PICTURES 1
A
Photo Essay of Mexico's
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Mario Longoria |
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When the United States entered into war against Japan and Germany, it was probably the most unified and patriotic effort in the history of this country. However, when the history of this war was written, it was unfortunate the contributions by a small group of Mexican pilots were somehow omitted or just briefly recorded in the annals of the war. Recently, this forgotten story has been researched and brought to light for all to read and know. |
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Mexican aviators about to take off on a patrol flight, shown as they get instructions from Lt. Colonel David Borsa, Flight Commander (Mexico) . The planes in the background are Vought O2U-4A Corsairs which were license-built in Mexico and known locally as Corsarios-Azcarate.
2nd Lt. Raul Garcia Mercado and 1st Lt. Reynaldo Perez Gallardo point to the sky before take-off.
1 May 1945
Thirty-two pilots of the (201st Fighter Squadron, Mexican Expeditionary Air Force), the first to arrive in the Pacific area, stand at salute during the playing of the Mexican National Anthem, which opened welcome ceremonies at the dock area at (Manila, Luzon, P.I.), the morning of their arrival.
General Douglas MacArthur welcomes Colonel Antonio Cardenas Rodriguez, Commander of the Mexican Expeditionary Air Force, upon their arrival in the Pacific (1945), Luzon, Philippines. Other officers unidentified.
A total of 42 officers (including 38 flying and 4 administrative officers) and 247 enlisted squadron personnel at Randolph air Field, San Antonio, Texas, in their initial phase of training in the U.S.
Mexican Infantry War Band from Mexico City at 201st flight training graduation and Mexican flag presentation, Majors Field, Greenville, Texas, February 21, 1945.
U.S./Mexican Generals, government officials and Texas legislators at flight training graduation and Mexican Flag presentation to the 201st Fighter Squadron, Majors Field, Greenville, Texas. February 21, 1945.