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Book

The school the Aztec Eagles built : a tribute to Mexico's World War II air fighters

Call Number

  • J 940.544 NICH (CEN, EAS, OSH, WSQ)

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Edition

First edition.

Publication Information

New York : Lee & Low Books Inc., [2016]

Physical Description

39 pages : illustrations (some color), maps ; 23 x 28 cm

Audience

K to grade 3.

Summary

"A photo-illustrated book about the Aztec Eagles, Mexico's World War II Air Force squadron interwoven with the story of Sergeant Angel Bocanegra, whose service was rewarded with the building of a school in his village. Includes glossary, author's note, and author's sources"--Provided by publisher.

"In May 1942, a German U-boat torpedoed two unarmed Mexican oil tankers off the Gulf Coast, forcing Mexico to enter World War II. With the help of United States President Roosevelt, Mexican President Camacho arranged to send one Air Force squadron to fight in the war. Thirty-eight of Mexico's top pilots, and about two hundred sixty additional military crew, were carefully selected to form the 201st Air Force Squadron, also known as the Aztec Eagles. The squadron was the first unit in history to leave Mexico on a fighting mission. To mark this historic event, President Camacho asked the men if they had any last minute requests before they went to war. Sergeant Angel Bocanegra, a former teacher and now squadron ground crewmember, stepped forward and made a request. He asked that a school be built in his small town, Tepoztlan. This is the exciting account of how a Mexican Air Force squadron and an unknown schoolteacher made their mark in history"--Publisher summary.

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