Sánchez bill would award Congressional Gold Medal to World War II’s Aztec Eagles squadron

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (D-CA) yesterday reintroduced the Escuadrón 201 Congressional Gold Medal Act to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the Mexican Expeditionary Air Force's Escuadrón 201.

Nicknamed the “Aztec Eagles," the Escuadrón 201 was sent to the United States to train and fight alongside American forces during World War II. The Mexico-United States cooperation in defense and military combat was unprecedented and marked a monumental alliance between the two countries. 

"The Congressional Gold Medal is awarded to those whose contributions to our nation are extraordinary, and the Aztec Eagles certainly meet and exceed that standard," said Congresswoman Sánchez. "These courageous men fought alongside the U.S. Armed Forces and played a vital role in securing the Allied victory in World War II. Their sacrifices in defense of freedom should be honored as a lasting symbol of the bond between our two nations."

During the war, the Escuadrón 201 provided close in ground support for U.S. forces and conducted long-range strikes deep into Japanese-held territory. It conducted 795 combat sorties and 2,000 hours of combat flying with the United States, during which seven Aztec Eagle pilots lost their lives.

Escuadrón 201 is the only military unit in Mexico's history to fight outside of its national borders. The unit is commemorated by a monument and train station in Mexico City. However, its contributions to the Allied effort go largely unrecognized in the United States, despite the many Mexican American families with connections to the squadron.

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