1150 Beal Ave.
Ann Arbor, MI
48109-2113
(734) 764-3482
Since this site is an experimentation in collaboration and innovation, we are very interested in hearing from you! Our hope is to make this site comprehensible and accessible to all, so please contact us with any questions or concerns.
| Re: Contact Us by kmack58 on 11/16/2009 at 10:59 pm | |
| Hello All, There is a typo regarding Donald MacKinson. He is my great grandfather. He was actually Donald MacKinnon from Spruce, Michigan. He was inducted 5/26/1918 in Harrisville, MI. He was in Co G, 339th Infantry, 85th Division and assigned to the Front Vologda Force. He was honorably discharged on 7/7/19. | |
| Re: Re: Contact Us by Olga Virakhovskaya on 11/18/2009 at 9:49 am | |
| Thank you for your comment. We will be glad to change your grandfather's name if you provide some verifying documentation, such as his military papers. You can mail or fax originals or photocopies to: Bentley Historical Library 1150 Beal Avenue Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2113. Fax: (734) 936-1333 Attn.: Len Coombs. Best, Olga Virakhovskaya. | |
| Re: A.D. Mierendum by sportzel on 8/23/2009 at 1:59 pm | |
| My grandfather was a Polar Bear. My uncle has his medal and information. His name was Albert T. Mierendorf, which is very similar to the name above and lived in Detroit Michigan. I'm wondering if this is a typo? If not, how do I get my grandfather's name and information on this listing? Please advise. sandy portzel | |
| Re: Re: A.D. Mierendum by Olga Virakhovskaya on 8/24/2009 at 9:03 am | |
| Dear Sandy Portzel, Thank you for your comment. If you have any documentation demonstrating your grandfather's service with the Polar Bears, we will be glad to add him to our database. Photocopies of his military papers, such as enlistment or discharge papers, will serve the purpose. Please mail documentation to: 1150 Beal Avenue Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2113 Attn.: Len Coombs; or fax: (734) 936-1333. Olga Virakhovskaya, Cataloging Specialist. Bentley Historical Library | |
| Re: Contact Us by DFB on 4/4/2009 at 8:48 pm | |
| My grandfather is missing from your list. His name was Frederick Brosofske and he was with the 339th Infantry, G Company. I do have a copy of his discharge papers and photos. | |
| Re: Re: Contact Us by Olga Virakhovskaya on 4/6/2009 at 8:41 am | |
| Thanks for your comment. We will be glad to add your grandfather's name to our list. You can mail or fax photocopies of your grandfather's discharge papers to Bentley Historical Library 1150 Beal Ave. Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2113 Attn.: Len Coombs. Fax: (734) 936-1333. In order to submit photographs to our website, you first need to contact our field representative, Len Coombs who will be happy to help you. He can be reached at coombs@umich.edu or (734) 764-3482. We look forward to hearing from you! Olga Virakhovskaya, Information Specialist. Bentley Historical Library | |
| Re: Contact Us by Ruth McCarty on 3/14/2009 at 7:09 pm | |
| Harold J. McCarty - By his daughter Ruth My father was a private in Company M -339th Infantry. He is listed and I am very proud of that. I do have a picture of him in his uniform if you would like it and I can see what else my family has if you would like it. | |
| Re: Re: Contact Us by Olga Virakhovskaya on 3/16/2009 at 8:16 am | |
| Dear Ruth McCarty, Thanks for your comment. In order to submit materials to our website, you first need to go through the Bentley Historical Library. Our field representative, Len Coombs will be happy to help you. He can be reached at coombs@umich.edu or (734) 764-3482. We look forward to hearing from you! Olga Virakhovskaya Information Specialist Bentley Historical Library | |
| Re: Re: Re: Contact Us by Ruth McCarty on 4/8/2009 at 6:26 pm | |
| Thank you. I will contact him. | |
| Re: Contact Us by GWS on 3/12/2009 at 5:39 pm | |
| I have several documents from the estate of Lt. Austin P. Jeffers, Co. E 339th Inf. Mostly supply docs and inventories, but one interesting note to a doctor concerning a man in E co. under Lt. Jeffers. How can I add these items to your wonderful collection here? Thanks, GWS | |
| Re: Re: Contact Us by Olga Virakhovskaya on 3/16/2009 at 8:17 am | |
| Thanks for your comment. In order to submit materials to our website, you first need to go through the Bentley Historical Library. Our field representative, Len Coombs will be happy to help you. He can be reached at coombs@umich.edu or (734) 764-3482. We look forward to hearing from you! Olga Virakhovskaya, Information Specialist Bentley Historical Library | |
| Re: Contact Us by TerLankfo on 3/5/2009 at 11:16 pm | |
