After deserting the U.S. Army, this group of Irish soldiers fought side by side with Mexicans during the U.S. invasion of Mexico
On Saint Patrick’s Day, March 17 we honor the Irish soldiers who fought side by side with Mexican soldiers during one of the most painful events in the history of our country: the United States invasion (1846-1848).
During that era, Ireland was going through a very difficult time due to famine, and many Irish immigrated to the United States of America. The U.S. Army recruited hundreds of these immigrants to fight in the war against Mexico in exchange for the promise of land, riches and American citizenship.
The battalion was made up of Irish soldiers who took their name from their patron saint. Upon seeing the injustice of war inflicted by a powerful country against a weak country, as Mexico was in those days, the Irish soldiers decided to leave the U.S. Army and fight on the Mexican side. They did this in spite of knowing this would be considered treason and the fate which could befall them if they lost the war.
The Irish felt a closer cultural affinity to the Mexicans, perhaps because of the importance given to the value of family and sharing the Catholic religion.
Saint Patrick’s Battalion, under the command of John O’Riley, had its first battle in Monterrey where the Irish were credited with defeating two of three assaults by the U.S. forces. This battalion fought in other battles in Texas, Tamaulipas, Veracruz, and the Valle de Mexico, among others.
Finally, at the Battle of Churubusco in Mexico City, the Mexican Army had to surrender. Those in Saint Patrick’s Battalion were captured and treated as traitors, tortured, and marked with the letter “D” for deserters.
The last battle at Chapultepec Castle was the scene of the “traitors” hanging while watching the American flag wave in Mexican territory. It is a sad story, but it reminds us of the bravery of those Irish immigrants and their loyalty towards just causes. Because of this, the Irish people have a special place in Mexican history and hearts.
