A Punitive Expedition Time Line

[Pat Holscher]

I thought I might try to put together a Punitive Expedition time line for something I'm sort of looking at, and because it might be interesting in general. Given as some of us have different views on what's significant in regards to this, please chip in.

[Pat Holscher]

November 1, 1915.

Battle of Agua Prieta. Villa suffers a defeat from Carranza's forces at Agua Prieta, a town across from Douglas, Arizona.

[Pat Holscher]

November 1, 1915.

Battle of Agua Prieta. Villa suffers a defeat from Carranza's forces at Agua Prieta, a town across from Douglas, Arizona.

March 9, 1916.

Villa raids Columbus New Mexico. His forces cross into the United States at approximately 1:00 am. They attack about 4:20 am.

[Steve]

http://www.buffalosoldiersw.com/id7.html

You might try this link for some of the fighting around Naco, Sonora and Arizona. Up to a few years ago you could still see bullet marks in the old border crossing post. Naco also has the good fortune of being the only place in the US (that I am aware of) that was bombed by air. A pilot throwing bombs out of his airplane missed Mexico and hit the US.

This link has a few photos I have not seen elsewhere, including one of two v shaped devices mounted on wheels that appeared to be an effort to protect from bullets.

[Pat Holscher]

http://www.buffalosoldiersw.com/id7.html

You might try this link for some of the fighting around Naco, Sonora and Arizona. Up to a few years ago you could still see bullet marks in the old border crossing post. Naco also has the good fortune of being the only place in the US (that I am aware of) that was bombed by air. A pilot throwing bombs out of his airplane missed Mexico and hit the US.

This link has a few photos I have not seen elsewhere, including one of two v shaped devices mounted on wheels that appeared to be an effort to protect from bullets.

Thanks!

There is another instance of the continental US being subject to aerial bombardment during WWII, that being two aerial attacks by the seaplane of the Japanese submarine I 25. The first attack was on Mount Emily. Oregon. It was bombed, ineffectively, by a seaplane launched from the Japanese submarine I-25. The I-25 had, only shortly before, shelled Ft. Stevens Washington ineffectively in a prior patrol. Shortly after its attack on Mount Emily the I-25's seaplane dropped incendiary bombs at night near Port Orchard Oregon. Both aerial attacks were made as part of a Japanese effort to start forest fires. The same submarine attacked and sank a Soviet submarine on its return trip to Japan, having mistaken it for an American submarine. The I25 was ultimately sank itself by US destroyers in September 1943.

[Pat Holscher]

From Eisenhower's "Intervention"

1910

July 8. Porfiro Diaz is reelected president of Mexico.

July 19. Francisco I Madero escapes from jail and flees to San Antonio, TX.

Nov. 20 Modero returns to Mexico.

[Pat Holscher]

From Eisenhower's "Intervention"

1911

May 10 Juarez falls to Modero's forces. Villa and Orozco are his chief lieutenants in this action.

May 13-15 Villa and Orozco break with Modero.

May 25 Diaz resigns.

Oct. Madero elected as president.

[Pat Holscher]

From Eisenhower's "Intervention"

1912

March 3. Villa flees from Chihauhau after refusing to join Orozco in rebellion.

March 24. Villa takes Parral from rebels.

April 3. Orozco retakes Perral. Villa links up with Moderoista Huerta.

June 3 Villa sentenced to death by Huerta for insubordination but is spared by Modero.

Nov. Wilson elected president of US.

Dec. 26 Villa escapes from prison and cross into El Paso.

[Pat Holscher]

From Eisenhower's "Intervention"

1913.

Feb 9-18 Reyes, Diaz and Huerta seize power.

Feb 22. Madero murdered.

March 4 Wilson inaugurated.

March 23. Villa reenters Mexico.

March 28. Carranza declares himself Madero's successor.

Aug 26 Villa defeats Terazaas at San Andres.

Oct 2 Division of the North (Villa) takes Torreon.

Oct 10 Huerta seizes power.

Nov 15. Villa captures Juarez.

Nov 19 Villa takes Tierra Blanca

Dec 8. Villa takes Chihuahua city.

[Pat Holscher]

From Eisenhower's "Intervention"

1914

Jan 11 Villa takes Ojinaga. Pershing calls on Villa on the Mexican side of the border.

Feb 3. US lifts arms embargo on Carranza.

