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The History of the American Expedition Fighting the Bolsheviki Campaigning in North Russia 1918-1919

About this book

This volume is a first‑hand historical account of the American North Russian Expedition of 1918‑1919, compiled by three officers of the 339th Infantry, Capt. Joel R. Moore, Lt. Harry H. Mead, and Lt. Lewis E. Jahns. The book opens with a vivid description of the troopships “Somali,” “Tydeus,” and “Nagoya” as they unload American doughboys onto the icy shores of Archangel on September 5, 1918, and then launches into a sweeping narrative of their campaign against the Bolsheviki across the Dvina, Vaga, Onega and Pinega rivers and the Archangel‑Vologda railway. Interspersed with official reports, diaries, and numerous photo‑engravures, the text promises a detailed chronicle of battles, winter hardships, and the logistical challenges of fighting under Arctic conditions, while also honoring the men who served and fell.

Written in a solemn, documentary style typical of post‑World‑War‑I veterans’ memoirs, the prose blends formal military reporting with occasional personal reflections. The language reflects the era’s patriotic tone and the authors’ professional backgrounds as an officer, a college professor, a lawyer, and an accountant. Readers interested in World War I’s lesser‑known Allied intervention, military historians, and anyone drawn to personal narratives of soldiers in extreme environments will find this meticulously sourced, richly illustrated work both informative and evocative.

Who appears in this book

  • Capt. Joel R. MooreTall early‑30s American officer in 1918 US Army uniform, crisp kepi, trimmed mustache, short brown hair, solemn expression
  • Lt. Harry H. MeadMid‑30s slender American lieutenant, WWI dress blues, dark hair slicked back, clean‑shaven, thoughtful eyes, leather boots
  • Lt. Lewis E. JahnsLate‑30s sturdy American officer, khaki service coat, brass buttons, short gray hair, sideburns, steady gaze

The opening · free to read

Stirring appeals to the people of Indianapolis and the county to respond to the agricultural need which this country faces in the present war period were made by speakers, including: Charles V. Fairbanks, formerly Vice-president of the United States; the Rev. Frank L. Loveland, pastor of the Meridian Street M. E. Church; H. Orme, president of the Better Farming Association, and Ralph M. Gilbert, county agricultural agent.

Resolutions Adopted.

Resolutions were adopted at the meeting pledging the support of the citizens of Marion county in all measures taken for the defense of the nation and urging the people to respond to the resolutions prepared for greater and efficient food production. The resolutions prepared by a committee composed of Mord Gardner, Ralph C. Avery, Fred L., Smock, John E. Shearer, C. C. Osborn, Grace May Stutsman, Charles P. Wright and Leo Fesler were as follows:

“Whereas, By joint resolution of congress and the proclamation of the President, war has been declared on Germany, and

“‘Whereas, The President has earnestly appealed to all citizens to support the government in every possible way, and our Governor has called, for meetings in each county to plan preparedness in every occupation. “Resolved, That we, the citizens of Marion county, assembled in meetings at the courthouse do loyally pledge the support... [torn]

The following map was provide by Mike Grobbel (http://grobbel.org) who photographed it from the Frederick C. O’Dell Map Collection, Folder Number 9, Map Number 1, Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. Mr. Grobbel is the grandson of “CORP. C. A. GROBBELL, “I” Co.” mentioned on page 284 as a recipient of the French Croix de Guerre. The correct spelling is “Grobbel”.

Corp. Grobbel received the Distinguished Service Cross, not mentioned in this book.

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