Coco River Expedition
Dublin Core
Title
Coco River Expedition
Description
On 4 September Marines from 2 Division, 11th Battalion led by Captain Peter Geyer and Captain Harold Roberts set out to clear the Coco River from bandits. They left from Nova Segovia in the Northern Area of Nicaragua. By 10 November, 1928 they were being recalled and the mission was labelled a failure. The men on the mission encountered a near impossible task: unending rapids and waterfalls, flooding, capsized boat, illness, drownings, and scarcity of supplies. Thought recalled early the men of the Coco River Expedition were lauded, with both of the Captains receiving the Navy Cross for their bravery and good leadership. In this collection you will find the Navy Cross descriptions, a report filed by Captain Geyer, and letters from Captain Roberts to his wife about his time on the Coco River.
Creator
United States Marine Corps, Peter Geyer, Harold Roberts
Source
Hall of Valor
Publisher
Letters to Faith Roberts, Harold C Roberts, COLL 2678, Archives Branch, Marine Corps History Division, Quantico, VA.
Date
1928-1930
Contributor
Jessica Carson
Type
Letters, Navy Cross, Marine Report
Coverage
Nicaragua, Coco River
Collection Items
Coco River Patrol Image
Three US Marines resting on a makeshift boat on the Coco River in Nicaragua.
Record of Events Coco River Patrol September 1928
These three pages are the official report of the Coco River Patrol that left from Ocotal on 4 September, 1928. They were written by Captain P. C. Geyer (USMC) who was a part of 2nd Brigade, 11th Regiment. He covered events up to 7 September, 1928.
Second Naval Cross Awarded to Captain Harold C. Roberts
This item contains the text of the Navy Cross awarded to then Captain Harold C. Roberts for his actions as second in command during the Coco River Expedition in Nuevo Segovia from 4 September, 1928 to 10 November, 1928. While the overall mission…
Navy Cross Awarded to Captain Pete Geyer
Captain Peter Geyer (USMC) was awarded the Navy Cross while serving in the Second Nicaraguan Campaign. This Navy Cross was awarded for the whole of his service in the Northern Area of Nicaragua, but particularly his time commanding the Coco River…
Rapid #5
This photograph was taken during the Coco River Expedition by Lt. Harold C. Roberts. The back of the photograph has a comment written in pencil: "Scene in Rapid #5 of El Guacanto."
Preparing to Snub a Boat
This photograph was taken during the Coco River Expedition by Lt. Harold C. Roberts. The back of the photograph has a comment written in pencil: "Preparing to snub a boat through first rapid at El Guacanto. This proved unsuccessful and the boat was…
Group at La Trampa
This photograph was taken during the Coco River Expedition by Lt. Harold C. Roberts. The back of the photograph has a comment written in pencil: "Group at la Trampa"
Unloading Boats
This photograph was taken during the Coco River Expedition by Lt. Harold C. Roberts. The back of the photograph has a comment written in pencil: "Unloading boats on bank of Coco River above El Lagaro Rapid."
Starting Into First Rapid
This photograph was taken during the Coco River Expedition by Lt. Harold C. Roberts. The back of the photograph has a comment written in pencil: "Starting into first rapid at El Guacanto boat lost, Pvt. Wm L. Moore was drowned."
Captain Geyer and Captain Roberts
Captain Peter Geyer, Captain Harold Roberts, and an unknown Marine sit on a makeshift boat on the banks of the Coco River.
End of El Guacanto Rapid
This photograph was taken during the Coco River Expedition by Lt. Harold C. Roberts. The back of the photograph has a comment written in pencil: "The end of of El Guacanto rapid"
Portage Gang
This photograph was taken during the Coco River Expedition by Lt. Harold C. Roberts. The back of the photograph has a comment written in pencil: "Portage gang taking a rest."
Cpl. Dickson
This photograph was taken during the Coco River Expedition by Lt. Harold C. Roberts. The back of the photograph has a comment written in pencil: "The "Chief" portaging the coffee Cpl. Dickson."
Rapid #3
This photograph was taken during the Coco River Expedition by Lt. Harold C. Roberts. The back of the photograph has a comment written in pencil: "Rapid #3 at the El Guacanto snubbing boats down empty."
Capt Geyer and Capt Roberts Smoking
Captain Pete Geyer and Captain Harold Roberts smoking on the side of the Coco River with feet inside a makeshift boat.
Snubbing Boats Down La Trampa Rapid
This photograph was taken during the Coco River Expedition by Lt. Harold C. Roberts. The back of the photograph has a comment written in pencil: "Snubbing boat down the La Trampa Rapid and just below small falls."
Rubber Sea Bags
This photograph was taken during the Coco River Expedition by Lt. Harold C. Roberts. The back of the photograph has a comment written in pencil: "Poor picture but note rubber sea-bags without which we would have been lost."
