“Polar bears” soon will be coming to Mount Airy — not the white furry kind, but members of a military unit in World War II.

Those veterans, who also gathered here in 2003, will meet in Mount Airy again next week for another reunion of Company G of the 339th Infantry Regiment, also known as the Polar Bears. Part of the 85th Infantry Division of the 5th Army, the company served in Italy during the war.

That group has held other reunions at various locations.

Worth Haynes of Mount Airy is a veteran of the unit, whose ranks have dwindled in recent years with most of those who fought in World War II now well into their 80s.

Haynes will serve as host for his old Army buddies, who will be based at the Hampton Inn on U.S. 601 during the reunion scheduled to run next Tuesday through Friday.

Eight members of the Polar Bear regiment are expected, Hampton Inn spokesman Tambra Redding said Tuesday, most accompanied by family members. They will be coming from states including New Jersey, South Carolina and West Virginia.

In addition to reminiscing about their war experiences, the veterans will visit local tourism sites, Redding said. Locations related to Andy Griffith and the Siamese twins, as well as scenic spots such as Pilot Mountain, are on the itinerary so far.

The vets also are scheduled to receive special recognition from Mayor Jack Loftis while in Mount Airy.

The “Polar Bear” nickname dates to 1918-19, when earlier members of the unit served in northern Russia during the civil war in that country and fought the Red Army as part of an allied intervention.

Redding said the hotel possibly will furnish transportation for the veterans during their stay, and it is hoped that local restaurants can provide some lunches and dinners to the special guests. That would serve the dual purpose of thanking the elderly men for their service and helping offset some of their expenses involved with journeying to Mount Airy.

Anyone wishing to help in that regard can call Redding at the Hampton Inn at 789-5999.