Batallón de San Patricio

St. Patrick’s Battalion (Batallón de San Patricio) was made up of several hundred immigrants, mostly Irish Catholics, who deserted the United States Army and joined the Mexican side during the Mexican-American War of 1846 to 1848. Led by John Riley, they fought fiercely at battles such as Churubusco in 1847.

Many captured members were executed by the US Army as deserters. Mexico honors them as heroes to this day, with commemorations each year and their names inscribed in San Ángel, Mexico City.