A Preliminary to War

The author, working with the U. S. Air Force, documents one of the first combat deployments of air power by U. S. Armed forces. During the Mexican Revolution, hundreds of Pancho Villa's horsemen crossed the United States border and raided Columbus, New Mexico on 9 March 1916. The town was looted and burned, and 17 Americans were killed by Villa's men. President Wilson ordered General John J. (Black Jack) Pershing to "pursue and disperse," the forces commanded by Villa. Along with Pershing came the Army Signal Corps' 1st Aero Squadron to be used for observation support of the ground forces. A fascinating account of a little known interlude in American history; thoroughly documented and illustrated.