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World War II: Mexican Air Force Helped Liberate the PhilippinesAviation History | 19 comments | Print This Post | Email This Post Nearly a century after a bitter defeat by the United States, Mexico sent a military force to fight against the Axis powers alongside U.S. military forces in World War II. It was the first time that Mexico sent combat personnel abroad and the first time both nations battled a common threat. This unique unit was the Mexican air force, Fuerza Aerea Mexicana (FAM). Its pilots provided air support in the liberation of the Philippines and flew long-range sorties over Formosa, earning praise from Allied theater commander General Douglas MacArthur and decorations from the U.S., Mexican and Philippine governments. Subscribe Today
In the late 1930s, as nations around the globe endured the Great Depression, political and military developments were brewing that would engulf the world in flames. U.S. and Mexican leaders knew that hemispheric defense would be a vital issue. The threat came at a difficult time, when both countries were struggling to achieve economic recovery. Relations were worsened by the nationalization of U.S. oil properties, and in Mexico there was fear of American intervention if Mexico looked unable to defend itself against an attack by the Axis powers. Relations between the nations’ militaries, however, were less strained than those between their politicians. FAM officers maintained a dialogue with U.S. Army representatives and made efforts to acquire aircraft as World War II intensified.
Like the U.S. Army Air Corps of the 1930s, the FAM was a small, underfunded arm of the Mexican army. Its missions included reconnaissance, air support, airmail and mapmaking. It had tactical units but no modern pursuit planes. Mexico had no indigenous aircraft industry; therefore any planes capable of stopping an offshore attack would have to come from the United States.
On May 13, 1942, a Mexican oil tanker was torpedoed by a U-boat, killing 13 crewmen. A protest filed by the Mexican government was answered with the sinking of a second tanker. When Germany refused to indemnify Mexico, President Manuel Avila Camacho declared war on the Axis powers.
Although prompted by tragedy, Mexico’s entry into the war actually proved beneficial to the country in some ways. Mexico’s population united behind the war effort. The government received shipments of U.S. aircraft, including Douglas A-24B Banshee (Navy SBD Dauntless) dive bombers, North American B-25 Mitchells and Consolidated PBY Catalinas. While Mexican military authorities were grateful for the planes they received from the United States, any plan to send Mexican personnel to fight abroad at first appeared unrealistic, running as it did against tradition and politics. A more pressing priority was coastal defense. Additional Mexican units were activated, and coastal patrol and tanker escort missions were stepped up. They soon bore results. On July 5, 1942, Major Luis Noriega Medrano, flying a North American AT-6 Texan, bombed the German submarine U-129 in the Gulf of Mexico, damaging the vessel.
In April 1943 President Franklin D. Roosevelt met with President Avila Camacho at Monterrey to encourage Mexico to participate offensively in the war. The Mexican president was at first noncommittal, but he would soon decide that Mexico should fight aggressively alongside the Allies. On November 13, he declared that Mexico was willing to take the offensive on condition that its forces serve in a defined sector under Mexican command. The Mexican constitution mandated that the president obtain permission from the Senate, which would require public support. A former army general, President Avila Camacho knew the army was unprepared, but he also believed that a tactical air unit could be readied quickly.
To sell the idea to the public, the president ordered the FAM to stage an airshow. Near Mexico City on March 5, 1944, more than 100,000 capitalinos watched as AT-6s and A-24Bs blasted a simulated enemy base with live ordnance. The show was a stunning success, and shortly thereafter the president declared that Mexico should fight and that the FAM would lead the nation in the conflict. Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6Help HistoryNet by bookmarking to
            Tags: 20th - 21st Century, Aerial Combat, Air Sea, Aviation History, Historical Conflicts, World War II
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19 Comments to “World War II: Mexican Air Force Helped Liberate the Philippines”
I was never aware that Mexico had any forces in the war. Sounds like they endured the same prejudices that the Tuskagee airmen endured. It is too bad these types of stories are not told more often.
By Michael Cochren on Jul 3, 2008 at 1:35 pm
As one of the very few Mexican-Americans who served as a USAF pilot from 1943-1965, there is no question that African-Americans bore the brunt of racial descrimination in the Armed Forces until Truman’s edict ended it to a some degree. However they were not the only ones who suffered. The black airmen wer ostracized as a group which enabled the leaders among them to rise to the top and unite their efforts to be recognized as an effective fighting force. On the otherhand, the few Mexican-Americans who were admitted into the tight fraternity of Caucasian military pilots were often treated as isloated fly specks. It should be recognized that the edict did not change the stripes of the racists, it only drove them underground-much as they exist today. Having said that, it should be also recognized that good-hearted officers willingly overlooked my short-commings in order to bring out the best in me. To them I am eternally greatful.
By Hank Cervantes on Jul 16, 2008 at 5:08 pm
If you would like to read more about my story, read, “PILOTO, Migrant Worker to Jet Pilot”.
By Hank Cervantes on Jul 16, 2008 at 5:14 pm
I have a dude: is it true about a pilot called “EL TIGRE” I can´t remember the name but, i can remember he was a mexican-american, is that true??
well, all this I see in a mexican movie about the 201 sq.
gracias.