April 10 US sailors arrested at Tampico

April 20 Wilson asks Congress for authority to use military force in light of Tampico incident.

April 21 German ship Ypiranga arrives off of Veracruz.

April 22 US sailors land at Veracruz.

April 30 US Army's 5th Infantry Bde releaves Marines at Veracruz

June 23 Villa takes Zacatecas without Carranza's approval. Carranza withholds ammunition and coal from Villa.

July 8 Carranzista Obregon takes Guadalajara.

July 15. Huerta resigns and goes into exile.

Aug 15 Obregon occupies Mexico City.

Aug 16 Wiilson send Paul Fuller to visit Villa at Santa Rosalia and urges him to establish a government and then retire, which Villa agrees to.

Sept 5 Fuller confers with Carranza who promises cooperation.

Sept. Obregon and Villa visit Pershing at Ft. Bliss.

Sept 23. Villa declares war on Carranza.

Nov 23 5th infantry departs Veracruz

Dec. Obregon, Gonzalez and Carranza establish provision capital in Veracruz. Villa and Zapata enter Mexico City.

[Pat Holscher]

Same source.

1915

April 6-15. Obregon defeats Villa at Celaya and Queretaro.

June-Sept Villa defeated at Leon and retreats to Chihuahua.

Oct 19. US recognizes Carranza's government.

Nov 1 Villa defeated at Agua Preieta.

[Pat Holscher]

Same source

1916

Jan 11 Villa raids a train in Chihuahua.

March 9. Villa raids Columbus NM

March 15. Pershing's command crosses into Mexico.

April 8. US Army is now 300 miles into Mexico.

Apriil 12 US Army and Carrancistas fight at Parral, 500 miles in to Mexico. End of US advance.

June 18 Portions of National Guard federalized.

June 21 Battle of Carrizal between US Army and Carrancistas.

[Pat Holscher]

Same source.

1917

Jan 27 US withdrawal begins.

Feb 5. Pershing's forces complete withdrawal.

April 6. US declares war on Germany.

[Couvi]

Apparently nothing can change the shape of things to come!

Annual Report of the Secretary of War-1914The work of the Signal Corps in the United States during the year has been the same as the previous year. The operations included the management of military telegraph lines and radio stations, the establishment of post telephone and buzzer annunciator target-range systems, the supplying of signal equipment to the Army and Organized Militia, the installation of fire-control systems for coast defenses and equipment of signal stations for communicating with vessels of the Navy, the enlistment and training of recruits in visual" signaling, electricity, radiotelegraphy, and telephone matters, electrical and other experimental work, and the preparation of the corps for war and other emergencies.

Field Company I has been continuously on duty during the fiscal year on the Mexican border, with headquarters at Camp Fort Bliss, Tex. The company maintained wagon radio sets at Los Cienegas, N. Mex., and Fort Bliss, Tex.; pack sets at Hachita, Culberson's ranch, and Laing's ranch, New Mexico, and a visual signaling station at Alamo Hueco, N. Mex., all in the Big Bend district of Texas. Company I also operated buzzer stations at Marfa, Rawl's ranch, Terlingua, Shafter, Presidio, Candelaria, and Alpine on lines connected with these points.

On April 28, 1914, Telegraph Company B, Signal Corps, was organized at Fort Sam Houston, Tex., and fully equipped. This company has had much valuable experience in fieldwork since its organization.

In October, 1913, instructions were issued for the organization of Telegraph Company H, Signal Corps, with headquarters at Texas City, and equipment was furnished shortly afterwards; in addition to the experience gained by the men in actual fieldwork, this company has been of material assistance in the maintenance of the telephone system established for communicating purposes at the camp of the second division at Texas City.

In 1913 material was assembled along the Mexican border for the installation, when required, of 754 miles of border telegraph lines. One hundred and thirty and one-half miles have been constructed. These lines have made it possible, by utilizing commercial lines, to have satisfactory communication maintained along practically the entire border.

Depots of supply for the maintenance of unit equipment or organizations and also for the supply of such field telegraph material as was considered necessary were established and maintained at Fort Sam Houston and Galveston.

[Couvi]

Annual Report of the Secretary of War – 1916. – Situation on the Mexican Border. – Villas attack on Columbus, N. Mex., night of March 8-9, 1916. – The small town of Columbus, N. Mex., with a population of a few hundred Americans and Mexicans, is situated on the El Paso & Southwestern Railroad, about 73 miles west of El Paso, Tex., and 3 miles north of the border. The country is flat and partly covered with mesquite brush, though troops can move in practically all directions, either mounted or on foot, except as prevented by the wire fence along the border.

