Location
Mexico (México) officially Estados Unidos Mexicanos (United Mexican States). The capital is Mexico City. Borders the United States of America (USA) to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south and west. To the southeast is Guatemala, Belize and the Caribbean Sea. To the east is the Gulf of Mexico.
Wartime History
During World War II, Mexico closed their port cities to German vessels and submarines, depriving them of using the country to resupply or operate. On May 22, 1942 Mexico officially declared war on the Axis powers in response to attacks on Mexican vessels and oil tankers. As part of the Allies, Mexico received funding from the USA plus military support and training. Mexican migrant workers braceros (arms) were allowed to enter the USA to harvest crops and provide labor.
During World War II, the only Mexican military forces to see combat in World War II was the Mexican Expeditionary Air Force - Fuerza Aérea Expedicionaria Mexicana (FAEM), Escuadrón 201 (EAP 201) "Aztec Eagles". The squadron was trained in the USA as fighter pilots flying the P-47D Thunderbolt under Commanding Officer (C. O.) 1° P.A. Radamés Gaxiola Andrade. During 1945, the squadron deployed overseas to the Philippines based at Clark Field. In combat, the squadron flew 59 combat missions, primarily ground support missions over Luzon and Formosa and lost five pilots Killed In Action (KIA). On November 18, 1945 the squadron was given a celebratory parade on Plaza de la Constitución in Mexico City.
Mexico Locations
Isle de Guadalupe Island offshore island to the west of Mexico.
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Last Updated
March 20, 2023
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