Here is perhaps the greatest Legion battle in history, and it was right next door to us.
I celebrate it every April 30, having been introduced to it by some fine fellows in France.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Camar%C3%B3n
“The Battle of Camarón (French : Bataille de Camerone) which occurred 30 April 1863 between the French Foreign Legion and the Mexican army, is regarded by the Legion as a defining moment in its history. A small infantry patrol led by Captain Jean Danjou, Lt Maudet and Lt Vilain, numbering 62 soldiers and three officers was attacked and besieged by a force that may have eventually reached 3,000 Mexican infantry and cavalry, and was forced to make a defensive stand at the nearby Hacienda Camarón, in Camarón de Tejeda, Veracruz, Mexico. The conduct of the defence ascribed to the Legion a certain mystique—and Camarón became within Legion ranks synonymous with bravery and a fight-to-the-death.”
Unfortunately, Camarón is yet another example of how fine soldiers are put into ridiculous and unwinnable situations by stupid politicians (in this case, Napoleon III).