Beeks line: "The Polar Bear Expedition" by James Carl Nelson

The subtitle of this book is "The Heroes of America's Forgotten Invasion of Russia, 1918-1919".  This is relevant to the Beeks family because Wilbur Beeks was one of those heroes, even if he wasn't mentioned in this brand new book. 

Usually I don't post about books that tell about members of the family, but this story is compelling both for historical and family reasons, and I want to make sure Beeks family members know about it.  I learned some things that I hadn't realized before.  For instance, the officers knew in advance that their men were going to Russia, even though the men weren't informed until after they arrived in England.  The men expected to go to France to help finish "The War to End All Wars" on the Western Front. 

Instead, they were sent 600 miles north of Moscow, Russia, to the town of Archangel, ostensibly to guard stores. In reality they fought Communist Russians deep in the Russian forests, almost from the time they hit the ground, until they were finally withdrawn 9 months later, long after the Armistice had been signed. 

The book jumps around quite a bit, giving political background and jumping from company to company, to explain who was doing what at a particular time and place. Just look for the pages about Company K, 339th Infantry, and you will be reading about Wilbur's experiences.  The description of the hospital that he was most likely treated in after he was wounded is pretty disturbing.

I wonder how many of the men had PTSD symptoms when they returned?  Surely, they had every reason to have problems adjusting back to normal American life.  I don't think anyone could have endured this situation without being changed in ways large and small.  The wonder is that the story has been kept quiet, except for family members who either were told about it or stumbled across the records. 

The book is available on Amazon, and the Huntington, Indiana library has ordered it.  (I don't know if they have it yet, or have it on the shelves.)  I pre-ordered our copy and got it on the official release date of February 19.  I encourage you, if you are a descendant or a relative, to either buy the book, or go to your local library to request it.  If they don't have it, they may order it or they may be able to get a copy on inter-library loan.  I don't think you'll regret reading this book.