After dark on October 24, 1915, a reconnaissance detachment of United States Marines came under fire while crossing a river in a deep ravine near Fort Dipitie, Haiti. About 400 Cacos, concealed near the fort, attacked from three sides. Among the Marines was Gunnery Sergeant Daniel “Dan” Daly. Under sustained fire, the detachment fought its way to a defensible position and held it through the night.
During the fighting, the Marines lost a machine gun in the river when the horse carrying it was killed. According to an account quoting Major Smedley Butler, Daly returned to the water on his own initiative, located the weapon, and brought it and its ammunition back under fire. The episode exemplified the personal courage for which he became renowned, without diminishing the collective effort required to keep the detachment in action.
At daybreak on October 25, the Marines advanced in three squads led by Daly, William P. Upshur, and Edward A. Ostermann. Moving in different directions, they surprised and scattered the Cacos, helping secure the capture of Fort Dipitie. All three leaders received the Medal of Honor; for Daly, it was his second award. His citation summarized his contribution directly: he “fought with exceptional gallantry against heavy odds throughout this action.”
