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VOLUME 36 2007 NUMBER 1

PUBLISHED BY AND FOR SOLDIERS OF THE 10TH MOUNTAIN DIVISION

On May 29, 2006 following the 48thAnnual Memorial Day ceremony at Ten-nessee Pass, the John Compton Memo-rial Bridge was dedicated at the EagleRiver at Camp Hale.

The bridge honors John P. Compton,a machine gunner in 86-G who was killedin action in Italy on March 3, 1945. Thiswas the first day of the offensive thatjumped off from the northern end of theMt. Belvedere ridge and made for thehigh ground near the village of Iola. Earlyin the attack, close by the farmhouse CasaRomito, Pfc. Compton was killed by en-emy rifle fire. After the war, finding thatthe church in Iola had been badly dam-aged, the Compton family rebuilt thechurch in honor of John.

In attendance for the Bridge dedica-tion were a number of supporters ofthe project. These included U.S. ForestService employees Bill Kite, Cary Penceand Justin Henderson, and others whowere instrumental in the procurementand planning of the Bailey bridge overthe Eagle River. Also present were 10thMountain Division Hut Associationrepresentatives, including executive di-rector Ben Dodge and Ted and CarolBillings. WWII 10th Mountain Divisionveterans present were Art Delaney (87-L) and Norm Ehrgott (85-K), amongothers.

The Foundation served as a conduitfor funding by the Compton FamilyFoundation and the Baker Family Foun-dation. The Compton Foundation gave$35,000 to the 10th Mountain DivisionFoundation, Inc. to honor John Comptonand fund this bridge. The Baker Founda-tion matched that amount and asked thatthe funds be used to honor all men who

JOHN COMPTONMEMORIAL BRIDGE

Thomas E. Hames (Desc. 85-K)John Imbrie (85-C)

served with the 10th Mountain Division.Our thanks to these two fine organiza-tions for funding this last project andmemorial.

Bill Ryan of the 10th Mountain Divi-sion Living History and Display Groupbrought his World War II jeep, whichwas the first official vehicle to cross thebridge. Besides Bill, those in the jeepwere Bill Kite, U.S. Forest Service, Col.Frank Romano (86-K) and LaurenHames, granddaughter of EugeneHames (85-K). Bill Kite and LaurenHames cut the ribbon, officially open-ing the bridge. Earl Clark (87-HQ-1),Howard Koch (86-C), Hugh Evans(85-A,C) and other members of the Foun-dation Board of Directors who were in-volved in organizing this project wereabsent due to the National Association-sponsored trip to Italy.

The photograph below shows theWorld war II Jeep as the first officialvehicle to cross the bridge. The bridgehas cement abutments and can withstandthe weight of an armored vehicle, includ-ing a tank. Interpretative signs tell aboutJohn Compton and the two Foundationsthat provided the funding for this project.Access is now afforded from the west tothe east of the Eagle River at the mainentrance of the Camp Hale National His-toric site.

This project is representative of thegood works the Tenth Mountain Divi-sion Foundation Inc. has undertaken.Also of note is the substantial contribu-tion the Foundation made in 2005 and2006 to the Abbie Kealy video documen-tary of the 10th Mountain Division, basedupon McKay Jenkins’ book “The LastRidge.”

The Hale and Farewell reunion com-mittee is meeting monthly dedicated tohaving a very high quality 2007 reunion.Our commander Hugh Evans (85-A,C),and George Loudis (86-H), our Finan-cial Officer, are running a tight ship andkeeping us in line. We estimate thataround 800+ will attend with about anequal number of descendants and veter-ans. We don’t call this our final reunionbecause we know that the descendantsare ready to take over the reins, planninga return to Italy in 2009 and a Tenth Re-union in 2010. The Survey Cards showthat some 400 are planning to attend,including many grandchildren andgreat grandchildren. Kate Raabe (desc.86-MED) and her Descendant’s commit-tee are working on activities for young-sters and teenagers. We are strugglingwith how best to handle the costs foryoungsters. Those who are organizingUnit get-togethers must plan and arrangeprograms and meeting rooms on theirown.

Earl Clark (87-HQ-1) has beennamed Honorary Chairman. DebbieGemar, an Honorary Member who re-cently retired from the 10th MountainDivision Resource Center at the DenverPublic Library has designed a beautiful,artistic Registration Form. Joe Fennessey(10th INF) will organize a place and timefor golf, but there will be no official Re-union Golf Tournament.

Frontier Airlines is offering dis-

REUNION UPDATEBob Carlson (86-L)

counted fares for travel to the reunion.Traveling by AMTRAK, bus or car areother options.

Abbie Kealy (desc.86-L), will showher new video each day on a continuingbasis in a designated film room. The Liv-ing History group, headed by DavidLittle, will set up its fine display of origi-nal equipment and gear.

