In 1916, tensions between the United States and Mexican revolutionary forces escalated dramatically, culminating in an unprecedented American military incursion into Mexico to pursue Francisco “Pancho” Villa. This operation, known as the Mexican Expedition or the Punitive Expedition, was led by General John J. Pershing and involved the 7th and 10th U.S. Cavalry Regiments crossing the border under orders from President Woodrow Wilson. The mission aimed to capture Villa and dismantle his forces following his bold raid on Columbus, New Mexico. However, the campaign ultimately proved unsuccessful, highlighting the challenges of military intervention abroad and intensifying diplomatic friction between the United States and the revolutionary government of Venustiano Carranza.
On the night of March 9, 1916, Villa and approximately 500 of his fighters launched a surprise attack on Columbus, New Mexico. They burned buildings, looted supplies, and killed 18 Americans before retreating back into Mexico. The attack shocked the United States, triggering public outrage and demands for immediate retaliation. Villa, who had once been an ally of the U.S. during the Mexican Revolution, had turned against the Wilson administration after it formally recognized Carranza’s government in 1915. His assault was intended to provoke American intervention and destabilize Carranza’s rule.
In response, President Wilson authorized a military operation into Mexico to hunt down Villa. Brigadier General John J. Pershing was placed in command, assembling a force of nearly 10,000 troops. Among them were the 7th and 10th Cavalry Regiments, both experienced in frontier warfare. The 10th Cavalry, known as one of the Buffalo Soldier regiments, was composed of African American troops under white officers and had previously demonstrated remarkable combat effectiveness during the Spanish-American War, particularly at San Juan Hill in 1898.
Pershing’s forces crossed into Mexico on March 16, 1916, near the town of Palomas. The 7th and 10th Cavalry were among the first units to enter, tasked with scouting and engaging Villa’s forces. However, the campaign was fraught with logistical challenges. The rugged terrain, unreliable intelligence, and Villa’s ability to employ guerrilla tactics severely hindered American efforts. To maximize the search, Pershing divided his forces into several columns to sweep through the mountainous deserts of northern Mexico.
Throughout the spring and summer of 1916, the 7th and 10th Cavalry engaged in several skirmishes with Villista fighters but failed to capture Villa. At the Battle of Guerrero on March 29, American forces inflicted heavy casualties on Villa’s men, but he managed to escape into the Sierra Madre mountains. Meanwhile, relations between the U.S. and the Mexican government became increasingly strained. Carranza, who had initially tolerated the American presence, began to oppose it as Mexican public opinion turned against the foreign incursion.
By June 1916, tensions between Pershing’s forces and the Mexican government had reached a boiling point. On June 21, a detachment of the 10th Cavalry encountered a Mexican army garrison in the town of Carrizal, in Chihuahua. When American troops requested passage through the area, the Mexican forces refused, leading to an armed confrontation. The 10th Cavalry suffered heavy losses, with 12 soldiers killed and 23 captured. The battle nearly sparked a full-scale war between the United States and Mexico, but diplomatic efforts prevented further escalation.
Despite months of searching, Pershing’s forces never succeeded in capturing Villa. By early 1917, with the United States preparing to enter World War I, Wilson ordered the withdrawal of American troops from Mexico. Though the mission failed in its primary objective, the 7th and 10th Cavalry maintained their reputation for discipline and effectiveness. The campaign exposed the difficulties of counterinsurgency warfare in foreign territory and foreshadowed future American military interventions. It also solidified Pershing’s credentials, leading to his appointment as commander of the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I. Meanwhile, Villa’s power declined, though he remained an important figure in Mexican politics for several years. The U.S. incursion into Mexico left a lasting impact on diplomatic relations and military strategy, shaping future engagements between the two nations.
