Final answer:
American General John J. Pershing was indeed sent to capture Pancho Villa, but this took place in Mexico not South America. This was in response to Villa's attack on Columbus, New Mexico. Despite efforts, Pershing was unsuccessful in capturing Villa.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that American General John J. Pershing went to South America to capture Pancho Villa is false. This event occurred in Mexico, not South America. After Pancho Villa led an attack on Columbus, New Mexico, killing over one hundred people, President Wilson responded by sending General Pershing into Mexico with the specific mission of apprehending Villa and bringing him back to the United States to stand trial.
Pershing led a force of over eleven thousand troops and marched three hundred miles into Mexico, engaging in several skirmishes but ultimately failing to capture Villa. Faced with escalating tensions with the Mexican government under President Carranza, U.S. forces were finally ordered to withdraw in 1917, without having successfully completed their mission of capturing Pancho Villa.
Learn more about John J. Pershing and Pancho Villa