The cost of the post-reunion Tennes-see Pass Monument — Cooper Hill —Camp Hale Tour with lunch at CooperHill will be $50 per person. At CampHale the folks will visit several sites, in-cluding the new Bailey Bridge acrossthe Eagle River. The Resource CenterTours will cost $10 and will run all dayFriday August 3 and Saturday morningAugust 4. About 350 people will be ableto go on these behind-the-scenes tours.Those wishing to go to downtown Den-ver for any reason, such as seeing themagnificent new Art Museum, can usethe new light rail system from a stationnear the Marriott.

John Litchfield’s (86-L,10-HQ)Memory Book will include some 10thMountain Division history and, if pos-sible, at least one photo of each veteranwho attends the Reunion. There will bea professional photographer at the Re-union.

There will be a lot to do at this re-union and many of your old friends willbe there, so all we can say is “Y’allcome!”

COME TO THE REUNION BY TRAIN, CAR,BUS, PLANE, OR MULE, BUT BE THERE!

Christmas 1944, A Co. 86th on the move in Italy. Seated l to r: Herb Grapes,Ed Flabetich and Bob Jardine. Standing l to r: unknown, Peter Guimond,

Blaine Hunter, unknown, George Robinson, Al Frasca.

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2007 NUMBER 1

ArizonaH. Philip Lieberman4519 W. Hayward AvenueGlendale, AZ 85301

ArmadilloSteven Worley4618 Carleen RoadHouston, TX 77092

Big SkyJim WalshP.O. Box 305Stanford, MT 59479

Delaware River ValleyPatricia Thornton112 Maple AvenueBala Cynwyd, PA 19004

Fort DrumMike Plummer121 Paddock StreetWatertown, NY 13601

Lower MichiganHarrison Coleman43000 12 Oaks CrescentUnit 5033Novi, MI 48377

Metropolitan New YorkJay Charles20 Stuyvesant OvalApartment 4BNew York, NY 10009

MidwestJacon pollack5260 Gulf Mexico Drive 406Longboat Key, FL 34228

Mt. RainierKarl Stingl10301 242nd Place SWEdmonds, WA 98020

New EnglandJohn D. Barton692 Hope StreetBristol, RI 02809

North CentralLouis F. Anderson3504 Valento CircleVadnais Heights, MN 55127

NorthwestEd Flabetich6448 SW Loop DrivePortland, OR 97221

RoadrunnerSidney L. Foil8524 Evangeline Avenue NEAlbuquerque, NM 87111

Rocky MountainGeorge Loudis1 Sutherland CourtHighlands Ranch, CO 80130

Sierra NevadaRobert Yank19416 Marna LaneSonoma, CA 95476

Southeast ChapterAl Partridge504 Eppinger DrivePort Charlotte, FL 33953

Southern CaliforniaHoward Koch12203-37 Santa GertrudesLa Mirada, CA 90638

Upper PeninsulaErwin O. HollmannW 5632 Boat Landing LanePeshtigo, WI 54157

Upstate New YorkWilliam A. Morrison341 Wormer RoadVoorheesville, NY 12186

UtahSandy Eldredge3939 Hale DriveSalt Lake City, UT 84124

Washington, DCHassell Vass3707 Red Grove RoadBaltimore, MD 21220

PRESIDENT’S REPORTJohn Duffy (86-HQ-2)

BLIZZARDPAGE 2

Chairman of the BoardNate Morrell13120 County Route 156Watertown, NY 13601

PresidentJohn J. DuffyP.O. Box 750888Forest Hills, NY 11375

Senior V.P.Steve Coffey1630 York Hills LaneReston, VA 20194

SecretaryPaul C. Kitchen, Jr.218 Terminal AvenueErdenheim, PA 19038

V.P.-Data Acquisition and AnalysisJohn Imbrie55 Pamden LaneSeekonk, MA 02771

V.P.-Public RelationsRichard M. WilsonP.O. Box 1255Grantham, NH 03753

V.P. ProgramsAl Condo3424 Ivy LaneNewtown Square, PA 19073

Published by and for Members of the National Associationof the 10th Mountain Division, Inc.

Editorial material and photographs should be clearly marked with the sender’s name and address.No photographs will be returned unless specifically requested. All materials should be sent toSally Fricke Oesterling, Blizzard Editor, 9700 Cottrell Terrace, Silver Spring, MD 20903.Opinions expressed in this publication reflect those of the Magnificent Soldiers of the 10th anddo not necessarily conform to accepted journalistic standards. Editor reserves the right to rewrite,renegotiate or refuse materials submitted for publication. For consultation purposes, the editormay be reached at 301-434-3237; Fax 301-434-7722; or e-mail [email protected]. Membersshould also feel free to contact National President John J. Duffy at 718-591-7775 or [email protected]. Subscription rate for nonmembers: $20.00 per year.

