José Reyes Vega

José Reyes Vega was a Mexican priest who participated in the Cristero War as a general. He was one of the most popular generals during the war and was known as "Father Vega".

On April 19, 1927, an event took place that almost succeeded in extinguishing the revolution. He led a raid against a train in La Barca, Jalisco, said to be carrying a shipment of money and gold. In a shootout that followed with the army escort, Vega's younger brother was killed. Maddened with grief, he had the wooden cars doused with gasoline, and 51 civilian passengers were burned alive. An atypical priest, Vega was known as a drinker and womanizer as well as well for his murderous behaviour. After one engagement, he had federal prisoners stabbed to death to save ammunition. The atrocity helped to turn public opinion against the Cristeros.

Vega was also known for mounting an attack on Guadalajara on March 17. Though it failed, the rebels won a smashing victory at the Battle of Tepatitlán[1] against Saturnino Cedillo, led by General Pablo Rodriguez, in the heart of Los Altos, on April 19. Unfortunately, Vega, who designed the plan that won the victory, was killed in the engagement.[2]