqrs. FS and Band --Camp Columbia, Havana.
Co. "A" --Bejucal, Havana, Prov. (Relieving U. S. Marines Nov. 1, 1906.)
Cos. "B", "C", 'n", "G" and "H" --Camp Columbia, Havana
Co. "F" and MG Plat,. -Consolacion del Sur.
Co. "F"-Marianao, Havana.
In July, 1907 all companies of the two battalions were brought together for station at Camp Columbia.
The regiment conducted peacekeeping operations until they were relieved by the Cuban Rural Guard on March 31, 1909. Following a formal change of command ceremony, the regiment departed for the United States on the transport ship, "Sumner". They arrived in Newport News on April 5th, 1909 and returned to Fort Sheridan, Illinois.
Article: Army hauls down 'Old Glory' in Cuba
"Last of the American Troops will start for home today"
Havana, Wednesday. -- Lieutenant Murphy, aid to Colonel Pitcher, commanding the Twenty-seventh regiment of the Army of Pacification, lowered the American flag on the pole at Camp Columbia at quarter past twelve-o'clock today, while the American and Cuban forces present paid military honors. "The Star Spangled Banner" was played by the regimental band. Standing by the pole was General Barry, his staff and Cuban officers of the permanent army.
The artillery and Rural Guards took possession of the camp, and a few minutes later Lieutenant Ducassi, of the Rurals, raised the Cuban Flag on the same pole, the Cuban band playing the national hymn.
After the ceremony the American soldiers boarded the electric street cars for the Arsenal, from where they boarded the transports Sumner and McClellan.
This morning at aproximately half-past ten o'clock, CAptain A.C. Dalton, representing the Quartermaster's Department of Camp Columbia, turned overall the buildings to the commanding officer of the Rural Gurads, Major General Monteagudo.
Tonight, General Barry and other American officers were given a banquet by the Cuban officers at the miramar. The total number of passengers on both the transports, leaving tomorrow, will be 1,068, including the civil list and families of officers. Not one man will then remain in Cuba, representing the United States War Department.
A feature of today's news is the enthusiastic tributes to General Barry and the American army by the newspapers of all political colors. The Diaro de la Marina says the case is unique in history, the army of a powerful country leaving behind in a weaker nation such friendship and good feeling. The Diaro reviews General Barry's brilliant career and adds that his country will reward a man having accomplished such a wonderful mission. La Discussion and La Lucha express the same views. (contributed by Allen V.D. Murphy, LTC (Ret). Grandson of Colonel Earnest V.D. Murphy, Regimental Commander 1931-34)
