Photo Credit: National Archives
Taken on May 27, 1916 by Tucker Beckett using flashlight powder, this night-time photo shows members of the Company A, 16th Infantry around a campfire. The soldiers were part of the Mexican Punitive Expedition which began in March of 1916. General John J. Pershing led several thousand U.S. troops across the border into Mexico following attacks on American citizens and property by the followers of Francisco (Pancho) Villa. Pershing’s orders from the War Department were to pursue and disperse Villa and his band or bands.