Alternate Formats. Formed in 1916, the U.S. Army 31st Infantry Regiment--known as the Polar Bears--has fought in virtually every war in modern American history. The 31st Battalion containing many WW1 soldiers was given the home defence tasks in North Queensland until in 1943 it was merged with the 51st Battalion to form the 31st/51st where it took part in operations in Merauke in West New Guinea and later in bloody battles in Bougainville. Operating at Quang Ngai, Chu Lai, and the Que Son Valley for most of the rest of the war, the 4th Battalion fought to keep Viet Cong guerillas and the North Vietnamese Army from capturing the coastal lowlands. Perhaps of note, the Shanghai Bowl was later recovered due to the efforts of Cpt. In 1986 the unit was re established as the 31st Battalion The Royal Queensland Regiment. Three authors have chronicled the unit that has served with honor, duty, and sacrifice to preserve freedom for the people of the United States of America. Although adjacent parts of Shanghai were demolished by fierce fighting between Japanese and Chinese troops, the International Settlement remained an island of security. In 1941 the 2/31st was in Syria fighting the Vichy French troops. Arriving on 2 February, the 31st assisted in providing security in and around the International Settlement while Chinese and Japanese troops fought in the streets within view of sentries. When hostilities broke out between Japanese and Chinese forces in Shanghai in early 1932, the 31st Infantry was sent to reinforce the 4th Marine Regiment in the International Settlement of Shanghai. When this demand was refused, partisans launched attacks on trains along the Suchan branch. Reinforcing the 4th Marine Regiment and a predominantly British International Force, the 31st Infantry deployed hastily by sea to protect Shanghai's International Settlement. After Vietnam, the 31st Infantry underwent another period of reorganization. 4/31 Infantry was deployed to Vietnam in the spring of 1966, operating in and around Tay Ninh province as part of the 196th Light Infantry Brigade. In August 1969, most of the 9th Division departed Vietnam in August 1969. Due to the chaos of the Russian Revolution in late 1917 and the disintegration of the Eastern Front in early 1918, Russia descended into civil war and anarchy. about GuideStar Pro. The 31st Battalion Association is an organization of ex-members of the 31st Battalion in whatever format it has existed over the years. Disease such as malaria and dysentery became rampant on both sides, particularly the Americans and Filipinos when medical supplies were exhausted. C Company, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, conducted the various training exercises in July 2003, while in Djibouti including known distance ranges, both in Djibouti and Ethiopia; reflexive fire ranges, both in Djibouti and Ethiopia; AK-47 range for familiarization of the weapon system; familiarization ranges for shotguns and 9 mm pistols; external sling load training with Heavy Marine Helicopter Company (HMH-461) both day and night iterations to help certify them; its mortar platoon underwent training on the mortar ballistic computer and the plotting board to further their proficiency. 1st and 2d Battalions were reactivated in Korea, while 3d Battalion remained in the Army Reserve in California. This organization has not provided GuideStar with a mission statement. As fighting raged around the 3/31 Infantry’s perimeter, MacLean spotted an approaching column coming under American fire. Need more info on this nonprofit? In October 2009 TF 4–31 returned to Iraq for an 8-month deployment. During the war, at various times its units included the 124th Infantry Regiment, the 155th Infantry Regiment from Mississippi, the 156th Infantry Regiment, and the 167th Infantry Regiment. 31st Infantry Battalion Association Inc. In September and October 2001, the Polar Bears were once again called to arms to participate in the nation's War on Terror. The Army Historical Foundation is the designated official fundraisers for the National Museum of the United States Army. The Polar Bears earned two Silver Stars and the battalion was awarded a Valorous Unit Award.