The youngest was thirteen. Six cadets at Chapultepec Military Academy refused to

1847 Event

Ninos Heroes Fall: Boy Cadets Defend Chapultepec

The youngest was thirteen. Six cadets at Chapultepec Military Academy refused to retreat when General Winfield Scott's forces stormed the castle on September 13, 1847. One, Juan Escutia, allegedly wrapped himself in the Mexican flag and jumped from the ramparts rather than surrender it. American forces took Mexico City the next day. Mexico would cede nearly half its territory weeks later. But those six boys became the most venerated military figures in Mexican history — their names etched on monuments across the country.

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September 13, 1847

179 years ago

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Ninos Heroes Fall: Boy Cadets Defend Chapultepec

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