The troops stationed at Columbus at the time of the attack comprised some 500 officers and men of the Thirteenth Cavalry, which regiment had furnished this garrison since September, 1912. During this period border conditions have varied so greatly that, shortly before the attack, a reduction of the garrison by half had been recommended.

The sector of the border assigned to this command covered about 90 miles and was patrolled by detachments varying in strength depending on the proximity of Mexican forces south of the border. During the months of January and February conditions were very quiet and only small patrols covered the border. Early in March there came rumors that Villa was somewhere near Columbus. The patrols and outposts were strengthened as considered necessary. Orders prohibited our troops from crossing the border to investigate rumors. Numerous Villa sympathizers lived in Columbus and vicinity, and Villa was fully informed of conditions at Columbus, including the disposition of troops.

Villa's command crossed the border in small parties about 3 miles west of the border gate, concentrated for and made the attack during hours of extreme darkness after the moon had set and before daylight.

In the fight which ensued 7 American troopers were killed and about an equal number wounded. Seventy-eight Mexicans were killed and many wounded. One troop mounted and pursued the Mexicans. Another on outpost duty at the border gate mounted and struck the retreating Mexicans in flank, killing 18. These two troops continued the pursuit of the Mexicans south of the border for 12 miles, discontinuing only when their ammunition was exhausted.

Expeditionary force into Mexico. – As a result of this attack the commanding general, Southern Department, was on March 10 directed to organize a suitable expeditionary force under the command of Brig. Gen. John J. Pershing to pursue Villa into Mexico for the purpose of capturing Villa and preventing any further raids by his band and with scrupulous regard to the sovereignty of Mexico. A command of sufficient size had to be assembled at Columbus, N. Mex. Owing to the nature of the country and the character of the pursuit it was necessary for the force to consist largely of cavalry. The Villa forces were all mounted and capable of making long marches. To have pursued at once with troops then on the border would have left the important border points, Douglas, Bisbee, Columbus, and El Paso, and intervening sections exposed to like raids. Therefore, before the expedition could start on its mission, it was necessary to send to that section the remaining available troops in the United States, which required approximately five days. During this time the first motor transport companies were organized and shipped from eastern points. Gen. Pershing's command crossed the border March 15, and at once took up a vigorous and energetic pursuit, neither men nor animals being spared in the long and arduous marches which resulted in driving the Villa bands over 400 miles southward and killing some 200 or more members. Officers and men of this command are deserving of the highest commendation.1

Border conference with Gen. Obregon. – I proceeded from Washington on April 19 to Fort Sam Houston, Tex., arriving on the evening of April 21. My instructions were to discuss fully with Gen. Funston the object of Gen. Pershing's expeditionary force in Mexico, the extent to which it should be concentrated, the number of troops necessary, the extent to which the border could be adequately protected with the troops remaining in the Southern Department, and what, if any, additional troops were needed to meet conditions liable to arise. These matters were thoroughly gone over with Gen. Funston, our conclusions wired the War Department, and special instructions conforming thereto communicated to Gen. Pershing.

On April 24, I was instructed that a conference with Gen. Obregon had been arranged for Gen. Funston and myself to be held at El Paso, Tex., or that vicinity, and we should hold ourselves in readiness to proceed there on receipt of instructions. These instructions were received April 26, and on April 27 we proceeded to El Paso, arriving there on the evening of the 28th. Gen. Obregon having previously arrived in Juarez, Gen. Funston and myself, accompanied by our aides, called on him that evening. On the next day, April 29, Gen. Obregon returned our call, and arrangements were made for future conferences, commencing that afternoon.

A more detailed report of this expedition would have been made, but at this writing the report of the Southern Department and the report of Gen. Pershing have not been received.

On May 3 a tentative agreement was completed which was signed by Gens. Obregon, Funston, and myself, and submitted to our respective Governments. Subsequent conferences were held on May 7, 8. 9, and 11. The proceedings and the results of the various conferences were at once communicated in dispatches from El Paso. While the Carranza Government would not agree to ratify the tentative agreement signed with Gen. Obregon the conference furnished most beneficial results in materially relieving a very acute situation and in demonstrating to Gen. Obregon and other Carranza leaders the pacific intentions of our Government.

