For nine months 4,000 American troops search in vain for Villa .
1916 : United States President Woodrow Wilson orders Gen. John Pershing to capture guerrilla leader Pancho Villa after Villa 's attack on Columbus , New Mexico .
For nine months 4,000 United States troops search in vain for Villa .
1916 : United States President Woodrow Wilson orders Gen. John Pershing to capture guerrilla leader Pancho Villa after Villa 's attack on Columbus , New Mexico .