Pvt. Edward A. Harris
Edward A. Harris of Essexville, Mich., entered military service on May 25, 1918. After basic training at Camp Custer in Battle Creek, Mich., he was assigned to the U.S. 85th Infantry Division. He later was transferred to the 339th Medical detachment and became part of The American North Russian Expeditionary Forces. It is interesting to note that Harris had absolutely no medical training and was told he would just have to learn along the way. From the beginning, Harris kept a detailed diary of his time and experiences in the U.S. Army. Most of the information listed below came directly from his diary and gives a very accurate account of his experiences in Russia.
Pvt. Glenn L. Penabaker
Glenn L. Penabaker of Owosso, Mich., entered military service on Sept. 18, 1917. After basic training at Camp Custer in Battle Creek, Mich., he was later assigned to the 85th Infantry Division. He was later transferred to Company C of the 310th Engineers, which became part of The American North Russian Expeditionary Forces. After completing training in England, he boarded transport to Russia.
Pvt. Merle R. Sweet
Merle R. Sweet of Glennie, Mich., entered military service in 1917 and was assigned to Company C of the 107th Engineer Regiment of the 32nd Infantry Division. After basic training, his unit shipped off to France in the spring of 1917. Once there, the 107th Engineer Regiment’s first task was to construct pre-fabricated barracks to house the American Expeditionary Force.
PFC. ANDREW L. VOGEL
Andrew L. Vogel of Bay City, Mich., entered military service on May 6, 1918. He became a member of the newly formed U.S. Tank Corps and was sent to Camp Colt in Gettysburg, Penn., for basic training. Camp Colt was the U.S. Army’s primary tank training center during World War I, and future U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower commanded the camp until November 1918.
The Polar Bears
The Polar Bears We are pleased to have and display a nice collection of original items from The American North Russian Expeditionary Forces, a fitting tribute to a unique unit comprised of mostly members from Michigan who fought in one of the most unforgiving places on Earth. The Polar Bears’ Story The story of the […]