| I'm working on our family genealogy and have been told that my great uncle, John W. Young, from the Hubbard Lake area of Michigan served the US during the Polar Bear Expedition. I have not been able to locate anything to substantiate this other than a photograph that indicates it was taken on the day he and about 30-35 others were inducted. His name does not appear on your site but I've been told by family members that he was a "master woodsman" and served the military in Siberia as such -- possibly as a non-enlisted civilian. Do you know where I might find any information available for confirming his service? Any direction you could provide would be very much appreciated. Thanks. | |
| Re: Re: Contact Us by Michael on 3/28/2009 at 1:47 pm | |
| Young John W. PVT 2985160 B/310 *** A man with this name shows up on the roster of Comapny B, 310th Engineers. I sent a scaned copy to Poly Reynolds some time ago. These were from the National Personel Records Center, in St. Louis. | |
| Re: Contacut Us RE: John W. Young by TerLankfo on 7/30/2009 at 9:00 am | |
| I'm still having trouble locating any information about my Uncle. Would it be possible for me to also get a copy of this record? Thanks again. | |
| Re: Re: Contacut Us RE: John W. Young by Olga Virakhovskaya on 7/31/2009 at 9:29 am | |
| Thank you for your comment. We do have John W. Young in our internal database. Currently we are working on creating a new version of the Polar Bear web site. Therefore, for technical reasons, most recent additions to the database remain unseen. You will be able to see your uncle's name on our new web site. We apologize for any inconvenience it may have caused you. Please write re obtaining a copy of your uncle's record to: volga@umich.edu. Best, Olga Virakhovskaya, Bentley Historical Library. | |
| Re: Contact Us RE: John Young by TerLankfo on 3/31/2009 at 9:34 pm | |
| Thanks so much for the information. I really appreciate it. | |
| Re: Re: Contact Us by Olga Virakhovskaya on 3/11/2009 at 2:25 pm | |
| Thank you for your inquiry. Your request has been forwarded to our Reference Department. Please provide your e-mail address so our Reference staff could respond to your request directly. Reference e-mail address is: bentley.ref@umich.edu. Olga Virakhovskaya, Information Specialist. Bentley Historical Library | |
| Re: Contact Us by spcarr on 11/11/2008 at 9:05 am | |
| I was extremely excited to find your website this morning as I was remembering my grandfather, George Petropoulos. Thirteen years ago today (Veteran's Day, 1995) we buried him in Muskegon, MI on a day that couldn't have been more fitting for a member of the Polar Bears. I'll never forget that day, November 11, 1995, as we honored my grandfather one last time at his grave site in the middle of a snow blizard with temperatures well below zero, bringing out only the closet family members to say our goodbyes. The Lord couldn't have made a more perfect day to honor him. A polar bear rests on his grave site today. To my knowledge, he was the last survivor of the Polar exhibition; passing away at age 102 1/2. It was with deep sadness that I didn't find his name listed and would be forever grateful in learning what my family needs to do to honor him amoung the others that served our country. George was a migrant from Greece and came to this country as a young lad. He told me he lied about his age to get into the army. I have his original papers from his draft. In 1992 my grandfather was interviewed by a professor from UNCW (Universary of North Carolina in Wilmington, NC)who was writing a paper about the Polar Bear Exhibition. He learned that there was a survivor still living and flew to Michigan to interview my grandfather. What a proud day that was for my grandfather. To date I have never learned what happened with the information my grandfather shared. It would mean the world to our family to have our father, grandfather, great-grandfather, remembered on this website. Please let me know what we can do to add him to your list. I have several pieces of documentation as proof that he once served in this great exhibition and was proud to have served. I love you Grandfather George! Your family remembers you on this special day and always........ Your granddaughter, Susan | |
| George E. Stewart COL 339th Inf 2/16/2008 by Michael on 2/16/2008 at 8:48 pm | |
| MEDAL OF HONOR - U.S. Army Center of Military History -http://www.history.army.mil/html/moh/philippine.html // Government Printing Office, The Adjutant Generl's Office, Washington DC (Various years 1924 - 1940): Army List and Directory - Officers of the Army - of the - United States // Government Printing Office, The Adjutant Generl's Office, Washington DC (Various years 1913, 1920 - 1946): Official Army Register | |
| Re: George E. Stewart COL 339th Inf 2/16/2008 by Olga on 2/18/2008 at 8:24 am | |
