Just after Mar 9th, 1916, A US Army major named Frank Tompkins received permission from his CO to mount up a troop of 32Four US cavalry to pursue 400 battered Villistas across the Mexican border after the Columbus raid, where about 70 of Villa’s men had been killed by US Army troops and civilians. When they encountered Villa’s rear guard, established to cover their retreat, they halted and began picking of Villa riders with their 1903 Springfields from up to 1500 yards away.
Tompkins sent a note to his CO to continue in hot pursuit after the Villistas. He received it and chased them FIFTEEN MILES into Mexico, reinforced by another 27 riders. Tompkins wondered why they didn’t stand and fight, outnumbering his force greatly, but he decided to take full advantage of their hesitancy. They killed between 75-100 of Villa’s men, and Tompkins and one of his men received minor bullet wounds.
Tompkins CO, Col. Slocum, recommended Tompkins for the Medal of Honor, but the award was downgraded to a Distinguished Service Cross, which still ain’t exactly chopped liver.
Amazing story. The defense of Columbia from people starting from asleep in bed was amazing.