The Mexican air force foreign
liaison officer stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in
Ohio presented National Museum of the U.S. Air Force officials with
World War II artifacts representing the 201st Mexican Fighter
Squadron April 29. Mexican air force Lt. Col. Daniel Mojica
presented a pilot's uniform, hat and boots along with a
reproduction of unit colors, insignia and research materials on
behalf of the Mexican air force, called Fuerza Aerea Mexicana or
FAM.
The 201st Mexican Fighter Squadron, or Aztec Eagles, the only
Mexican military force to have served outside of their country's
borders, were attached to the U.S. Army Air Forces 58th Fighter
Group during the summer of 1945 in the Philippine Islands. They
flew the P-47D Thunderbolt single-seat fighter aircraft for
tactical air support missions. The squadron was composed of more
than 300 volunteers -- 36 were pilots and the rest were ground
support personnel.
The idea for the donation came about after the "Airmen in a
World at War" exhibit opened in the museum's Air Power Gallery in
2007. The exhibit showcases uniforms, decorations and other
artifacts from both Allied and Axis powers during World War II,
including the United States, Britain, Brazil, Italy, Germany and
Japan.
Additional research indicated that members of the Mexican air
force also participated in the war. Mexico's joining the allied war
effort was a reaction to German U-boat activities in the Gulf of
Mexico. On behalf of the museum, retired U.S. Air Force Col. Rafael
Ramos communicated with the Mexican foreign liaison office at
Wright-Patterson AFB about obtaining items associated with the
Aztec Eagles to add to the exhibit.
"It took a lot of effort, but they were finally able to get a
uniform," Colonel Ramos said.
The uniform contains original patches and pilot's wings with a
corresponding hat and boots. Accompanying the donation was an
official copy of the unit colors for the Mexican expeditionary air
force especially produced for the exhibit. A print of the painting
"Strike of the Aztec Eagles" by Jack Fellows signed by the
surviving members of the 201st Mexican Fighter Squadron was also
included.
"I am happy that we can donate these things to this wonderful
museum," said Coloenel Mojica who worked with the Mexican air
attache in Washington, D.C., and the ministry of defense in Mexico
to bring these items to the museum.
"But, I think the remaining veterans of the 201st squadron will
be the most excited," he said. "They were pushing for it and they
will enjoy it when the exhibition is open."
"Although Mexico's contribution to the air war was limited, it
was nonetheless very significant," said Terry Aitken, the museum
senior curator. "Mexico joined with the other allied nations and
fought bravely against the axis powers."
"We are deeply appreciative of this donation. These items will
especially resonate with our visitors, many of whom are Hispanic,"
Mr. Aitken said. "We are eagerly looking forward to completing the
exhibit because we want to show our visitors a part of history they
may have never been aware of before and one of which we can all be
proud." [ANN Thanks Sarah Parke, National Museum of the U.S. Air
Force]