This is coolbert: The American Legion in Mexico. Little known fact of history. When the French invaded Mexico in the 1860's, establishing Maximilian as "Emperor", Juarez, the duly elected President of Mexico, requested American aid from Lincoln. Lincoln did oblige. U.S. troops in NYC were told to take off their uniforms, don civilian dress, but keep their weapons. These troops then boarded Navy ships, sailed to Mexico and joined the Mexican forces opposing the French invader. These units evidently acquitted themselves very well.. They were accorded a place of honor in the victory march through Mexico City after the expulsion of the French.

coolbert.