Dorinda Makanaonalani Nicholson

Mexico entered the World War II on May 28th, and volunteered its best air force pilots to assist the United States. No military unit in Mexico’s history had ever left the country to fight, but Air Fighter Squadron 201 became the first to do so. Nicknamed the Aztec Eagles, the almost 300 pilots and support crew went to the United States to be trained. When their training was completed, they went on to support in the Philippines campaign.

Through photographs, interviews, and research Nicholson tells the story of the courageous men. Aztec Eagles Sergeant Angel Bocanegra a former teacher, asked the President of Mexico to build a school in his small village of Tepoztlán. This simple request was the inspiration behind the authors book. The school still stands that was build on behalf of both the United States and Mexico.… (más)

Though not directly involved in World War II, after the bombing of Pearl Harbor Mexico aided the United States with shipments of oil and war materials. As retaliation for these shipments, German U-boats torpedoed two of their ships. Mexico entered the war on May 28th, and volunteered its best air force pilots to assist the United States.

No military unit in Mexico’s history had ever left the country to fight, but Air Fighter Squadron 201 became the first to do so. Nicknamed the Aztec Eagles, the almost 300 pilots and support crew set off for the United States to be trained. When their training was completed, they went on to support General MacArthur in his Philippines campaign.

Through period photographs, interviews, and careful research Nicholson tells the story of the courageous men of the Aztec Eagles. Her inspiration for their story was the unusual request from one of the support crewmembers, Sergeant Angel Bocanegra a former teacher, who asked the President of Mexico to build a school in his small village of Tepoztlán. The school still stands in their honor, and this book also honors those brave men who fought on behalf of both the United States and Mexico.

Highly recommended for ages 10-14.

Book review link: https://shouldireaditornot.wordpress.com/2016/12/24/the-school-the-aztec-eagles-...… (más)

The book is divided into three chapters which discuss the war in Europe, the war in the Pacific, and life in the United States. It alternates between short autobiographical sections written by those who survived World War II and historical information. It also includes a number of photographs which set the tone for the passages.

I found myself a bit bored reading this book. The historical passages were a bit dry. I would have liked more sections written by survivors in order to more fully explore their lives and history. If you are interesting in reading WWII survivor stories, there are a number of books out there that are more interesting to read and provide a more in-depth look at the survivors lives.… (más)