U.S. Regiments Cross Border to Capture Pancho Villa in 1916

Today in Latin American history, the 7th and 10th US cavalry regiments under John J. Pershing crossed the US-Mexico border to join the hunt for Pancho Villa in 1916.

Despite being ill-equipped and other hindrances, such as the lack of aid from the former Mexican government, and their refusal to allow American troops to transport troops and supplies over their railroads, Pershing organized and commanded the Mexican Punitive Expedition, a combined armed force of 10,000 men that penetrated 350 miles into Mexico.

They routed Pancho Villa’s revolutionaries, severely wounding the bandit himself but failing to capture him.

Other events that occurred on this day:

Today in LatAm history, Argentine military leader and politician Juan Ramón Balcarce was born in 1773

Today in LatAm history, Spanish forces defeated Chileans at the Second Battle of Cancha Rayada in 1818

Today in LatAm history, Mexican chemist Luis E. Miramontes known as a Top Chemical Engineer of all time was born in 1925

Today in LatAm history, Peruvian revolutionary leader Óscar Ramírez who is the leader of Shining Path was born in 1953

Today in LatAm history, Dominican baseball player Abraham Núñez who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates was born in 1976

Today in LatAm history, Ecuadorian footballer Édison Méndez who plays for the National team & LDU Quito was born in 1979