Jose Gerardo

The Mexican Expeditionary Air Force in World War Ii: the Organization, Training, and Operations of the 201st Squadron Jose Gerardo

Publisher Marketing: The Mexican Expeditionary Air Force was part of the Allied forces in the South West Pacific Area in World War II. Its operational unit-the 201st Squadron-was organized, trained, and equipped with the P-47 aircraft. This is Mexico's only unit that conducted combat operations overseas. This research paper analyzes the organization, training, and operations of the 201st Fighter Squadron, as the basis for assessing its performance and explain the significance of the Mexican Expeditionary Air Force. The main source of this research is Lieutenant Colonel Enrique Sandoval Castarrica's "Historia Oficial de la Fuerza Aerea Expedicionaria Mexicana." Most of the support for the unit's history and operations data comes from original documents found in the Historical Research Agency at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. It includes insights of participants in the training conducted in the US and the operations of this unit in the Philippines and Formosa. This research paper clarifies some aspects of the operational performance and contributions of the Mexican Expeditionary Air Force. It shows how with many limitations and at a relatively low cost, the 201st Squadron was able to succeed in its combat missions in the South West Pacific Area.