The Polar Bear Expedition

The Heroes of America's Forgotten Invasion of Russia, 1918-1919

De: James Carl Nelson

Narrado por: Johnny Heller

An extraordinary lost chapter in the history of World War I: the story of America’s year-long invasion of Russia, in which a contingency of brave soldiers fought the Red Army and brutal conditions during the fall and winter of 1918–1919.

In August 1918, the 339th regiment of the U.S. Army—roughly 5,000 soldiers, most hailing from Michigan—sailed for Europe to fight in World War I. But instead of the Western Front, these troops were headed to Archangel, Russia, a vital port city 1,000 miles northeast of Moscow. There, in the frozen subarctic, amid the chaos of the Russian Civil War, one of the most extraordinary episodes of American history unfolded.

The American North Russia Expeditionary Force—self-dubbed “The Polar Bear Expedition”—was sent to fight the Red Army and aid anti-Bolshevik forces in hopes of re-opening the Eastern Front against Germany. On the 100th anniversary of the campaign, award-winning historian James Carl Nelson recreates this harrowing, dramatic military operation in which Americans and Bolsheviks fought a series of pitched battles throughout a punishing fall and winter.

As the Great War officially ended in November 1918, American troops continued to battle the Red Army and an equally formidable enemy, “General Winter.” Subzero temperatures made machine guns and light artillery inoperable. In the blinding ice and snow, sentries suffered from frostbite while guarding against nearly invisible Bolos camouflaged by their white uniforms. Before the Polar Bears’ withdrawal in July 1919, more than 200 perished from battle, accidents, and the Spanish flu.

But the Polar Bears’ story does not end there. Ten years later, a contingent of veterans returned to Russia to recover the remains of more than 100 of their fallen comrades and lay them to rest in Michigan, where a monument honoring their service still stands: a massive marble polar bear guarding a cross that marks the grave of a fallen soldier.

great book

I loved it!!! I would very highly recommend this book. Very much so worth the price.

A Forgotten and Tragic Expedition Unveiled

James Carl Nelson has written a brilliant expose with this book. The US army’s invasion of Russia at the end of WWI is enlightening and horrifying. The idea that this was undertaken and continued after the Armistice is hard to fathom. But these men gave their lives dutifully and without recognition. Thankfully they are given their due with this book. And may we never forget. Johnny Heller’s narration is superb as always.

Great Tale of Lost History!

I dare say that 99 percent of Americans do not know that we fought Bolshevik communists on Russian soil during the Russian Civil War (1918-1921). This concise book will open the eyes of all history buffs with fresh historical data. My only complaint is that the narrator speaks too quickly. I had to slow the speed down to .9 level. A good narrator must clearly enunciate their words and speak at a steady pace.

A part of history I wasn't aware of , a sad unnecessary war.

Learning of a part of history I and most people are unaware of . What a stupid decision by president Woodrow Willson to subject these unfortunate soldiers to.

Fascinating lost story of WW1

A sad and forgotten story of the bungled attempt by confused American and British governments to rally White Russians against the Bolsheviks in 1918-19. Wish maps were easier to find, but a must listen to those w interest in the US involvement in WW1.