BOARD OF DIRECTORSThe Board of Directors, National Association of the 10th Mountain Division, Inc., consists of theChairman of the Board, National President, Senior Vice President, National Secretary, NationalTreasurer, all Chapter Presidents, the Blizzard editor, the Executive Director, the Quartermaster,the President of the 10th Mountain Division Foundation, and two members at large who may beidentified by the President. (Article IV, Section 2, National By-Laws, National Association of the10th Mountain Division, Inc.).

NATIONAL OFFICERSTreasurerDaniel Murphy, CPA7 Gage RoadBedford, NH 03110

QuartermasterFrank Thornton112 Maple AvenueBala Cynwyd, PA 19004

BLIZZARD EditorSally Fricke Oesterling9700 Cottrell TerraceSilver Spring, MD 20903

HistorianHoward Koch12203-37 Santa Gertrudes Ave.La Mirada, CA 90638

Film LibrarianH. Newcomb EldredgeP.O. Box 539Newport, NH 03773

ChaplainRev. Webster G. Barnett9303 Lafayette #3Bainbridge, WA 98110

Resource Center LiaisonHugh Evans768 Rockway PlaceBoulder, CO 80303

Fort Drum LiaisonPat Muir20104 Ball RoadBlack River, NY 13612

Art DirectorCharles D. Hunt410 Redspire DriveGreenville, SC 29617

Membership ChairNancy BagshawP.O. Box 683Aquebogue, NY 11931

WebmasterDavid Little1198 Thornbury PlaceHighlands Ranch, CO 80129

Executive DirectorMike Plummer121 Paddock StreetWatertown, NY 13601

Chairmen EmeritiEarl E. ClarkM.N. “Mac” MacKenzieHugh EvansArthur F. Muschler*Paul J. GundermanDean Carmichael*Deceased

CHAPTER PRESIDENTS

The 2007 National Association Ros-ter is currently being prepared for distri-bution. This is a valuable and importantreference document for our membership.In the past few months we have madeappeals to all members to submit updatedinformation in order that we meet ourdeadlines and include accurate infor-mation for as many of our members aspossible.

The 2007 Roster will be the twelfthin a series of national membership list-ings. The first waspublished in 1955by the 10th Moun-tain Division AlumniAssociation — theorganization whichin 1971 evolved intoour National Asso-ciation. I have cher-ished my copy of thatfirst Directory (as itwas called), whichcontains the names,addresses and unitsof 2,500 members —including the then re-cently retired Lt.Gen. George P. Hays,who lived in NewRochelle, NY. The 10th Mountain Divi-sion National Association’s first rosterwas published in 1973, two years afterthe Association was formed. That rosterincluded 3,581 names and addresses.Later rosters were published every threeor four years. The roster grew to a maxi-mum of 7,000 names in 1987, then de-clined to 4,000 in 2004.

A study of these rosters reveals thata total of 7,900 WWII veterans of the10thjoined our Association, or one of its pre-decessor organizations. Consideringthat 31,000 soldiers served in our Divi-sion during WWII, and 999 were killedin action, this means that 26% of our vet-erans who survived the war joined the

Association — a truly remarkable record.Over the years, the roster’s format

evolved in various ways, with fewernames, but more photos and articles.Since 1980, all rosters have included anarticle on the history of the Association.In 1998 John Engle (87-L) greatly ex-panded this article, creating a fascinat-ing account of how our organizationevolved starting with plans made onthe slopes of Mt. Belvedere. In 1994 theroster included for the f irst time the

names and units ofmen on our WorldWar II Roll of Honor— our fallen com-rades. Since 2000, theroster has includeda Roll of Honor forthe 10th MountainDivision (Light).

Starting in 1998,rosters have includeda list of the principal10th Mountain Divi-sion monuments andmemorials located inthe U.S. and overseas.In that same year, theroster included de-scendants who were

members of the Association. These de-scendants eventually formed their ownorganization, with a separate listing in the2004 roster. The 2007 Roster will coverboth Association members and Descen-dants, and include both alphabetical andgeographic listings.

As the 2007 National Roster goes topress, I want to acknowledge Barbara andJohn Imbrie (85-C) who are workinghard to make the roster an informativeand accurate reference document, andJohn Engle, who once again is workingto bring the Association’s history and alist of memorials up to date. How fortu-nate we are for their enthusiasm anddiligence!

