Sept. 13, 1847: Los Niños Héroes of the U.S. Mexico War

Gabriel Flores’ ceiling mural at the Castillo de Chapultepec depicts Juan Escutia leaping from the castle walls to his death, wrapped in the Mexican flag in order to prevent the flag from falling into enemy (U.S.) hands. Source: Public domain

September 13th marks the anniversary of the Battle of Chapultepec and the “Niños Héroes” in Mexico, which took place in 1847. It all began because the United States declared war on Mexico with the ambition to expand its territory, mainly wanting to take over Texas, Alta California and New Mexico. — The Battle of Chapultepec and the Niños Heroes

The Niños Héroes (translated as Boy Heroes or Heroic Cadets) were six military cadets killed in the Battle of Chapultepec, one of the last battles of the U.S. Mexico War. Though they were given orders to abandon the school that the U.S. was bombing, these six young soldiers defied orders in order to defend their ground. September 13th is celebrated as a national holiday in Mexico today, honoring the sacrifice of those cadets in the struggle against U.S. imperialism.

The article Niños Heroes: Fallen But Not Forgotten describes the Niños Héroes as:

Francisco Márquez, aged 13, from Jalisco. The youngest of the martyrs, fell defending the east flank of Chapultepec Hill. He had been a cadet for less than a year at the time of the battle.

Juan de la Barrera, aged 19, from Mexico City. The oldest of the six and a lieutenant, he died manning a gun battery at the castle park’s entrance.

Vicente Suárez, aged 14, from Puebla. An officer cadet who had joined at the age of 12, he died attempting to defend a sentry post in hand-to-hand combat against overwhelming numbers.

Fernando Montes de Oca, aged 18, from Azcapotzalco, Mexico City. Died defending the castle itself during the course of the battle, although details are unclear as to exactly how.

Agustín Melgar, aged 18, from Chihuahua. Was seriously wounded during fighting inside the castle and passed away the following day from the injuries he had sustained.

Juan Escutia [pictured above], aged around 19, from Tepic, Nayarit. Perhaps the most famous of the cadets, but also the one about which the least is recorded, he is said to have joined the cadets only five days before the battle and to have died when he leapt from the roof of the castle with the Mexican flag to prevent it from falling into enemy hands. Other accounts say he was found alongside Francisco Márquez on the east flank and that the famous jump was a later addition.