July. Gómez decides to invade the Guantánamo zone, which is
strongly guarded by Spanish elite units. At the beginning of the
campaign, Maceo clashes with the famous rifle battalion of San
Quintín, one of Spains most aggressive and disciplined units. In
battle, Maceos aide, Manuel Amábile, sacrifices his life in
order to save his leader. It was not the last example of the
love Maceos soldiers had for him. During a fierce battle at La
India, José Maceo lays wounded in front of the enemy trenches,
and Maceo refuses to retreat without another effort to save his
brother. In a brave effort, Maceo leads a charge through a
veritable shower of bullets until the fortifications were
breached and the buildings set on fire. José Maceo is rescued,
and after a long period of recovery his life is saved. The
Spaniards fight to the death, and only one soldier escapes.
October 15. General Gómez leaves Maceo in charge while he
attends a government conference on war strategy.
January/February. Spanish General Martínez Campos, aft