Dave Darrin at Vera Cruz: Fighting with the U.S. Navy in Mexico

"DAVE DARRIN AT VERA CRUZ: Fighting with the U.S. Navy in Mexico" by H. Irving Hancock is a thrilling historical fiction about youth making their way into the Navy during a heated time between the United States and Mexico. Readers are introduced to Ensign Dave Darrin and his buddy, Dan Dalzell, as they begin their adventures in the Navy and all of the issues associated with it. Starting with some nighttime adventures in New York City, it quickly moves to life on the ship as they navigate the challenges of this turbulent time. They face off against a troublemaking rival that introduces conflicts to which Darrin will eventually be required to face in his military career. All this drama is set against a background of unrest in Mexico and the growing potential for Navy intervention. This sets the scene for adventure, friendship and the challenges of being a leader in the military, as Darrin is forced to reconcile personal challenges with the demands of duty while constantly keeping war at bay.