| Many thanks! Olga Virakhovskaya, Information Specialist. Bentley Historical Library | |
| Re: Contact Us by Terry Eyland on 2/8/2008 at 11:10 am | |
| Wonderful site, great idea. I am working on innovative finding aids at Library & Archives Canada and would like more information about the site. I have read "Creating the Next Generation of Archival Finding Aids" by Elizabeth Yakel and would like to know more. Thanks Terry | |
| Re: Re: Contact Us by Olga on 2/11/2008 at 8:58 am | |
| Terry, thank you for your comment! Is there anything in particular you would like to discuss? Please do not hesitate to contact me at volga@umich.edu. Olga Virakhovskaya, Information Specialist. Bentley Historical Library. | |
| Re: Contact Us by nk20846 on 2/3/2008 at 6:36 pm | |
| My uncle Albert Dupraw is on your site. I have about a dozen photos he took while stationed in Russia of many of the men that were stationed with him there. May I somehow send you them by email for your site. I have photos of Albert Dupraw and photos of his knife that was used during this time also. My cousin is in possession of the knife. Albert and his wife Caroline were childless so he was very close to his sister, Florence (my grandmother) and my mother, Margaretta. Thank you Carolyn Obertein | |
| Re: Re: Contact Us by Olga on 2/4/2008 at 12:15 am | |
| Dear Carolyn Obertein, Thank you very much for your comment. Our field representative Len Coombs will be glad to talk to you about these wonderful materials. Could you please provide your e-mail address? Alternatively, you can contact Len at coombs@umich.edu. Many thanks. Olga Virakhovskaya, Information Specialist. Bentley Historical Library | |
| Re: Contact Us by Great War on 1/31/2008 at 7:17 pm | |
| Very nice work, altogether. I'll go ahead and set a link, if you don't mind. AJ Plotke, PhD Great War Primary Documents Archive www.gwpda.org | |
| Re: Contact Us by ElgarCharles on 1/30/2008 at 5:07 am | |
| I'm writing with a query from Australia. I read that Colonel George E Stewart,commander of the 339th Infantry Regiment was born in Australia. Does anybody know where and when? Or how he came to migrate to the US. And congratulations on your admirable site. Elgar Charles | |
| George E. Stewart Colonel 339th Infantry by Michael on 2/9/2008 at 3:10 pm | |
| George Evan Stewart O-806 Colonel United States Army Born in New South Wales, Australia on 2 August 1872. Entered service at: New York, New York. Private Battery A 5th Artillery 5 Oct 1896 - 28 Feb 1899 and From 2 March 1899 to 14 April 1899. Appointed from the Army April 1899. Second Lieutenant of Infantry 5 April 1899 accepted 15 April 1899, in the 19th Infantry. MEDAL OF HONOR at Passi, Island of Panay, Philippine Islands 26 Nov 1899. 1LT 2 Feb 1901; CPT 15 July 1907; MAJ 15 May 1917; LTC National Army 5 Aug 1917; COL of Infantry 30 July 1918; Honorable discharge from National Army 1 July 1920; LTC 1 July 1920; COL 14 Oct 1923; Retired disability in line of duty 30 Army 1931. Graduate Command and General Staff School, Ft. Levenworth, KS 1924. Colonel retired: 312 Mt Prospect Ave Newark, NJ April 1932 c/o Mrs Cora O Wilson 303 E. Orange St, San Antonio, TX. July 1932 Route 1 Box 46 H, Corpus Christi, TX. Oct 1932 c/o Mrs Cora O Wilson 303 E. Qunicy St, San Antonio, TX. Jan 1933 until death P.O. Box 368 Portland, TX. Died: 2 March 1946 at Portland, TX. | |
| Re: George E. Stewart Colonel 339th Infantry by ElgarCharles on 2/15/2008 at 11:44 pm | |
| Thanks for that information. Do you know where there is a photograph of Stewart? An officer appears in image 50302 of folder 4 of the US Signal Corps photo collection. Is it possible that is him? I am not familiar with the badges of rank. Elgar Charles | |
| Re: Re: George E. Stewart Colonel 339th Infantry by Olga on 2/25/2008 at 1:15 pm | |
| A photograph of Col. Stewart is found in Charles A. Simpson papers: Folder 6, image 29. Best, Olga Virakhovskaya, Information Specialist. Bentley Historical Library. | |
| Re: George E. Stewart Colonel 339th Infantry by Olga on 2/11/2008 at 9:14 am | |
| Thank you very much for providing detailed information about George Evan Stewart. We will be glad to add it to our web site, however, in order to do so we need to have some supporting documentation (copies of enlistment record or discharge papers), or need to know your sources. Many thanks in advance. Olga Virakhovskaya, Information Specialist. Bentley Historical Library. | |
| Re: Re: Contact Us by Olga on 2/1/2008 at 2:01 pm | |
| Thank you for your comment. Sources available to us identify Austin, Texas and New York City as Col. Stewart's places of residence at different times. Olga Virakhovskaya, Information Specialist. Bentley Historical Library | |
| Re: Contact Us by choochoo on 11/24/2007 at 4:08 pm | |