Capt. Geyer + Myself
This photograph was taken during the Coco River Expedition by Lt. Harold C. Roberts. The back of the photograph has a comment written in pencil: "Capt. Geyer + Myself at El Guacanto."
Lieut. Roberts
This photograph was taken during the Coco River Expedition by Lt. Harold C. Roberts. The back of the photograph has a comment written in pencil: "Lieut. Roberts center wearing life jacket at river camp."
Three Marines in the Rapids
This photo shows three marines, two on land and one in the water trying to control their makeshift boat on the rapids on the Coco River.
Seven Marines on Coco River
Photo of seven Marines battling the rapids trying to move a makeshift boat along with ropes and poles.
Coco River Cliffs
Photograph shows two Marines walking on the shore of the Coco River surrounded by jungle and high terrain.
Eight Marines Crossing River
Eight Marines make their way across the rough waters of the Coco River using a rope.
Marine by Rapids
One Marine stands infront of a makeshift boat which is held in place from the rapids with ropes.
Marines Using Poles
Three marines attempt to control a boat on the Coco River rapids using push poles.
Marines Using Ropes
Photograph depicting six Marines using ropes to pull a makeshift boat along very rough waters and rocks on the Coco River.
Three Marines on Boat
Three Marines use poles to try to navigate the rough waters of the Coco River.
Correspondence from Harold C. Roberts to Faith N. Roberts 8 September, 1928
Summary: Three page letter sent from Telepaneca about the early days of the Coco River Expedition and the dangers of the rapids on the rivers in Northern Nicaragua.Transcription:
"Telepanaca, Nic.8 Sept. 1928.
My Sweetie:
Well we are here,…
Correspondence from Harold C. Roberts to Faith N. Roberts 9 August, 1928
Summary: One page letter from Condega detailing Colonel Dunlap's idea for an expedition patrol down the Coco River to the East Coast (440 miles). Roberts wrote about how Dunlap asked him for advice on boat construction and invited him to come on the…
Correspondence from Harold C. Roberts to Faith N. Roberts 13 August, 1928
Summary: Three page letter sent from Condega in which Roberts confirmed he has been chosen for the Coco River patrol to lead a 40 man team with Captain Pete Geyer.Transcription:"Condega, Nic.13 Aug 1928
My Sweetie,
I’m so pleased and flattered, I…
Correspondence from Harold C. Roberts to Faith N. Roberts 14 August, 1928
Summary: Six page letter sent from Ocotal explaining the Coco River patrol in more detail. Includes hand drawn schematic of the boats the Marines built for the expedition, which they hoped will be easier to carry around the many rapids on the river.…
Correspondence from Harold C. Roberts to Faith N. Roberts 20 September, 1928
Summary: One page river sent four miles above Yali River in Camp on side of Coco River. Roberts detailed information about camp life on the river to incude injuries and one death by drowning of a Marine. Roberts wrote about the scenery, insects,…
Correspondence from Harold C. Roberts to Faith N. Roberts 26 September, 1928
Summary: Partial letter, bottom half removed sent from camp on Coco River. Roberts discussed that the Marines on the Coco River expedition were recalled due to sickness and other difficulties.
Transcription:
"26 Sept. 1928
Camp on Coco…
Transcription:
"26 Sept. 1928
Camp on Coco…
Correspondence from Harold C. Roberts to Faith N. Roberts 4 October, 1928
Summary: One page letter sent from Daraili. Roberts discussed the sicknesses experienced on the Coco River patrol, poisonous plants, amebic dysentery, insanity, grippe, and a variety of other issues. Transcription: "Daraili, Nic. 4. Oct. 1928 My…
Nine Marines with Boat in Coco River
Nine Marines with poles and ropes wearing life jackets attempt to control a boat on the Coco River.
Two Marines in Boat on Coco River
Two Marines in a boat on the Coco River. One Marine has no pants, but a life jacket on, likely having just been in the river.
Clouds in Coco River Valley
This photograph was taken during the Coco River Expedition by Lt. Harold C. Roberts. The back of the photograph has a comment written in pencil: "Clouds in Coco river valley at 10:00 a.m."
The Boats Go Up in Smoke
This photograph was taken during the Coco River Expedition by Lt. Harold C. Roberts. The back of the photograph has a comment written in pencil: "The boats go up in smoke." This was taken at the end of the expedition, when patrol was ended the…
Three Marines with Boat
This photograph was taken during the Coco River Expedition by Lt. Harold C. Roberts. The back of the photograph has a comment written in pencil: "Good old fleet! Good old admiral. Good old crew. The last landing." On the front of the boat is a…
Camp Out
This photograph was taken during the Coco River Expedition by Lt. Harold C. Roberts. The back of the photograph has a comment written in pencil: "Camp out from solid jungle on Coco River."
