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Today in History: General Pershing leads expedition to capture Pancho Villa

3/15/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On March 15, 1916, U.S. General John J. Pershing initiated a punitive expedition into Mexico following Pancho Villa's raid on Columbus, New Mexico. This military operation aimed to capture Villa, who had attacked the U.S. border town six days earlier, escalating tensions between the United States and Mexico during the Mexican Revolution.

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Story summary

On March 15, 1916, U.S. General John J. Pershing initiated a punitive expedition into Mexico following Pancho Villa's raid on Columbus, New Mexico. This military operation aimed to capture Villa, who had attacked the U.S. border town six days earlier, escalating tensions between the United States and Mexico during the Mexican Revolution.