Nominating Committee chairmanHarvey Wieprecht (86-F) was presentedwith the following slate of candidatesfor officers and appointed positions ofthe 10th Mountain Division Association

OFFICERS

President Mike Plummer 10th Mt. Div. (Lt.) Watertown, NY

Vice President Steve Coffey Descendant Reston, VA

Secretary Gil Pearsall 10th Mt. Div. (Lt) Carthage, NY

Treasurer Dan Murphy Descendant Bedford, NH

APPOINTED POSITIONS

Executive Director Craig Boss 10th Mt. Div. (Lt) Lowville, NY

Quartermaster Frank Thornton Descendant Bala Cynwyd, PA

Blizzard Editor Felicity Hallanan Friend of the 10th Sandy Creek, NY

Membership Chair Ken Lopez 10th Mt. Div. (Lt) Carthage, NY

Scholarship Mike Miller 10th Mt. Div. (Lt) Watertown, NYCommission Chair

Webmaster David Little Honorary Denver, CO

Ft. Drum Liaison Sgts. Major 10th Mt. Div. (Lt) Ft. Drum, NYDivision Command

CANDIDATES FORNATIONAL OFFICERS

for the term beginning November 1,2007 and ending October 31, 2010. Thecandidates will have an opportunity topresent their platforms and credentialsin the Blizzard 2007, No. 2.

2007 NUMBER 1 PAGE 3BLIZZARD

EVENTSLOCATIONEVENT ORGANIZATIONDATE

Last Thursday Northwest Luncheon Milwaukie, ORof each month

March 6-15 Rocky Mountain Ski-in Frisco, CO

March 23-25 New England Ski in Pico Peak, VT

March 26 Rocky Mountain Luncheon Lone Pine, CO

April 15 Mt. Rainier Luncheon Seattle, WA

April 28 Northwest Pick & Plant Highway 26

April 30 Rocky Mountain Luncheon Lone Pine, CO

May 1 Rocky Mountain Trash Bash Highway 40

May 8 Mt. Rainier Luncheon Gig Harbor, WA

May 16-18 North Central Reunion North Branch, MN

May 28 10th Mountain Memorial Day Tennessee PassDivision Foundation Service

June 11-14 Midwest Reunion Springfield, IL

June 12 Mt. Rainier Luncheon Seattle, WA

June 12 Mt. Rainier Descendant Dinner Seattle, WA

June 16 Washington DC Flag Day Picnic Holeywell’s

June 25 Rocky Mountain Luncheon Lone Tree, CO

June 26 Rocky Mountain Trash Bash Highway 40

June 27-30 Fort Drum Reunion Fort Drum, NY

July 10 Mt. Rainier Luncheon Lake Cle Elum, WA

July 15 Northwest Picnic Wieprecht’s

July 21 Northwest Pick & Plant Highway 26

July 30 Rocky Mountain Luncheon Lone Tree, CO

August 2-5 National Association Reunion Denver, CO

August 14 Mt. Rainier Luncheon Rainier, WA

August 15 Northwest Luncheon Timberline, OR

August 27 Rocky Mountain Luncheon Lone Tree, CO

August 28 Rocky Mountain Trash Bash Highway 40

RESOURCE CENTER HELPSVETERANS TOO. Do you have troubleremembering specifically where yourunit was on March 12, 1945? Have youforgotten when you joined a particularcompany, or the dates of your furlough atCamp Swift? Is an old marching songrolling around in your head that you justcan’t quite put your finger on? Well, youare not alone. Recently, your 10th Moun-tain Division Resource Center handledthese questions and many more just likethem. Most of our Resource Center in-quiries are from descendants seeking in-formation about a family member. Re-sponding to these types of queries pro-vides me some of the most rewarding mo-ments in my day. But we offer a lot more.A veteran contacted me to obtain the lyr-ics for a song he vaguely remembered. Thesong mentioned something about lutefiskand sill. We were able to send him copiesof lyrics to many old marching songs.When a veteran was confused about whatribbons or medals were associated withthe Kiska landings, we provided the in-formation he needed. For another vet-eran, the opportunity to relive the drill ofsetting up a field artillery piece by perus-ing portions of an old Army Field Manualbrought back a flood of memories.

In responding to queries, we mainlydepend on the company morning report.These reports are a daily record of eventsand include entries for individual sol-diers that provide dates for promotions,furloughs, hospitalizations, details aboutwounds, transfers and Military Occu-pational Specialty (MOS) classif ica-tions. We also use Payroll records toconfirm enlistment, promotion and trans-fer dates. General and special orders,award citations, rosters, manuals and ahost of other primary documents giveus valuable details about events andprocedures.

