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A Photo Essay of Mexico's
201st Fighter Squadron in WWII

Mario Longoria
San Antonio, Texas

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.

Through the support of UTSA-Hispanic Research Center, it is possible to present a historical treatise and photo essay of Mexico's 201st Fighter Squadron of World War II.    The photographs are from the National Archives, Smithsonian Institute, Captain R.P. Gallardo Squadron Photograph Collection, which depict the squadron during their various training phases in the U.S.; and, their assignment to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) 58th Fighter Group in the Philippines in 1945. Also included with the photograph collection are doctoral dissertation information, newspaper/magazine. articles, books, and 1945 archival mission reports which are listed in the bibliography. For too long Mexico's military contributions in WWII have been in obscurity and it is time to honor their courage and place in histor

 

Mexican Aviators

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.

Pilots before Take-off

2nd Lt. Raul Garcia Mercado and 1st Lt. Reynaldo Perez Gallardo point to the sky before take-off.

 

First 32 Pilots to Arrive in the Philippines

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.

MacArthur Welcome

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.

Trainees at Randolph AFB

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 Army Band

Mexican Infantry War Band from Mexico City at 201st flight training graduation and Mexican flag presentation, Majors Field, Greenville, Texas, February 21, 1945.

Flag Presentation

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.