My story is about Colorado's own U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division of WWII. This division was activated in 1943 as the Army's newest, and since then, only Alpine Division. It was determined that the Army needed soldiers trained not only for combat but also mountain climbing and rough high-terrain survival and skiing. The division was comprised of volunteers as well as men from other existing divisions.
Thus, Camp Hale was created in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado about 18 miles north of historic Leadville on Hwy 91 near Pando. Barracks were built overnight, it seemed, but three to four months after construction began, the soldiers started to arrive. They trained long and hard under the harshest of conditions as the winter temperatures dropped to well below zero! They trained with winter gear and even had mules to carry the loads over the mountains.
The 10th Mountain Division was actually the last division to enter the war. The 87th Mountain Regiment was first to deploy to the small island of Kiska (near the end of the Aleutian Islands off the coast of Alaska) that was believed to be occupied by the Japanese, however it was soon discovered that the enemy had left the island the night before. It wasn't until December 1944 that orders were issued for deployment in the Alps of Northern Italy. It was the 10th Mountain's turn to show what it was made of and it did well!
The Germans were surprised by these "soldiers on skis" as they were driven back or captured at places known as the Po Valley and Riva Ridge. The Division lost a total of 998 soldiers during its deployment. As the war came to an end in May of 1945, the Army wasted no time in deactivating the division in July of that year. But these soldiers were not done yet. Actually, some of these vets came back to Colorado to accomplish their greatest feat of all! They were instrumental in creating what is now known as the skiing industry! Do not be mistaken, they did not invent skiing, they instead developed the ski resort towns that we call Aspen, Vail, Copper Mountain, and of course, their very own Ski Copper, plus numerous other ski resorts throughout the country!
By the way, if you ever ski at Vail, you will notice that one of the runs is actually named "Riva Ridge"!
Now come the real reason for this story. For the last 60 or so years, the Veterans of the 10th Mountain Division and their families have gathered together on an annual basis for their reunions all across our country. They get together and remember the fallen and share war stories. Memorial ceremonies are held as well and each year they also have a wreath-laying service. In August of 2007, the final reunion will be held for these Veterans of WWII! I believe that this should be one of the biggest events that Colorado has ever seen.
After all, if it were not for the 10th, would we be the skiing capitol of the country? It's time for all of us here in our great state to show these men our appreciation! I am the founder of the 10th Mountain All State Marching Band, a civilian patriotic ceremonial military marching band dedicated to bringing recognition to the 10th Mountain Division so it will not be forgotten! We are leading the campaign to make this an event the soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division will not soon forget.
If you would like to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime event, please contact us at
tenthallstateband@hotmail.com.
We are asking for sponsorships from companies founded or based in Colorado as well as private donations from those interested in showing statewide appreciation to the Veterans and families of Colorado's 10th Mountain Division of WWII!
"Operation: Hale and Farewell" is officially underway!