Although I have recently been on a

DENVER PUBLIC LIBRARY

10TH MOUNTAIN DIVISIONRESOURCE CENTER REPORT

crusade soliciting donations of letters,diaries and photographs, I want to makeit clear that the 10th Mountain DivisionCollection contains so much more. As theveteran queries related above point out,we need, and we can make use of almostany type of documentary material. Theother day I received a 1944 Leadville-Pando bus schedule! So, don’t throw any-thing away. Let us evaluate it. And, thenext time a grandchild prods you for de-tails of your military service that have be-come somewhat clouded by time, call theResource Center. We are here to help you.

Our first major historical collectionTMD1 is now available online at theDenver Public Library website: http://www.denverlibrary.org/. Click on “West-ern History and Genealogy,” then “Man-uscript Catalog,” then the link for “Elec-tronic Access to Manuscript FindingAids.” From here you can find the 10thMountain Division Records, TMD1.This collection contains only a fraction ofthe material we have. We separated thisinformation from the main collection asit all relates to the history of the 10th.Later, we will add a collection identifiedas TMD40, National Association of the10th Mountain Division Records. Thisis where all of the reunions, memorials,meeting minutes and so forth will reside.TMD2 will include all of the NationalArchives copies that went into creatingthe database.

I have identified approximately 1,000individual collections. Each of these willeventually have a TMD number. For ex-ample, Hugh Evans’ papers are TMD4,Earl Clark’s are TMD8, John Imbrie’sare TMD37, John Duffy’s are TMD47.So far we have inventoried approximately80 of the 1,000 I have identified, so it willbe a few weeks before I get the other 920inventoried (or maybe several years!).

My thanks to all of you who reviewedand corrected the historical notes.

For documentary material, contact:Dennis Hagen, Archivist • 10th Mountain Division Resource CenterThe Denver Public Library Western History/Genealogy Department

10 West 14th Avenue Parkway, Denver, CO 80204-2731 • (720) 865-1812Email: [email protected]

For artifacts, contact:Moya Hansen, Curator • 10th Mountain Division Resource Center

Colorado Historical Society • 1300 Broadway • Denver, CO 80203-2137(303) 866-4697 • Email: [email protected]

This Just In… the 10th Mountainfilm “The Last Ridge” is ready for broad-cast, and will premier nationally onpublic television, very likely around Me-morial Day weekend.

When we last reported on the docu-mentary, we were deep into editing thesixty minute public television program.What can we say, it takes time to siftthrough hundreds of hours of interviews,

“THE LAST RIDGE”DOCUMENTARY PREMIERS

SPRING 2007Abbie Kealy (Desc. 86-L)

battlefield re-enactments, boxes of pho-tographs and archival footage from Al-lied, German and Japanese forces. Whoknew it would take longer to produce“The Last Ridge” than for the 10th totrain and fight in Italy?

But we hope you’ll agree it was worththe wait when you see “The Last Ridge”this coming spring on public televisionstations nationwide. With the addition of

newly recorded narration by NationalPublic Radio’s Scott Simon, host of Sat-urday Edition, the final program also in-cludes 3-D animated maps that providea better understanding of battlefield ter-rain and troop movement. More than a“birds eye view,” these animations com-bine footage shot by a NASA shuttle,with topographic elevation data to createa perspective any bird would envy. Anoriginal music score completes the filmand sets the scene for the 10th, from theirearly days to current 10th vets now recu-perating at Walter Reed Hospital inWashington, DC.

A website dedicated to “The LastRidge” is in development to provide in-

Abbie Kealy filmingin Afghanistan.

Abbie on Italy shoot with cameramanRichard Chisolm.

formation about airdates around thecountry, as they become known. Visitwww.lastridge.com for local airtimes, aswell as behind-the-scenes stories and neatstuff we couldn’t fit in the program.

Once the program is released, it willalso be available for sale on VHS andDVD. The DVD version will includecomprehensive bonus features aboutthe production, in-depth interviews withadditional vets, and battle re-enactmentsnot featured in the program. The website,will provide additional details on howto order.

I cannot thank you enough for allyour support, enthusiasm and interest in“The Last Ridge.”

2007 NUMBER 1BLIZZARDPAGE 4

It was said that the Army allowedseven weeks for acclimatization at Hale.Jim Chandler (85-G), Aarne Jackson(87-I,L) and I arrived at Camp Hale thefirst week in August, 1943. We were as-signed to 90-L and issued our equipment— from canteens to rucksacks, sleepingbags and the M-1 Garand rifle. Calisthen-ics and close-order drill the next morn-ing marked the start of three month’sbasic training. Each day, Denver-RioGrande — Dirty, Rugged and Greasy —locomotives hauled freight cars throughPando. Coal smoke spewed over CampHale, creating the Pando Hack, the curseof the Camp.

