March 15, 1916 · Chihuahua, Northern Mexico Theater
March 15, 1916
President Wilson ordered General Pershing into Mexico with approximately 10,000 troops to capture or kill Villa. The expedition penetrated up to 400 miles into Chihuahua over eleven months. Pershing deployed cavalry, infantry, supply trucks (one of the first American military uses of motorized transport), and aircraft from the 1st Aero Squadron — but the fragile Curtiss JN-3 biplanes were useless in mountain winds and all were soon grounded. Villa melted into the mountains, aided by locals who refused to inform on him. At Carrizal in June 1916, U.S. troops exchanged fire with Mexican federal forces, nearly triggering open war. Wilson ordered withdrawal in January 1917.
Commanders