The Aztec Eagles

     The 201st Mexican Fighter Squadron is the only Mexican military unit that has seen combat outside Mexico.

     Affectionately known as the "Aztec Eagles," the squadron flew combat missions in the Philippines from May to August 1945. The 201st was attached to the American 58th Fighter Group, 5th Fighter Command, 5th Air Force and flew P-47 Thunderbolts.

     Mexico declared war against the Axis powers in 1942 after U-boats sank two Mexican ships. In 1944, The Mexican Air Force formed 300 pilots and crewmen into El Escuadron Aereo de Pelea 201 and sent them to Texas for training.

     The 201st flew its first combat missions in support of American ground troops in June 1945 during the advance into northern Luzon.  In July the squadron flew long range fighter sweeps from the Philippines to Formosa and in August they flew a dive-bombing mission on the Port of Karenko, Formosa.

     During its four-month tour, the squadron flew 791 sorties including 96 combat missions, dropped 1,497 bombs and fired 166,922 rounds of 0.50 cal. ammunition. Five of the squadron's 31 pilots were killed during the war.