| Last Spring I sent you the papers of my father, Pfc. Harry Duink of the 167th Railway Battalion and more recently I sent his photograph album. In the past I have viewed his papers through your web site. Recently I desired to refer a family member to these papers but I cannot locate them using your search tool. I realize it is probably too soon to expect the photo album to be processed however I do know I accessed the papers once or twice and I'd like to view them again. Thanks. John F Duink jduink9191@aol.com | |
| Re: Contact Us by Deb G on 7/6/2007 at 11:30 pm | |
| As per Guy L. Sanders'(my grandfather) U.S. Army discharge papers, he was in the 4th Ambulance Co., Medical Dept. that served in the American Expeditionary Force, Razdolnor, Siberia from 1919- Mar 30, 1920. He was discharged while there, then immediately re-enlisting. Any info you can find for me about his company would be muchly appreciated! Please add his name to your muster. Thanks! Deb G. | |
| Re: Re: Contact Us by Olga on 10/22/2007 at 9:25 am | |
| Deb, thank you for your interest. Materials on this web site cover only the Archangel region intervention, that is why names of people who served in the American Expeditionary Force in Siberia are not found here. May I also suggest that the place in Siberia where your grandfather served is most likely spelled Razdol'noe or Razdol'noye. Olga Virakhovskaya Cataloging Specialist Bentley Historical Library | |
| Re: Contact Us by Michael on 2/10/2007 at 12:53 am | |
| Rosters obtained from the National Personnel Records Center, St. Louis, MO. For September 1918 show as a member, Cogswell, Everett C. Cook 2031552 B/310 and the May 1919 roster lists him as a Corporal. Michael. mamerrin@brenan.net | |
| Re: Re: Contact Us by 332too on 8/25/2007 at 2:13 pm | |
| Michael- Thanks for the info. I had not visited the site for awhile, so just found your response. Glad to have verification of Cogswell's role. Brooke Anderson | |
| Re: Re: Contact Us by Michael on 2/10/2007 at 1:01 pm | |
| e-mail address should read mamerrin@bresnan.net Thanks Michael | |
| Great-Grandfather not listed by Bridget on 2/6/2007 at 4:39 pm | |
| My great grandfather was a Polar Bear in WWI. He is not listed in the list on this website. His name is Michael Sprygada, from Bay City, MI. He was drafted into the army at the age of 24. We have pictures and postcards from camp Grayling (where many were trained to go on this mission) and from Archangel, Russia. What is really interesting about my relative was that he was born in Germany/Poland, then fought for our freedom. | |
| Re: Great-Grandfather not listed by Michael on 2/10/2007 at 1:09 pm | |
| Rosters obtained from the National Personnel Records Center, St. Louis, MO. For September 1918 and May 1919, show as a member, Sprygada, Mike F. PVT 2984861 B/310. Michael. mamerrin@bresnan.net | |
| Michael Sprygada-Journal by Bridget on 5/7/2007 at 9:55 am | |
| I would like to post my great-grandfather's journal, Michael Sprygada. It was the first time that we (his descendent's) read it. A journal tells a lot about a person. In addition there are three addresses of fellow soldiers in the back of the journal. I am not sure how to post information. It looks like I send it to the Bentley Library and they take it from there. My daughter became so interested in this topic that she choose it for Michigan History Day. The theme this year was trimphs and tradgedys. She began a really big project that enlightened and brought healing to our family. She received a family history award at regionals and took second place at the state competition in exhibits. I am very proud that our family is able to contribute to our nation not only by protecting our freedom, but remembering and helping others to learn more. We can all learn a lot from our ancestors. -Bridget | |
| Re: Michael Sprygada-Journal by obrie013 on 6/13/2008 at 10:29 pm | |
| Bridget-- Was your great grandfather in 339th Company E.? I ask because my grandfather was a Lieutenant in that company and would love to hear anything about him that may be written. Thank you, | |
| Re: Michael Sprygada-Journal by Polly on 5/7/2007 at 12:24 am | |
| Hi Bridget, Thanks for your comment. You are correct, in order to submit materials to our website, you first need to go through the Bentley Historical Library. Our field representative, Len Coombs will be happy to help you. He can be reached at coombs@umich.edu or (734) 764-3482. We look forward to hearing from you! Polly ReynoldsAssistant Archivist Bentley Historical Library | |
| Re: Great-Grandfather not listed by Polly on 2/7/2007 at 11:54 am | |
| We would be happy to list your great grandfather on our site but we would need some authoritative information. Do you have any discharge papers or other papers that might detail his service with the Polar Bears?
