Each year, the Coast Guard presents its highest award for inspirational leadership, the Jarvis Award. Gary Thomas, director of The Foundation for Coast Guard History, approached George Abbott Clark, a filmmaker and anthropologist, to develop the story of the intense 1897 reindeer rescue led by David H. Jarvis. George calls the true action-adventure film project Into the Ice.
It could become a documentary, a limited series, and/or a feature film.
Story in a Nutshell
Into the teeth of the wild Alaskan winter, for 1,500 miles, First Lieutenant David H. Jarvis of the Bering Sea Patrol struggles to lead an overland rescue mission. He’s aided by Inuit and missionary friends who are herding their 448 reindeer to save 275 starving sailors on ice-bound ships. The mission is so unlikely to succeed that it’s called a suicide mission and a “death march.”
It’s also the surprisingly untold origin story of the United States Coast Guard.
What Is It About?
Heroes are not born; they are made through sacrifice. More than ever, we need true, universal, inspirational stories of heroism, teamwork, and sacrifice.
Project Status
Several notable retired Coast Guard members, as well as award-winning filmmakers, are now part of the project, including actor-producers Beau and Jeff Bridges. Their actor father, Lloyd Bridges, served in the Coast Guard.
Beau and Jeff Bridges will help executive-produce and narrate if it’s a documentary. It’s envisioned as a three-part documentary.
As the project continues to evolve, we will provide updates to the Coast Guard community.