Pack Mule
This photograph was taken during the Coco River Expedition by Lt. Harold C. Roberts. The back of the photograph has a comment written in pencil: "Outboard motor packed on mule on way out from Coco River patrol at San Geronimo"
Equipment Train at Benicia Meadows
This photograph was taken during the Coco River Expedition by Lt. Harold C. Roberts. The back of the photograph has a comment written in pencil: "Equipment train crossing the Benicia Meadows"
On the Banks of the Coco River
This photograph was taken during the Coco River Expedition by Lt. Harold C. Roberts. The back of the photograph has a comment written in pencil: "Where the trail + river meet"
Coco River Valley
This photograph was taken during the Coco River Expedition by Lt. Harold C. Roberts. The back of the photograph has a comment written in pencil: "Looking up the river going in. Mule load of hard bread almost out of sight in the tall grass"
Looking Down into Coco River Valley
This photograph was taken during the Coco River Expedition by Lt. Harold C. Roberts. The back of the photograph has a comment written in pencil: "Looking down into Coco river valley from about half way up"
Unpacking Mules
This photograph was taken during the Coco River Expedition by Lt. Harold C. Roberts. The back of the photograph has a comment written in pencil: "Enemesio Escalante (Chris) and Apuano Peralta (Joe) unpack the shafts and screws"Escalante and Peralta…
Camp Geyer
This photograph was taken during the Coco River Expedition by Lt. Harold C. Roberts. The back of the photograph has a comment written in pencil: "Out of the river onto the trail again. Almost at Camp Geyer" Camp Geyer was presumably the name they…
Dr. O'Neil and Moses Gonzalez
This photograph was taken during the Coco River Expedition by Lt. Harold C. Roberts. The back of the photograph has a comment written in pencil: "Dr. O'Neil and Moses Gonzalez, hijo at camp in Coco River"
Biplane Dropping Supplies
This photograph was taken during the Coco River Expedition by Lt. Harold C. Roberts. The back of the photograph has a comment written in pencil: "Plane dropping chow to our patrol" While on the Coco River the Marines had to rely on biplanes to drop…
Unloading Boats at El Lagaro
This photograph was taken during the Coco River Expedition by Lt. Harold C. Roberts. The back of the photograph has a comment written in pencil: "Unloading at El Lagaro"
Dr. O'Neil where DeHart Was Hit
This photograph was taken during the Coco River Expedition by Lt. Harold C. Roberts. The back of the photograph has a comment written in pencil: "Dr. O'Neil where DeHart was hit. Above El Guacanto" A fellow Marine, DeHart was hit in the head by…
Pfc. DeHart Injured
This photograph was taken during the Coco River Expedition by Lt. Harold C. Roberts. The back of the photograph has a comment written in pencil: "Pfc. DeHart in "stokes" litter after being injured on Coco R. by plane drop."
Preparing to Snub a Boat
This photograph was taken during the Coco River Expedition by Lt. Harold C. Roberts. The back of the photograph has a comment written in pencil: "Preparing to snub a boat through first rapids at El Guacanto. This proved unsuccessful and the boat was…
Placid Coco River
This photograph was taken during the Coco River Expedition by Lt. Harold C. Roberts. The back of the photograph has a comment written in pencil: "River scene, placid water"
Tractors at Ocotal
This photograph was taken during the Coco River Expedition by Lt. Harold C. Roberts. The back of the photograph has a comment written in pencil: "Tractors at Ocotal taking our "gear" down to boats on day of departure, 4 Sept"
Do Have a Banana!
This photograph was taken during the Coco River Expedition by Lt. Harold C. Roberts. The back of the photograph has a comment written in pencil: "Do have a banana!"
Chow Line in Jungle Camp
This photograph was taken during the Coco River Expedition by Lt. Harold C. Roberts. The back of the photograph has a comment written in pencil: "Chow line in Jungle camp."
Chow at Camp
This photograph was taken during the Coco River Expedition by Lt. Harold C. Roberts. The back of the photograph has a comment written in pencil: "Vienna Style sausages - chow at camp on river."
Camp Daraili
This photograph was taken during the Coco River Expedition by Lt. Harold C. Roberts. The back of the photograph has a comment written in pencil: "Entire patrol assembled at Daraili where expedition broke up"
River level Fell 12 Feet
This photograph was taken during the Coco River Expedition by Lt. Harold C. Roberts. The back of the photograph has a comment written in pencil: "Poor picture of boat stranded on beach after river level fell 12 feet overnight"
Coco River Jungle Camp
This photograph was taken during the Coco River Expedition by Lt. Harold C. Roberts. The back of the photograph has a comment written in pencil: "Poor picture of camp at edge of coco. Camp cleared from jungle"
Two Things With a Kick
This photograph was taken during the Coco River Expedition by Lt. Harold C. Roberts. The back of the photograph has a comment written in pencil: "Two things with a kick"
Sketch of Coco River Patrol Boat
This rough pencil sketch illustrates a boat design that Harold Roberts and Captain Pete Geyer designed for the Coco River Patrol.
Equipment Losses 4 September 1928
A list of equipment lost on the first day of the Coco River Expedition from a report written by Captain Pete Geyer.