It had in every way been most emphatically impressed upon Gen. Obregon that whenever the Mexican Government had demonstrated its capacity, and provided proper protection for our border, consideration would then be given to the withdrawal of our troops from Mexico.

Raid on Glen Springs, Tex. – On the night of May 5, 1916, a detachment of 9 enlisted men stationed at Glen Springs, with Sergt. Charles E. Smyth, Troop A, Fourteenth Cavalry, in charge, was attacked by from 50 to 100 Mexican bandits. Although surrounded and hopelessly outnumbered, this detachment stood off the bandits, suffering a loss of 3 privates killed, 4 wounded, and 9 horses captured. After leaving Glen Springs these bandits proceeded to Deemer's store, which was raided and Deemer carried off as a prisoner.

On May 6, Troops A and B, Eighth Cavalry, from Fort Bliss, Troops F and H and Machine Gun Troop, Fourteenth Cavalry, from Fort Clark, all under the command of Col. Frederick W. Sibley, Fourteenth Cavalry, were ordered to Marfa, Tex., to take up the pursuit and capture or destroy the bandits that had made the attack on Glen Springs and Deemer's store. These troops arrived at Marfa, Tex., May 7. One party of the bandits was surprised and attacked at Santa Anita, Mexico. Deemer was rescued and the bandits driven so far south and punished that the expedition fully accomplished its mission and on May 26 the troops were returned to their proper stations. All officers and men taking part performed this very arduous duty most commendably.

Attack at San Ignacio, Tex. – About 2 a. m., June 15. 1916. Troops I and M. Fourteenth Cavalry, were attacked by a large force of Mexican bandits at San Ignacio, Tex.. Troop M having three men killed and one noncommissioned officer and three privates wounded, the noncommissioned officer fatally. These two troops, under the command of Maj. Alonzo Gray, pursued the bandits into Mexico, but being unsuccessful in picking up the trail, returned to the American side late the same day.

Calling out of the militia. – As a result of such raids and attacks by Mexican bandits there were continuous demands from border towns, villages, and ranches for regular troops to insure protection not only for property but for American women and children. With the continued pursuit of Villa bands by the expeditionary force under Gen. Pershing, the attitude of the Mexicans in general became more and more embittered against Americans. It is believed that the leaders felt that if the advance of the American troops continued southward into Mexico it would result in actual intervention by the United States, and with such an eventuality they would prefer to force an open conflict. This feeling undoubtedly had its influence in increasing the number of raids, as bandit leaders were able to pick up the necessary recruits either for a small raid by a few men for stealing cattle or for a more extensive one to attack American camps. Owing to this attitude and the occurrence of these raids, it became urgent to provide at once more troops along the border to insure reasonable protection to both life and property as well as to permit Gen. Funston to be able to reinforce Gen. Pershing with a regular force of sufficient size to meet possible attacks. Gen. Pershing's expeditionary force was more or less scattered, with his advance units some 400 miles in Mexico. The entire Regular Army stationed in the United States, with the exception of a regiment of Cavalry and some of the Coast Artillery, was either already distributed along the border or with Gen. Pershing's expeditionary force. There being no regular troops available, the militia of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona was ordered out May 9. This eased the situation materially, but it was only temporary.

The Mexican leaders became insistent upon the withdrawal of Gen. Pershing's expeditionary force and threatened to attack any of our detachments in Mexico marching in any direction other than toward the American border. Conditions became such that an immediate increase in the border troops was necessary. The only organized force available was the National Guard, which was accordingly ordered out by the President June 18 and the greater part sent to the border as promptly as possible.

The mere calling out of the militia had the effect of completely changing the attitude of the Mexicans, and the presence of this additional force has enabled sufficient numbers of troops to be stationed so as to furnish adequate protection to American homes near the border, which they have been without for from five to six years.

The mobilization of the militia in the large camps established at or near Douglas, El Paso, Fort Sam Houston, and Brownsville has also enabled these troops to receive practical instruction with trained officers under field conditions which would not otherwise have been possible. {This was to serve well in WWI. LTC}

[Couvi]

This looks like the beginning of the end for horse-mounted troops.

