The Battle of Cienfuegos was a minor engagement of the Spanish_American War, intended by the U.S. Navy to tighten its blockade of Cuba.

Although American patrols throughout April had been generally successful, capturing several Spanish merchant vessels, Spanish navy ships had repeatedly eluded American pursuers and delivered troops and supplies to Cuba. When it was discovered that undersea telegraph cables provided the port of Cienfuegos with vital communications, the U.S.S. Marblehead and U.S.S. Nashville were dispatched to sever them.

On May 11, a force of 52 marines, all volunteers, ventured out in two small boats to seize and cut the cables with saws and axes, while the U.S. battleships and armed marines provided covering fire. Spanish response was rapid and withering. Although large-caliber guns were too inaccurate to strike at the small American craft, Spanish small arms fire was more effective, puncturing holes through boats and marines alike.

After a tense, hour long firefight, two cables were cut, and the marines retreated their battered, barely-floating vessels back to safety. A third cable near the shore would remain unmolested.

In the aftermath of Cienfuegos, 52 marines and sailors were awarded Medals of Honor for "setting an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire".