What name was given to the group of cadets who fought against the United States…

The Niños Héroes (‘Boy Heroes’) were six young cadets of the Military College who died defending Chapultepec Castle against invading U.S. troops on September 13, 1847, during the Mexican-American War. Their names — Juan de la Barrera, Juan Escutia, Francisco Márquez, Agustín Melgar, Fernando Montes de Oca and Vicente Suárez — are honored in Mexico every September 13.

According to tradition, Juan Escutia wrapped himself in the Mexican flag and leapt from the castle rather than surrender. The Altar a la Patria monument in Chapultepec Park commemorates them.