CASUALTIES OF THE MEXICAN WAR

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American Losses Resulting From the Mexican War

While the figures for men killed in action and died of wounds are close, subsequent losses due to disease is startling. Only one death in eight was the result of enemy fire. Nothing illustrates better the diffiiculties of maintaining the health of the men under the conditions of the campaign and the crude state of medical knowledge at that time.

Killed in Action
1,192

Died of Wounds
529

Died of Disease, accidents, etc.
11,155

Wounded in Action
4,102

Discharged for Disability
9,754

Deserted
9,207

TOTAL
35,939

Breakdown of American Losses Resulting From the Mexican War

	Regulars	Volunteers	TOTAL
Killed in Action	585	607	1,192
Died of Wounds	425	104	529
Died of Disease, accident, etc.	4,899	6,256	11,155
Wounded in Action	2,745	1,357	4,102
Discharged for Disability	2,554	7,200	9,754
Deserted	5,331	3,876	9,207
TOTAL	16,539	19,400	35,939

Sources: S. Ex. Doc. 36, 30th Cong., 1st Sess., 6-7, Military Dictionary, 645-49; Kreidberg and Henry, History of Military Mobilization, 78; Heitman, Historical Register, II, 282.

Statistics of the Mexican War | Return to Main Menu