Grady Mccright

Sign of Passage: the Punitive Expedition into Mexico After Pancho Villa in 1916 Grady Mccright

Nate Hayes accompanies the Punitive Expedition under the command of General John J. (Blackjack) Pershing as United States Army troops march into Mexico searching for Pancho Villa. The President authorized the invasion of foreign soil in 1916 after the devastating raid on Columbus, New Mexico. Modern soldiers need old fashioned tracking talents that have almost disappeared. Ol' Nate Hayes was a scout for the bluecoat Army during the Indian campaigns in the late 1800's, where he knew Lieutenant Pershing, and is the best tracker still alive. Pershing calls him from retirement to support the endeavor. Nate pairs up with a young Lieutenant fresh out of West Point, George S. Patton. During the campaign, the old scout and the young lieutenant discover a black market operating within the military ranks. Obtaining proof of this internal graft turns ugly as the pair put their heads together to rid the Army of this corruption.