I saw this string of emails and would like to point you in the direction of the Descendants of Mexican War Veterans www.dmwv.org Once you go to the website click to the section for FAQs to find answers about the San Patricios.

The infamous San Patricios have been the subject of Hollywood movie which gave many people a false impression of who they were and why they fought. Unfortunately over the years since the film their story has taken-on a life of its own.

John S.D. Eisenhower in his book SO FAR FROM GOD:THE US WAR WITH MEXICO 1989. pages 341-42. Tells of the 30 men who were hanged a from a hillside (away from the battle) at the point when the US flag could be seen being raised over Chapultepec (aka Halls of Montezuma).

There were more than 30 San Patricios, but these men were not hanged because they deserted before the war had even started. "Riley" who was the leader of the group, and who had previously deserted the British Army, was not hanged because he deserted before the war started.

Many Catholics and Irish fought for the USA in the war. Their accounts suggest other reasons for the San Patricios to join the Mexican Army (mostly greed & false promises. BTW, If you look at the surnames of the San Patricios you will find many other nationalities...

Today in Mexico, however, the San Pstricios are heroes, have a monument, and their supposed Catholic faith is still adavnced as the reason they deserted.