The 10th Mountain Division in World War II

The formation of the U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division was inspired by Finland’s success during the Soviet Union's invasion in 1939, where Finnish ski troops effectively used winter terrain to overcome Soviet armored divisions. Recognizing the strategic value of such a unit, Charles Minot “Minnie” Dole, founder of the National Ski Patrol, lobbied for a similar division in the U.S. Army. His efforts eventually led to the formation of specialized mountain warfare troops. In 1941, the War Department authorized the formation of experimental ski patrols, and by 1942, the 87th Mountain Infantry was created. Recruited primarily from skilled skiers, this unit was stationed at Camp Hale in Colorado. The 10th Light Division (Alpine) formed in 1943. Later renamed the 10th Mountain Division in 1944, it became a critical component of U.S. mountain and winter warfare capability. The division was involved in key operations, including the invasion of Kiska in the Aleutians and battles in Italy. Fully illustrated with over 200 photographs, the book catalogs the history of 10th Mountain Division unit and the equipment it used to undertake its unique mission, including skis, specialized winter clothing, and vehicles such as the M29 Weasel, designed for mountain and snow operations. The book also highlights the testing and deployment of various vehicles and artillery adapted for cold, mountainous environments, showcasing the division’s specialized role in the U.S. military in World War II.