Licerio Geronimo was a general of the Philippine Revolutionary Forces. He was the opposing general when the only United States general officer, Major General Lawton was killed during the Philippine-American War.

LICERIO GERONIMO

Geronimo was a member of the Katipunan. In 1897, he took part in the Battle of Mount Purog, and was designated as Division General in charge of Rizal Province after the death of Andres Bonifacio. After the defeat of the Spanish, he was then appointed the commanding general of the third military zone of Manila.

Geronimo is remembered in the Philippine-American War as the opposing general to Major General Henry Ware Lawton at the Battle of San Mateo on 19 December 1899, where Lawton lost his life along with 13 other Americans. Lawton was the only United States general officer to be killed during the Philippine-American War.

27 August 1855

to 16 January 1924

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Battle of San Mateo Centenary

#2655 19 Dec 1999

General Lawton believed in leading from the front, continuing a style he had employed since his years in the Civil War.

During the Battle of San Mateo General Lawton was walking along the firing line within 300 yards of a small Filipino trench. He was easily distinguishable because of his commanding 6'3" stature but was also conspicuous in the big white helmet he always wore and a light yellow raincoat. The Filipinos directed several close shots which clipped the grass nearby. His staff officer called General Lawton's attention to the danger he was in, but he only laughed. Suddenly Lawton exclaimed: "I am shot!" and fell dead into the arms of a staff officer.

Bonifacio Mariano was credited with the kill. A street in San Mateo was named in his honour.

Lawton was the highest-ranking U.S. military officer to be killed in action in the Philippine-American War. He was also the first serving general killed outside of North America