The History of the American Expedition Fighting the Bolsheviki

This work follows the first months of an American military foray into post‑World War I Russia, drawing on soldiers’ letters, newspaper reports, and official documents to paint a vivid picture of a war that many hear about only in passing. The narrative opens with the United States’ declaration of war against Germany and quickly shifts to the mobilization of ordinary citizens—farmers, clergy, and city officials—who rallied to support the effort abroad.

At its heart is the personal account of a young mechanic from Detroit, who joins the 339th Infantry and experiences the brutal realities of the Russian front before illness and injury force his return to England. Interspersed with a handy glossary of period slang, the book offers listeners a clear sense of the language, logistics, and daily life of soldiers and civilians alike, making the distant conflict feel immediate and human.