This week in the war, on 22 May 1942, Mexico declared war on the Axis powers: Germany, Italy, and Japan.

In the early part of the twentieth century, Mexico had been blighted by a decade-long revolution, by further uprisings against the government, and by the Great Depression. As Europe, and then America, headed into war, Mexican public opinion favoured Germany and Italy. Mexicans were not inclined to support the USA. Many harboured a resentment that dated back to the loss of Texas and the vast areas of territory to the west.

Nonetheless, following the Pearl Harbour attack, Mexico quickly broke off relations with the Axis powers and persuade other Latin American countries to follow suit.

While the USA purchased Mexican oil and helped to build up the Mexican military and industry, a Mexican fighter squadron went to train in Texas. Escuadron 201 (201st Fighter Squadron) was commanded by Captain Radames Gaxiola Andrade.

Calling themselves the Aguilas Aztecas (the Aztec Eagles), Escuadron 201 fought in the Pacific and was engaged in operations against Japanese forces in the Philippines and in Formosa.