[3] Triggered by concerns about possible German use of the Dominican Republic as a base for attacks on the United States during World War I,[4] the US Government began a military occupation and administration of that country in 1916.

The first battle occurred at "Las Trincheras" (the trenches), a defensive position that the Dominicans called "Verdun.

[2] They found no dead or weapons in the trenches but later discovered five rebel bodies in the nearby woods.

Glowin fired his machine-gun and was only pulled out of battle when forced to, a brave action that decorated him with the USA's greatest military award the Medal of Honor.

The 27th and 29th divisions gave chase and killed the enemy commander, routing the Dominican rebels.