Collections : [University of Michigan Bentley Historical Library]

Her uncle, Robert Granville served as a sergeant, 337th Field Hospital in the Allied intervention in Russia, 1918-1920, the "Polar Bear Expedition." Collection includes two papers, 1982, consisting of typescripts of letters of Robert Granville, written while in military training at Camp Custer, 1917-1918, and as a member of the Polar Bear expedition; also scattered clippings, and photograph.

The paper includes biographical information about Frisbie's uncle, Robert Granville, who served as sergeant, 337th Field Hospital, and transcriptions of several of his letters, Nov. 1917-March 1919. The letters include descriptions of army life at Camp Custer, his daily routine at Archangel, and the Russian people and their customs. A photograph of Granville is also included.

St. Louis, MO native, who served with the 310th Army Engineers during the Allied Intervention in Northern Russia in 1918-1919, also known as the Polar Bear Expedition. The collection includes one oversize photo album and loose photographs documenting Johnson's service and the Polar Bears' military life, the city of Archangel and other locations in Russia; also Johnson's biography, letters, military papers, and ephemera related to the Polar Bear Expedition.

The photo album documents Johnson's experience while serving with the 310th Army Engineers in Northern Russia (primarily Archangel and Solombola) from 1918 to 1919. Photographs depict the exteriors and the interiors of the American army barracks, daily military life, individual and group portraits of American soldiers and officers, and military training. The album also includes scenic views, street scenes, images of religious processions, buildings and churches in Archangel, as well as portraits of the local people. Some photographs depict representatives of the indigenous population of Russian North.

Additional materials, placed in a separate folder, include one small portrait of Johnson in uniform (1917), loose photographs from the Polar Bear Expedition period, his biography, and letters particularly pertaining to his military service. An honorable discharge certificate includes information about Johnson's military rank, medals, time spent as a member of the North Russia Expeditionary Force.

Also included is an application for a Victory Medal and a 1968 The Navy Civil Engineer article by Johnson discussing his second military career during World War II. The folder also contains a hand-drawn sketch of Johnson asking his future wife Dorothy on a date and a photocopy of a letter to Dorothy highlighting a few of his daily military duties and activities.

Born in St. Louis, Mo., member of Company D, U.S. 339th Infantry who served in the Allied intervention in Russia, 1918-1920, the "Polar Bear Expedition."

Portrait, group photo of 339th Infantry, and photo of his grave marker.