José Azueta

Who is José Azueta?

Lt. José Azueta Abad, usually known as José Azueta, was a Mexican Navy ex cadet who became famous for his role in the United States occupation of Veracruz, where he was fatally wounded. He is one of the most revered national heroes of Mexico.

The son of Commodore Manuel Azueta, commander of the Veracruz Naval Academy, Lieutenant Azueta was wounded on April 21, 1914, the first day of the invasion.

José Azueta was manning a machine gun placed outside the building, facing the incoming American troops on his own and causing a number of casualties. After having been mortally wounded by U.S. Navy marksman Joseph G. Harner, who took several shots at him from about 300 yards away, he was rescued from the battlefield and taken to his home,.

After the battle, U.S. Admiral Frank Friday Fletcher heard of Azueta's brave actions and sent word to him via messenger that he wished to visit the fallen defender and pay his respects. Azueta—through his surgeon and local political activist Dr. Roberto Reyes Barreiro—sent word to Fletcher refusing the visit, saying "If the American enters my house, I will either kill him or me." Fletcher then offered to send his personal doctor to take care of him.