Daily life during the long Antarctic night, some of the crew passing the time, 1929

Only the Best Men

The selection of the crew for the expedition was undertaken with careful consideration. In order to meet the goals of the expedition, a variety of men with a variety of skills would be essential. Ultimately, there were 4 pilots, 3 aircraft mechanics, three radiomen, five dog drivers, a doctor, three surveyors, 4 scientists, a tailor, a carpenter, news media experts, a cook and general hands, that totaled 42 men who wintered in Antarctica. In addition, a boy scout was selected prior to the expedition in a national search. Paul Siple was the winning scout, and accompanied not only this expedition, but all of the Byrd’s subsequent Antarctic expeditions. Siple eventually achieved prominence as a scientist in his own right.

Ashley McKinley, aerial surveyor and third in command, 1929

Ashley McKinley, aerial surveyor and third in command, 1929. Richard E. Byrd Papers, #7806_2

Personnel list for the Ice Party, Byrd Antarctic Expedition I, 1928-1930.

Personnel list for the Ice Party, Byrd Antarctic Expedition I, 1928-1930. Richard E. Byrd Papers, #4552.

Transcription (Google Gemini, 2026):

PERSONNEL LIST - BYRD ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION - Little America.

Alexander

Balchen

Black

Blackburn

Braathen

Bubier

Bursey

Byrd

Clark

Coman

Crockett

Czegka

Davies

deGahahl

Demas

Feury

Goodale

Chips Gould

Larry Gould

Haines

Hanson

Harrison

June

Lofgren

Mason

McKinley

Mulroy

O'Brien, JS

Owen

Parker

Peterson

Ronne

Roth

Rucker

Siple

Smith

Strom

Tennant

Thorne

Van der Veer

Vaughan

Walden

Total ............. 42.

Daily life during the long Antarctic night, some of the crew passing the time, 1929.

Daily life during the long Antarctic night, some of the crew passing the time, 1929. Richard E. Byrd Papers, #7806_5

Man hauling sledge in the frigid Antarctic night, 1929.

Man hauling sledge in the frigid Antarctic night, 1929. Richard E. Byrd Papers, #7809_38.

Dr. Francis Dana Coman, Surgeon and Biologist, 1929.

Dr. Francis Dana Coman, Surgeon and Biologist, 1929. Richard E. Byrd Papers, #7813_2.

Carl O. Petersen in the newspaper office at Little America, 1929

Carl O. Petersen in the newspaper office at Little America, 1929. Richard E. Byrd Papers, #7813_5

The crew of the Eleanor Bolling, 1928.

The crew of the Eleanor Bolling, 1928. Richard E. Byrd Papers, #7810_33.

In the mess hall, Little America, 1929.

In the mess hall, Little America, 1929. Richard E. Byrd Papers, #7806_6

1928 letter from Chief Scout Executive James West, inviting boy scout applicants for the Byrd Expedition

1928 letter from Chief Scout Executive James West, inviting boy scout applicants for the Byrd Expedition, Richard E. Byrd Papers, #1196.

Transcription (Google Gemini, 2026):

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA

National Council Office

2 Park Avenue New York City

1928 Series, No. 22, June 8, 1928

Subject: SCOUT TO GO WITH COMMANDER BYRD

From: CHIEF SCOUT EXECUTIVE

To: SCOUT EXECUTIVES, SCOUTMASTERS, NOT UNDER COUNCIL

Copies to: REGIONAL EXECUTIVES

BYRD ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION

As has been informally announced, Commander Richard E. Byrd some time ago very graciously expressed his willingness to have included in the group of fifty or more men who are to compose his party on the trip to the South Pole, a young man who has come up through the Scout Movement and who would, in a real sense, be a representative of the training and ideals of the Boy Scout Movement.

As you probably know this expedition will start about August 15th and it may last for a year and a half or more. On the other hand, it may be possible for Commander Byrd and his entire party to return within a shorter period, but certainly not less than six months.

Is there a young man in your territory, who has come up through the Scout Movement, preferably one who has had a continuous record as a Scout, and whom you would recommend for consideration as a member of Commander Byrd's Expedition?

In the June issue of the Country Gentleman, Commander Byrd said:

"I expect to take a Boy Scout to the Antarctic with me. This boy will be chosen by the Scout organization this summer. Why do I want a Boy Scout? Because health, loyalty, youth and ambition mean more in exploration than science and training. I look for great things from my Boy Scout."

MUST BE A SERVICE TO EXPEDITION

Our interest in availing ourselves of the opportunity should be on the basis of recommending as a member of this party someone who, because of his Scout Training, character and ability would make a vital contribution to the happiness and success of the Byrd Expedition. He might be an expert in radio, an accomplished musician or scientifically inclined and in a position to serve as a special aide to Commander Byrd in making and keeping records, or might possess other special qualities which would add to the successes of the group.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE JULY 10th

There is enclosed herewith an outline of certain fundamental requirements which will apply to all whose names are presented. In addition to this, the opportunity is given for the presentation of other facts which would tend to show that the person recommended would be a useful member of the Byrd Expedition. There are no application forms. Please present evidence, as far as possible, in the order stated in the requirements.

Applications on behalf of any young man should be received here not later than July 10th.

Please indicate on the enclosed postal card whether you are interested and intend to submit recommendations for one or more Scouts from your territory.

Sincerely and cordially yours,

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA,

James E. West

Chief Scout Executive

BYRD EXPEDITION TO THE ANTARCTIC

The following conditions constitute a basis upon which the candidates will be selected:

  1. The candidate must have had a minimum of two years membership in the Scout Movement attaining First Class or Able Sea Scout rank.

