Officers of the 339th Infantry - Polar Bear Regiment
With the CMTC At Camp Custer, August 10th to 23rd, 1924
Page 204-205 Preparedness Volume IV Sixth Corps Area, Camp
Custer Michigan. Prepared by the Men of the Citizen's Military Training
Camp 1924 Published by the Military Training Camps Association of the United
States. CMTC=Citizen's Military Training Camp
This regiment has a unique history, having represented the infantry in the
North Russia campaign in the World War, from which service it acquired the name,
“The Polar Bear Regiment”. The officer personnel of this regiment comes entirely
from the city of Detroit, and in case of war the enlisted personnel would he
drawn from the same locality.
The officers of the regiment are nearly all active in business in the
thriving automobile center and take great interest in the organized reserves and
the CMTC. They are also proud of the “Polar Bear Regiment” and of its
traditions, which they are all glad to help maintain.
Captain D. A. Stroh of the regular army has been detailed as executive
officer of the regiment and as such carried out during the summer a very
intelligent program through which the officers of the 339th Infantry refreshed
their knowledge of the fundamentals of military training and acquired some
knowledge of the new methods of giving instruction to recruits and members of
the CMTC.
The officers were put through an intensive training during the first week of
their stay with the CMTC and then were given an opportunity for the application
of their knowledge by putting them actually in commands commensurate with their
rank in CMTC organizations. The officers displayed a keen interest in the work
and were in excellent spirits throughout. On their last day in camp they
commanded one of the three regiments of CMTC students in review with the
regulars. Major General Helmick received this review.
They are all most enthusiastic regarding the instructor personnel and the
regular army contingent who are responsible for the training and operation of
the camp and feel that with such interest and untiring efforts on the part of
the commanding officer and staff, the CMTC will not only survive but will grow.
In fact many of the 339th Infantry officers will undoubtedly volunteer next year
when the call comes for assistance during the training period.
The entire movement has their heartiest approval and support.
List of Men
Prepared and copyright © 2002 all rights reserved Patricia
Hamp
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