Annual Report of the Secretary of War – 1916. – Motor Equipment as Applied to Ordnance Materiel. – The Army appropriation act approved March 4, 1915, contains an appropriation of $50,000 for the procurement of armored motor cars, including shielded motor-cycle outfits. This class of equipment is a development of the European war and has had, in effect, no practical trial in this country; nor is it easy to determine what are the best types in use abroad and what constitutes the best use of such types. The department purchased four automobile chassis trucks, equipped them with armor and made such modifications as were necessary for the mounting of machine guns, and shipped them to the troops on the Mexican border for experimental use. Two of these cars were each provided with two revolving turrets, and were capable of carrying considerable ammunition with a rather large crew, and were very completely equipped, with the result that they weighed in the neighborhood of 11,500 pounds, which is likely to prove too heavy for this class of materiel. It was nevertheless deemed expedient to determine what could be done with so much weight, as an equal or greater load on the wheels will be necessary for the mounting of guns of caliber greater than the machine guns, with which class of equipment experiments are to be made.

Two of the armored automobiles each had one revolving turret mounting one machine gun, and weighed about 8,500 pounds each. This latter type will, it is believed from reports thus far received, prove to be more satisfactory for general use than the heavier type. Experiments are now under way with a still lighter type which should weigh not more than 6,500 pounds, which, of course, will require that the crew shall be reduced, the size of the armored space reduced, and the amount of ammunition carried lessened. This type, however, gives great mobility and will, it is believed, in spite of the cramped quarters, prove to serve a very useful purpose.

The armored motor cars which were sent to the Southern Department had not been thoroughly tested by this department and would not under normal conditions have been issued to the service without exhaustive trial to remove any practical difficulties that could be located. The mobilization of the militia and apparent probability of hostilities resulted, however, in the cars being forwarded as they were at the time the emergency arose, with the expectation that they would be at least of some use.

The design and procurement of a number of motor-cycle machinegun outfits was also undertaken, resulting in a unit consisting of a machine gun mounted on the side car of a motor cycle, two ammunition and supply caisson side cars, and one motor cycle without side car for the commanding officer of the detachment, for each two guns and pertaining equipment. There has since been added to the unit an additional caisson for each gun. A number of these units, including two different types of motor cycles, were manufactured and furnished to the troops on the border, and they are now undergoing test. The machine-gun mounts were permanently attached to the side cars and arrangements were made for the removal of the guns from the mounts and their use independently thereof by tripods, which were furnished. In addition, spare guns were supplied. As in the case of the armored motor cars, this equipment was entirely experimental and was sent to the border before any opportunity had been had for test. Some difficulties have therefore been encountered which are being corrected, and it is expected that the use now being had will develop other troubles and will eventually result in the procurement of a satisfactory type. A change in the design is now being made so that the gun will be mounted on the side car chassis by means of a tripod which is readily detachable, thus enabling use either on the side car or removed there from.

The appropriation for this class of equipment made by the Army appropriation act of August 28,1916, is $500,000, so that it is expected to make considerable progress during the year toward procurement of a supply of armored automobiles and shielded motor-cycle outfits for the service.

http://landships.freeservers.com/new_pa ... 1_info.htm

[Pat Holscher]

March 15, 1916. Commencement of the Punitive Expedition.

[Pat Holscher]

Same source

1916



Apriil 12 US Army and Carrancistas fight at Parral, 500 miles in to Mexico. End of US advance.

[Pat Holscher]

Same source

1916

June 18 Portions of National Guard federalized.

This appears to have actually started slightly later, as the Wyoming Army National Guard was at least mobilizing the day prior, June 17.

[Couvi]

Enclosed is some interesting information on the Punitive Expedition from War Department Annual Reports in Three Volumes, pp 318-23, Washington, GPO, 1918. The entire book is filled with interesting tidbits from this campaign.

REMOUNT SERVICE.

For the Mexican border service a total of about 55,000 animals were purchased in a period of about three months. Only a few National Guard organizations reached the border with any animals. The purchasing officers for public animals of the Quartermaster Corps at Kansas City and about 20 officers of the mounted service from the Southern Department were charged with the work of buying animals. It was necessary to get the animals quickly.

The light horses suitable for Cavalry are rapidly decreasing in numbers, for the reason that it is more advantageous for the farmer to breed a heavier horse which commands a better price and is more useful for farm work. {Emphasis mine. LTC}

http://books.google.com/books?id=7cNMAA ... &q&f=false