ESQUADRON 201 RESOLUTION

WHEREAS:  The American GI Forum of the United States, a Hispanic Veterans Organization was organized by Dr. Hector P. Garcia on March 26, 1948 to advocate for veterans who’s benefits were being denied, and

WHEREAS:  The American GI Forum has had a cordial relationship with Mexican Veterans who fought with American Forces in the Philippines during WWII

WHEREAS:  Mexico deployed an Air Force Squadron (Esquadron 201) to the Pacific Theatre during WWII, and

WHEREAS:  Squadron 201 fought side by side with American Forces and supported the United States against the war with Japan, and

WHEREAS:  Squadron 201 suffered pilot casualties while fighting in support of American Forces, and

WHEREAS:   The American GI Forum recommends some National Public acknowledgement by the U.S. Congress for the support that Squadron 201 provided during WWII, therefore

BE IT RESOLVED:  That this resolution be directed to the President of the United States, to the Speaker of the House, and to the Secretary of Defense, recommending that Squadron 201 be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for its heroic contributions during WWII.

This resolution was adopted at the American GI Forum Annual Conference in Albuquerque, NM which was convened on July 20-22, 2017.