The 31st Infantry Regiment was formed at Fort William McKinley, Philippine Islands on 13 August 1916. In 1920, after a two year deployment protecting the Trans-Siberian railroad from Cossack bandits and Red revolutionaries, the regiment became known as the Polar Bears. In February 1932 when Japanese troops invaded China the Polar Bears deployed to protect Shanghai’s International Settlement. Before leaving Shanghai, officers collected 1,600 silver trade dollars and commissioned a silversmith to forge them into a punch bowl with ornamental cups to commemorate the mission.
In December 1941, Japanese planes attacked US military installations in the Philippines. The 31st Infantry covered the withdrawal of American and Philippine forces to the Bataan Peninsula. Despite starvation, disease, and no supplies, Polar Bears fought the Japanese for four months. When Major General King announced he would surrender the Bataan Defense Force on 9 April 1942, the 31st Infantry buried its colors and the cherished Shanghai Bowl to keep them out of enemy hands. Approximately 9,000 men from the 31st were captured and forced to participate in the infamous Bataan Death March, traveling a distance of roughly 65 miles. Prisoners marched during the day in tropical heat with no food, water, or rest. Anyone who fell behind was beaten or killed. More than half the regiment died during the march and from subsequent captivity.
In 1945, Captain Earl R. Short led a recovery team under orders to recover the bowl and after two months of digging, they succeeded. The Shanghai bowl can now be found in the 4th Battalion 31st Infantry Headquarters as part of the 10th Mountain Division in Fort Drum, New York. From the Bataan Death March to the Triangle of Death, hot or cold, Polar Bears have done it all, and I’m thankful to all who served a role in America’s history. Happy Veterans Day. Happy 250!
Chris' Morning Pages 