At the end of August, we packedrucksacks. One person packed the newMountain Tent — (pup tent with sown-in canvas floor), another person packedthe tent poles and stakes. You entered theMountain Tent through a tubular open-ing with difficulty, then pulled it shut,which left you snug and slightly claus-trophobic. With 90 — well, more like 60— pounds of rucksack we marched toGold Park for a four-week bivouac. Wedug the longest latrine ever, cutting sap-lings to create “seats” that bowed omi-nously when loaded during the morning’swake-up call. While on bivouac, the com-pany worked up defensive and offensivepositions, and sent out patrols at night.We listened to lectures on sage brush-covered hills. Our CO told us we couldexpect to see action by the first of theyear. Our officers harped on Japanesemethods of fighting. Some fellows an-ticipated that we would land on somemountainous South Pacific island.

There were classes on map reading,use of the compass and reconnaissance.A Staff Sergeant tossed a stick of dy-namite amongst his waiting class. Helaughs as they scatter, hit the ground,panic. Holding the dynamite, he says,“You can cut it, break it, burn it. It can’thurt you. “But this” he adds, holding asmall square cap, “can blow your handoff.” He attaches the dynamite cap, lightsthe fuse, and tosses the dynamite downhill where it explodes with a satisfactorythump. The bivouac ended with a forcedmarch back to camp. Showers, cleanclothes after four weeks of accumulatedcrud were sheer pleasures.

After the bivouac, Co. L spent a weekon the firing range. When the snow came,we were issued skis, poles, parkas andpants. And so we skied, yes? No! Youwere not allowed to ski until you hadclasses at Cooper Hill. Meanwhile, whenwe went out on exercises we humpedaround in waist deep snow with our skisand poles tied to our rucksacks, makingan A-frame. Our ski classes began inearly January: sidestep, herringbone,snow-plow, stem-christie. Weekends weskied on our own. The ski course endedwith a mile-and-a-half run down from thetop of Cooper Hill, the platoon gearedup with rifles and rucksacks. On turns,you had to take care that the weight onyour back did not pull you around. Oneday we were ordered to turn in our skiboots for a pair of mountain boots. Theywere designed, we were told, for skiingand climbing. In truth, they were, alongwith the mountain tent, among the worst

90 POUNDS OF RUCKSACKTom Brooks (85-G)

equipment issued in the Tenth.The Army transferred “volunteers”

from the 538th Armored and the 647thTank Destroyer infantry to fill out theDivision. Many were southerners; mostcould not ski. The 90th enlisted men werefiltered into companies throughout theTenth. I was assigned to 85-G’s SecondPlatoon. First Lieutenant Ray Zaberskytook the platoon to a hill — open slopesand a scatter of trees. “I’m making a run.Follow me. Those who make it to thebottom without falling are free to do whatthey want the rest of the day.” Thosewho made it went off to loaf, fool aroundor ski other parts of the slope. And soit went until late in the afternoon, thelast man finally made it down withouta fall. Zabersky became Company com-mander. One late afternoon, G Companywas hung up behind a stop-and-go lineof companies returning to camp afteran exercise. Zabersky climbed out ofthe roadway, shouted, “G Company fol-low me!” We showered, dined and wereoff to the PX or the movies when thebedraggled mountaineers finally reachedcamp.

In late February, early March we wereout in the field, running problems. Moun-tain tents miraculously disappeared. Wefound it best to stamp out with skis a slittrench in the snow, lay out a shelter halfthen a sleeping bag. Our down bags weresuperb — comfy, though sometimes wewoke covered by a night’s snowfall. Dur-ing the D-Series war games, whichstarted on March 26, the Division spreadout among the snowy peaks aroundCamp Hale. No fires were allowed. Coldweather, cold rations, the eternal snowchilled mind and body. However, themen assigned as runners at BattalionHeadquarters — two from each company— had a good deal. Most nights, theystamped out a huge circle, rolled outsleeping bags on evergreen boughs, andlit a fire at the center of the circle. Somenights, someone would go on sick calland return with a bottle of cough medi-cine. Each would take a sip. At that alti-tude, the codeine gave one a mild high.D-Series ended on April 15, Easter Sun-day. The Division flunked, largely assomeone put it, while the men could skithey did not see skis as a means of mov-ing from one f iring line to another.We were condemned — mountaineersthought — to Camp Swift to be reformedinto a traditional infantry division.

Before leaving Camp Hale for Swiftin early summer, G Company markedtime with basics and rock climbing. Be-fore the snow melted, we skied SugarloafMountain, making runs in four inches ofpowder, jumping off a cornice, just fool-ing around. At the end of the day, thecompany was stretched across a largebowl, the snow mass moved and everyman turned skis and schussed. At thebottom, everyone was relieved that anavalanche did not develop. We returnedto Camp Hale running down the roadbetween the darkening spruce and firforest, one behind another, occasionallychecking one’s speed, silent except forthe creak of the gear on our back. It wasthe last time G Company skied at Hale;the last time ever, for some.

