Failure?
This article takes on an standpoint that there are some American failures in the Punitive Expedition. While many of the mainstream media outlets of the time have praised the military for their professionalism, expediency, and overall success in the campaign, this article is not going to sweep under the rug some of the observed failures. The text states that not meeting the objective of the campaign, that is to capture Pancho Villa, would make the United States the ridicule of the world. That may be a somewhat harsh approach to the matter, but it can be inferred that there would be some sort of negative impact if the United States did not accomplish its mission. The text points to the dignity and self respect of the United States and advocates that the Punitive Expedition continue until Pancho Villa is captured. It states that there have been too many resources and funds put into this operation to have it not seen to the end.
--As it would turn out to be the case, Pancho Villa would successfully evade American forces and capture up until the point where U.S. military actions shifted from Mexico to the European War in 1917. While this article is concerned about the failure of the Punitive Expedition, it is certainly debatable whether the legacy of the campaign is a stain on the military or just another chance for engagement with our neighbor nation.
--As it would turn out to be the case, Pancho Villa would successfully evade American forces and capture up until the point where U.S. military actions shifted from Mexico to the European War in 1917. While this article is concerned about the failure of the Punitive Expedition, it is certainly debatable whether the legacy of the campaign is a stain on the military or just another chance for engagement with our neighbor nation.
This second article is blurry so click the image to get a better quality version with zoom. While Villa's supporters and men are dying by the tens, no American soldier to the point of this published article had died and only a few have been injured. Some have died from accidents and disease, but none from actual combat. One important thing to note is that the article does highlight the fact that it is not conceivable that Pershing's men would not bear the same fate of casualties when fighting the forces of Germany, France, or Great Britain.
Newsprint, "Have We Failed In Mexico?"
Newsprint, "The Casualties in Mexico."
Newsprint, "The Casualties in Mexico."