201st Fighter Squadron
The 201st Fighter Squadron (Spanish: Escuadrón Aéreo de Pelea 201) is a fighter squadron of the Mexican Air Force, part of the Mexican Expeditionary Air Force that aided the Allied war effort during World War II. The squadron was known by the nickname Águilas Aztecas or "Aztec Eagles", apparently coined by members of the squadron during training.
| 201st Fighter Squadron | |
|---|---|
| Escuadrón 201 | |
P-47D Thunderbolt using both USAAF and FAM insignia (right wing and tail) | |
| Active | July 24, 1944 – present |
| Country | Mexico |
| Branch | Mexican Air Force |
| Type | Fighter-bomber squadron |
| Role | Air combat |
| Size | 25 P-47D aircraft, 30 pilots, 300 personnel |
| Part of | U.S. Fifth Air Force 58th Fighter Group |
| Garrison/HQ | Cozumel, Quintana Roo |
| Nickname(s) | Aztec Eagles |
| Colors | Purple, yellow |
| Mascot(s) | Pancho Pistolas |
| Engagements |
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The squadron was attached to the 58th Fighter Group of the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) during the liberation of the main Philippine island of Luzon in the summer of 1945. The pilots flew Republic P-47D-30-RA Thunderbolt single-seat fighter aircraft carrying out tactical air support missions.
The Mexico City Metro Line 8 station Metro Escuadrón 201 is named after the colony with the name of the squadron, whilst it was also the subject of the Mexican film Escuadrón 201, directed by Jaime Salvador and released in 1945. On November 22, 2004, the squadron was awarded the Philippine Legion of Honor, with a rank of Legionnaire, by then president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. The unit is still active at present, flying the Pilatus PC-7.