August 20, 1847 · Valley of Mexico Theater
August 20, 1847
Fought the same day as Contreras, Churubusco was the bloodiest single engagement of the war. Mexican forces made a determined stand at the fortified convent of San Mateo and a bridgehead over the Churubusco River. The Saint Patrick's Battalion — Irish-American deserters who had joined the Mexican side — fought with particular ferocity. After hours of close combat the positions were overwhelmed, but at a cost that shocked American commanders.
Commanders