Polly Reynolds Assistant Archivist Bentley Historical Library | |
| Re: Contact Us by Whitley on 1/16/2007 at 6:59 am | |
| My uncle Dausie Trammell was one of the last bodies returned in late 1934. I sent off and requested the burial information, which states how he died and mentions the other unknown veterans that were returned in 1934. If you are interested, I will send copies but will need an address and Attn to. thanks | |
| Re: Re: Contact Us by Chyleen on 7/26/2009 at 10:40 pm | |
| Hello Christopher? I would love to have copies as well. Dausie was my dad's (Eugene "Colby" Trammell) uncle. He remembers when Dausie's body was brought back and buried at Ryan Cem but he thought he was about 10 years old; it looks like he was about 6. I'm guessing you might be a cousin? Chyleen Trammell-Bradley 13457 Natick Dr Manassas, VA 20112 | |
| Re: Re: Contact Us by mvgrobbel on 1/30/2007 at 7:59 pm | |
| I would be very interested in receiving copies of that information. My e-mail contact information can be found on this web page: http://grobbel.org/contact.html E-mail me and I will provide my mailing address. Thanks, Mike Grobbel (Grandson of Cpl. Clement Grobbel, Co. I, 339th Inf. Regiment) | |
| Re: Contact Us by vanpoucker on 11/3/2006 at 7:23 pm | |
| My dad Leo C. Van Poucker was not in the 310 supply, but was in Co.D 310 engineers. He attended the 1962 reunion and died in April,1973. He belonged to VFW post 1071 in Detroit and served as commander. | |
| Re: Contact Us by Gene Chap on 5/26/2006 at 12:33 am | |
| Hi, I am from Olean, New York and noticed several people from that town. My grandmother's name was Apolonia Dobkowska and she had a brother named John. I wondered if the John Dobkowski noted in your listing of members was a relative. I also know that we had relatives in Erie, Pa. I am not sure how to reach John, but if he reads this maybe he could write me care of this site or ebjc28@comcast.net sometime. Thanks for the site. Gene. | |
| Re: Re: Contact Us by Karen Moore on 9/24/2006 at 8:38 pm | |
| Hi My Grandfather Paul A Bandemer was a Polar Bear in WWI. To update your information, he died April 18, 1960, in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. I do have a couple of copies of pictures of him and others, during the war, he was a Sergent/Medic. I also have a copy of a Polar Bear reunion picture. I would be happy to send it, via email, for anybody interested. My mother (Paul's daughter), still has his uniform, I am sure this will not be given or donated. But is nice to have in the family. Karen Moore kboardman83@sbcglobal.net | |
| Re: Contact Us by mvgrobbel on 1/25/2006 at 7:42 am | |
| What you have created here is a marvelous method of easily making your Polar Bear Collection available to anyone who has both an interest in this obscure military expedition and access to the Internet. I find it to be intuitively organized and easy to navigate. I also like the way the "Polar Bear Database" has been seamlessly integrated into the new digital collection. I have already added links to your new site on the "Polar Bear Memorial Association" website to help promote it and direct our visitors to this great resource. When we gather again this Memorial Day at the Polar Bear Monument in White Chapel Cemetery to honor the Polar Bears, I will be sure to mention your new website to those in attendance. Thanks, Mike Grobbel, President-Polar Bear Memorial Association | |
Maintained by The Tech
1150 Beal Ave.
Ann Arbor, MI
48109-2113
(734) 764-3482