  2. He must present a certificate from his Scoutmaster or the Chairman of the Troop Committee showing his record as a Scout, rank, length of service, and such records as can be provided for recommending him for selection. The statement should certify that the Scout has actually put into practice in his daily life the ideals and principles of the Scout Oath and Law, and the Motto "Be Prepared", and the Daily Good Turn: maintained an active service continuously to Scouting during the period of his membership, and made an effort to develop and demonstrate leadership ability.

  3. Preference will be given to the Scouts who hold Merit Badges in Physical Development, Astronomy, Aviation, Chemistry, Electricity, Mining, Radio-Survey, Photography, Pioneering, Signaling, Stalking, Bird Study, Seamanship, Marksmanship, Carpentry, Conservation, Interpreting, Journalism, Leather Work, Machinery, Painting, Plumbing, Surveying and Taxidermy.

He must present a record of camping or cruising experience of at least one week during each of three summer camp seasons, and in winter camping. Special emphasis should be placed on his ability to stand cold weather. He must also present a statement of over-night and short term camps in which he has participated during the past three years, giving location, duration of camp, approximate number in the party and the camping conditions, and his own service relation to the camp. The committee will give consideration to outdoor experience in making its final decision.

  1. He must present a certificate from his teacher, school principal, Dean, or other qualified authority, giving his record for his last year in school.

  2. He must present a physician's certificate of a thorough physical examination and a record of illness he has had during the past three years. Such an examination must be as thorough and detailed as that required of candidates for the U.S. Army and Navy.

  3. He must be between the age of 17 and 20. (That is only Scouts born between August 1, 1907 and August 1, 1910 are eligible).

  4. He must present a certificate signed by parents or guardian approving his application, and signifying the correctness of the statements concerning him, and stating that they know of no reason why he should not successfully make the trip.

  5. He must submit an article of 500 to 1,000 words stating the reason why he wishes to become a member of this expedition, and why he feels he is qualified.

All candidates must submit a photograph (not a snapshot) and submit his application through and with the endorsement of their Local Council or Scoutmaster, if Troop is not under Council.

Evidence should be strong, such as will enable the committee to qualify as to the character of the Scout, his courage, resourcefulness, leadership ability, adaptability, quality of endurance, initiative, industry and his experience and action under stress.

Repuation sheet for Paul Siple, the boy scout selected to accompany the Byrd expedition, 1928

Reputation sheet for Paul Siple, the boy scout selected to accompany the Byrd expedition, 1928, Richard E. Byrd Papers, #1209. The boy scout organization was responsible for selecting the winner.

Transcription (Google Gemini, 2026):

  1. PAUL A. SIPLE, ERIE, PA.

HIS STRONG POINTS

  1. He appears to have a good strong physique

  2. He has an excellent character with the highest ideals.

  3. He is intelligent and very observant.

  4. He is absolutely sincere.

  5. He is respectful.

  6. He shows good judgment. He seems to be experienced along many lines.

  7. He has a good personality. He does not make a strong first impression, but a short acquaintance seems to lead to a strong friendship that rings deep.

  8. He is keenly interested in the sciences and problems of all kinds. He likes to reason solutions for himself.

  9. He appears to be a plodder with perseverance and patience. Willing to work and to take orders.

  10. He enjoys serving others. He appreciates the responsibility of the Scout who is chosen.

  11. He is easily adapted to his surroundings.

  12. He has a keen, though somewhat underlying, sense of humor.

  13. He has a wholesome respect for serious things.

  14. He is ambitious and enthusiastic.

HIS WEAK POINTS

  1. He is not a rapid thinker. He takes time, but is usually right.

  2. He is a little too serious. I am not certain how he would stand up under a considerable dose of banter on board ship. He accepts criticism appreciatively, however.

Paul Siple, 1928

Paul Siple, 1928, Richard E. Byrd Papers, #7811_43. Siple was only 19 years old when he accompanied the expedition.

Telegram of August 4, 1928, from James West, Chief Scout Executive, to the six boy scouts selected as finalists in the competition to go with Byrd's expedition to Antarctica

Telegram of August 4, 1928, from James West, Chief Scout Executive, to the six boy scouts selected as finalists in the competition to go with Byrd's expedition to Antarctica, Richard E. Byrd Papers, #4430.

Transcription (Google Gemini, 2026):

Form 1230 A

Charge to the account of $

WESTERN UNION

NEWCOMB CARLTON, PRESIDENT

J. C. WILLEVER, FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT

Send the following message, subject to the terms on back hereof, which are hereby agreed to

COPY COPY COPY

August 4, 1928

Paul A. Siple, 1158 West Fifth Street, Erie, Pa.

Jack Hirschmann, c/o Boy Scouts of America, 808 LaSalle Ave., Minneapolis, Minn.

Clark Spurlock, 1438 East 19th Street, Eugene, Oregon

Donald H. Cooper, 1014 So. Sprague Ave., Tacoma, Wash.

Alden Snell, 1731 "H" Street, N.W. Washington, D.C.

Sumner D. Davis, 1836 So. 15th Ave., Birmingham, Ala.

HAPPY TO REPORT YOU HAVE BEEN SELECTED AS ONE OF SIX FROM GROUP OF EIGHT-TWO FORMAL APPLICANTS FOR FINAL ELIMINATIONS FOR SELECTION OF ONE SCOUT TO ACCOMPANY COMMANDER BYRD ON SOUTH POLAR EXPEDITION. KINDLY REPORT AT THIS OFFICE NOON THURSDAY AUGUST NINTH AT OUR EXPENSE IN SCOUT UNIFORM PREPARED TO STAY IN NEW YORK SEVERAL DAYS PENDING FINAL SELECTION. KINDLY ACKNOWLEDGE THIS BY TELEGRAM COLLECT.

JAMES E. WEST---TM

1 /