This image is the cover for the book New Mexico in the Mexican-American War, Military

New Mexico in the Mexican-American War, Military

Establishing New Mexico as a U.S. territory was anything but bloodless. The Mexican-American War brought ferocious battles, brutal sieges, guerrilla warfare and scorched earth tactics. More than three hundred Mexican and American forces were killed or wounded in a single battle near Santa Fe. During the Taos Revolt, Governor Charles Bent was scalped and murdered in his home, and American forces fired cannons into a church where Pueblos and Mexicans sought refuge. Soldiers destroyed entire villages like Los Valles, killing or forcing residents to flee. Author Ray John de Aragón recounts these and other dramatic stories behind the birth of the Land of Enchantment.

Ray John de Aragón, Former Governor Jerry Apodaca and First Lady Clara Apodaca

Sergeant Ray John de Aragón served in the 150th Tactical Fighter Group at Kirtland AFB and the 560th Civil Engineering Squadron, Red Horse unit, at Eglin AFB. He later provided materials and support for fighter planes operating in Vietnam with the 6314th Transportation Squadron at Osan Air Base in Korea, where he received the National Defense Service Medal for his military service. He is a recognized historian and scholar of New Mexico and professor of southwest history, legends and folklore.

The History Press