World War II
Mexican Expeditionary Air Force Escuadron 201 History Wall
During World War II (1941-1945) Mexico joined with the United
States of America and the Allied Nations fighting the Japanese military forces. In July 1941, Mexico sent Escuadron 201,
"The Aztec Eagles", to Texas for training with P-47 fighter aircraft. Two lives were lost in training.
Combat
On 31 April
1945, Escuadron 201, arrived at Luzon Island, Phillippine Islands. They flew fifty-nine combat missions, totaling 846 hours
and over 1,290 hours in the combat zone supporting the 58th U.S. Air Force Group. Five pilots were killed. Among awards
were: U.S.A. Air Medals, Phillippine Unit Citation and Mexico's Medal of Valor.
War Ends
On 9 August 1945, the first atomic
bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, Japan. On 10 August 1945, Escuadron 201 flew their last mission protecting a naval convoy
to Okinawa Island. On 14 August 1945, Japan accepted Allied Forces unconditional surrender terms. Japan formally surrendered
on 15 September 1945.
Farewell
On 18 November 1945, Escuadron 201 returned to Mexico and was deactivated by Mexico's President
Avila Camacho on 31 November 1945. Escuadron 201 members are proud to join with their brothers in the U.S.A. military forces
remembering and honoring the military men and women killed in World War II.