In May 1943, as a 2nd Lieutenant, Iwas assigned to 87-H commanded byDick Johnson. I was in charge of the81mm mortar platoon with Harold Stoutas the platoon Sgt. At Kiska I had thedishonor of being the 1st man in the 10thto be fired at (by a lead scout of a rifleplatoon) in the morning of the landing.In May 1945 after the Germans surren-dered in Italy, I ended up as a Captaincommanding the 2nd Battalion becausethe men with enough points were beingsent home for discharge.

We returned to the U.S. at CampCarson and the 2nd Bn was deactivatedwith the rest of the 10th Division. I wasstill in the Army assigned to a newly-formed Mountain and Winter WarfareSchool with a rock climbing school nearCarson and ski training at Cooper Hill.We trained the 38th Infantry, 2nd Divi-

CAMP HALE’S LAST C.O.Sidney Peterman (87-H)

sion. I was in charge of the school troops— all experts. The 38th Infantry lived intent shelters at Cooper Hill and theSchool Troops stayed at Hale in the only2 buildings left. One was a medical wardbuilding where officers stayed and theother was a recreation hall with roomsfor the kitchen and enlisted men. I wasthe last Commanding Officer at CampHale, as it was closed down after thatwinter training.

My grandson, 1st Lt. Brian Boorque,is in Afghanistan. He commands the81 mm. Mortar Platoon of H Co., 2ndBattalion, 87th Mountain Infantry Regi-ment, 4th Brigade, 10th Mountain Divi-sion. This is quite a coincidence, andas you can appreciate, I think of him of-ten as it seems he is following in myfootsteps, though in a different part ofthe world.

Tom Brooks at Camp Hale, 1944

Tennessee Pass in a snowstorm


FOR THE 10TH REUNION YOUWILL NOT WANT TO BE WITHOUT:

■ Blazer patches for your Class A’s: $10.00 including postage■ 10th Mountain Division Neckties: $45.00 including postage

BOOK SALE: LIMITED COPIES AVAILABLE

■ Mission Udine: The 10th Mountain Division at theYugloslav Border May 19 to July 17, 1945by Thomas R. Brooks and John Imbrie, 2005. $25 including postage.

■ 10th Mountain Division Battle Sites: Then and Nowby John and Barbara Imbrie, 2006. $25 including postage.

■ The 10th Mountain Division Campaign in Italy, 1945by John Imbrie and Thomas R. Brooks, 2002. $25 including postage.

■ International Federation of Mountain Soldiers:Its Concepts and Creationby M.N. “Mac” MacKenzie, 2005. $25 including postage.

Quartermaster – Frank Thornton

Place your orders with your 10th Quartermaster Frank Thornton.Email: [email protected] • Phone: 610-667-2911

12 Maple Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004

Other sale items:Collectors Item, copy of 1945 Blizzard, $8.00 with shipping.

Ask about the 10th Wall Posters sale!

HOW I GOT INTO THE SKI TROOPSEd. note: Following are 4 more articles on “How I got into the Ski Troops.” What’s your story?

VISIT THE 10TH WEBSITEwww.10thmtndivassoc.org

JACK GRUBB (87-M). Having been a skier and climber in my early teens,I got the required 3 recommendation letters and received the acceptance letter whichclearly stated that after basic training at Camp Roberts I was to be sent to CampCarson, Colorado. On enlistment day in Los Angeles, November 23, 1942, I metanother future ski trooper Jack Launer. We were sent to Ft. McArthur where wepulled fatigue details for about a week. Because of my ROTC training in high schooland junior college I was offered the opportunity “to become cadre at Ft. McArthurand spend the rest of the war there.” (Yeah, sure). After a week of the fatigue details,Launer and I were put on a train to Camp Carson; after a short time there, we wereon a train to Hale, arriving there late at night. We were assigned to L Company.Since we hadn’t had basic (we weren’t the only ones) we were all taken to an emptywarehouse, no heat, and we hadn’t been issued any of the winter uniforms. We wereall given several days of close order drill and manual of arms and that constitutedour Basic. After being in L Company for a week or two, we were both transferred toM Company in the Mortar Platoon.

We went to Kiska with the 87th, but on return to Hale a number of us, not in-cluding Launer, were sent back to Camp Carson as cadre for the 90th. That didn’tlast long and we were sent to Fort Ord as replacements. I wound up in the SouthPacific in the 25th Infantry Division and did Luzon and occupation in Japan.

