The collection is organized in four series: Records of the Association; Personal Correspondence of Ret. Lt. Col. Charles C. Isely; 339th Regimental Combat Team Materials; and Photographs. Most of the records of this small, national organization were generated by Ret. Lt. Col. Charles Isely. In later years, correspondence with members was conducted by the organization's secretary, a post Isely also held. Most records are scattered and incomplete since the organization is primarily a fraternal group that maintains no permanent office. Although the collection dates from 1918 to 1978, the majority of material dates from 1942 to 1978. The few early materials include memorabilia, photographs, and newsclippings from and about World War I and the original Polar Bears.
The majority of the RECORDS OF THE ASSOCIATION consists of a few items generated by the 339th Infantry Association. The records are made up of correspondence, bulletins, newsletters, programs, rosters, and reports, all relating to the biennial reunions. By-laws, general correspondence, incomplete financial records, a history of the 339th Infantry in World War II, newsclippings, and letters recruiting new members comprise the remainder of the series.
The PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE OF RET. LT. COL. CHARLES C. ISELY consists solely of family letters.
The series 339th REGIMENTAL COMBAT TEAM MATERIALS consists of company rosters, 1942-1978, orders, and intelligence documents of the 85th Division; menus and concert programs from World War II; and programs and newsclippings concerning World War I.
The PHOTOGRAPHS series documents scenes from Russia during the Combat Team's service during World War I, and from its service in Italy during World War II. There are also photographs depicting reunions.