By luis montemayor guerrero on Aug 19, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Oue 40th Fighter Squadron (35th Fighter Group) in WWII in the Pacific had P-47 Thunderbolts first, then in March 1945 in the Phillipines at Clark Field, we received new P-51 Mustangs.
==> OUR P-47’s were given to the Mexican Air Corps for their use against the Japs.
By Rip Collins on Oct 4, 2008 at 12:50 pm
I wish there is more info on this subject, I so interesting. I used to watch the flying tigers (on tv) when I was young, this story (history) is very similar. I’m proud of those pilots, “batallon 201″, gracias.
By Rigoberto Perez-Negrete on Dec 16, 2008 at 9:46 pm
To: Rigoberto Perez-Negrete
“I so interesting” what are you four? You are complete bonehead. Do you really lack the intelligence to write a measly comment? I pity what this nation has become.
By Leo K. Thorsness on Dec 22, 2008 at 6:46 pm
Mexico stinks! There air force will get mauled! Go U.S.A.
By Leo K. Thorsness on Dec 22, 2008 at 6:48 pm
Dear Leo: I suggest that you learn to write in English before take it upon yourself to critique other people’s comments. Hank Cervantes
By Hank Cervantes on Jan 10, 2009 at 6:24 pm
I am compelled to inform you that I have doctorate of philosophy in the language of English. The minor error of misplacing their with there was done by my childish brother. He posted that comment and pretending to be me.
By Leo K. Thorsness on Jan 11, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Leo,
…pretending to be me?
By William Coyote on Jan 24, 2009 at 3:28 pm
On-line editor: you left out the author’s name!
By Ronald R. Gilliam on Mar 7, 2009 at 6:24 pm
My grandfather served as a forward air controller with the Army Air Corps in New Guinea and the Phillipines and due to his spanish-speaking roots growing up in deep South Texas, he had the opportunity to work on several occasions with pilots of the 201st. He often recollected thier daring exploits in support of U.S. ground forces. I know he ended up reuniting with some of the pilots he directed at a conference in Monterrey, Mexico sometime in the early 80’s.
By Rey R. Chavez on Mar 11, 2009 at 2:01 am
I was not aware too about the Mexicans who help liberate our country, the Philippines. The Filipinos and the Mexicans were once “together” when the Spaniard colonized the two countries (Galleon Trade, and many more). We’re thankful to our brothers who helped liberate our country.
By Kevin on May 21, 2009 at 2:59 am
a lot of white people are in denile of this. maybe a motion picture of the events of the mexican air force in the war will shut them up. we are always looked at as illegals,who are taking american jobs. never as people who are just trying to make a better life for them and there family. (isnt that what the american dream is all about). there are good and bad people every where not only mexicans. americans forget how they got where they are at. they only know that they are there . i dont hate america or its people. i love this country and all its people. instead of looking at color, race , religion ect. why dont we look at what we have to do to for all people af america to live better
emiliano zapata
rather die on my feet
than live a life of shame on my
knees
By jesus e estrada on Aug 4, 2009 at 9:16 pm
As one who opposes ‘illegal’ immigration. I would do the same if I were in the position of the people of mexico.
The only solution is another Revolution to oust the Latino gangs and crooked politicians, who are murdering and butchering Mexicans by the tens of thousands every year.
Which is far worse than any snubbing by a few bigot’s in the U.S. I don’t see skin color, I look to the moral fibre of a man or woman. The less people accept Jesus Christ the more violent society becomes until it destroys itself. By the way don’tt many Mexican’s also show bigotry towards GRINGO’s.
Finally as a white conservative American and pround grandfather of two boys with brown skins and a latino heritage. I say don’t let the communists divide us with color or nationality. Jerry
By jerry sutton on Sep 5, 2009 at 12:27 pm
to: Jesus Estrada
that is exactly what i believe but some people just want to argue and blame a specific group when they should really be blaming themselves for the cold and senseless things they say or do.
i believe in peace and equality for all while some people blame Mexicans for everything when in fact it is them who are making it hard for us by telling us to leave and judging us
judge yourself before you judge others and treat others as you would like to be treated
By anthony on Sep 8, 2009 at 2:56 am
I salute the service of Mexico’s Aztec Eagles – Viva Mexico !!
By J.D. Peppmeier on Oct 23, 2009 at 1:02 am
As a student in San Antonio; I am enthrall, of this historical story of WW2; that involves Mexico in support with the U.S and allies. “It’s almost too good to be true”. The fact, that I have a U.S History research paper due, and I found this topic of American History, “that is rarely in any U.S History books.” Well now serve, as my final research paper. My U.S History teacher, who is white, is a fanatic, and passionate about our history, and he knew Cesar Chavez, well appreciated this paper. He understands the significant contributions that Mexican Americans, and the civil rights movement, have made in this country. Because of these contributions, America is stronger than ever before. We should also acknowledge those who made contributions to our rich history. Incidentally, Mexico has a richer history. Their History books contain what American History leave off. Both are great History books. From two great brothers: Mexico & the U.S.A.
God Bless us All.
P.S go check ” Pecan Strike in San Antonio” another MexicanAmerican history not in our U.S history books. great story.
By Jesse Contreras on Nov 21, 2009 at 2:03 am