RAYMOND GUNCHIN (10-AT-B). I was living in Joliet, IL. At age 19 I wasinducted into the service in June 1943 and sent to Ft. Custer, Michigan. After goingon active duty, I was shipped out to Camp Wallace, Texas, between Galveston andHouston. We trained as 40 mm anti-aircraft (AA) gunners, and after training weshipped out to Ft. Bliss, TX for training with half tracks. I was a turret gunner withfour 50 cal. machine guns. After more training I shipped out to Camp Carson, Colo-rado to train as a 57 mm anti-tank gunner.

At Camp Carson we used to see the mules of the 10th Mountain Division goingthrough the camp, either coming or going to Camp Hale. Never did I think I wouldsomeday be a part of the 10th. From Ft. Carson, we were moved to the East coastand shipped out of Newport News, Virginia. We docked in Naples, Italy and wereput in a replacement depot as an Anti-Tank Unit.

After the battles for Mt. Belvedere and Riva Ridge, the 10th had lost a lot ofgood men. So we were taken out of the tank battalion and assigned to the 10thMountain Division. From that time on, I was an implant soldier in the 10th. One ofthe first things I did was to cross over Riva Ridge on the tram that had been erected.What a scene out in the middle of the valley. I will never forget it. We moved upthrough Italy, through the Po Valley, across the Po River and up to Lake Garda. I wasin the Lake Garda area when the Germans surrendered on May 2, 1945.

The men of the 10th were the best bunch of men I was with during all my time inthe service. I never had a pair of skis on until after I was discharged. Then I wasback in Illinois with not many big hills and I still fell down. That’s why I claim to bean implant into the 10th Mountain Division. But it was great!

JAMES C. HARPEL (87-M). A few months after Pearl Harbor I was classifiedas 1-A for the draft. I had a strong interest in skiing and decided that the ski troopswere for me. I sent an application with my three letters of recommendation to theNational Ski Patrol. I received a letter saying that my application has been approvedand that another notice would follow instructing me where to report for induction.Two or three weeks later another letter said that recruiting for the ski troops had beenclosed — no explanation. I assumed that they had as many people as they needed soI waited to accept whatever the draft would bring.

On September 19, 1942 I was inducted at Ft. McArthur, California and assignedto the Medical Detachment of the Army Air Force at the Santa Ana, California ArmyAir Force Base, just 25 miles from my wife and home. After basic training I wastold that I was being transferred to the 87th Mountain Infantry at Camp Hale, Colo-rado, but temporarily attached to an Engineer Battalion at Camp Carson in Colo-rado Springs. I was shocked but pleased that the military had acted on my originalrequest. A GI met my train at Colorado Springs and took me to an Army camp. At asupply room they dumped out my barracks bags and issued all new clothing. Thesupply sergeant came steaming out of a back room and said, “Hold everything, thisguy don’t belong here, he should be at Camp Carson.” They took away my newclothing, reloaded my barracks bags with what had been dumped, and took me toCamp Carson. I then realized they had seen my Air Force shoulder patch and takenme to Peterson Field (now the Air Force Academy).

We were held at Camp Carson until Camp Hale construction was completed andthe construction workers were cleared out. About the 10th of December we boardeda very ancient and dirty train with ornate interior woodwork, clearly taken out ofmoth balls for duty — no doubt an upscale passenger train in its day. On arrival Iwas assigned to 87-L and shortly transferred to 87-M.

GEORGE H. ROSENFIELD (85-E). In 1942 I was 17 and a freshman in theForestry College at Massachusetts State College. Most members of the ski teamwere forestry students, and they went en masse into the ski troops. I had to wait until

after my 18th birthday. The first call in 1942 from the National Ski Patrol for vo-lunteers was for skiers. The ski teams from all the colleges went. But there wasa problem. Although they knew how to ski, they did not know how to survive inthe cold and snow without hot food and warm beds. The second call was for BoyScouts, lumberjacks, woodsmen, farmers, cowboys, etc. — people who knew howto survive. They could be taught how to ski, but staying alive was a different matter.I was a Boy Scout in Boston. We camped every month of the year, regardless ofweather. We could survive. I got a letter from my scoutmaster, one from theForestry Department head at MSC and one from my rabbi. In December 1943 Iwas drafted and reported for duty in 1944. I showed my letter of acceptance intothe ski troops. I was sent to Ft. Benning, GA. I showed my letter again. I sat inthe barracks for a week until I was taken to the train station in Columbus, GA, andput on the train to Pando, CO.

At the St. Louis, MO railroad station late that night, I got sick and ran to thenearest rest room. It was the women’s room. Someone squealed and an MP came inand threw me out. Early next morning the train left for the west. I had to changetrains at Pueblo, CO. I had a high fever and the MPs drove me to the Army Air Basehospital where I was given some aspirins and sent back to the train. After 2 daystravel, I arrived at Pando with a high fever and was sent to the hospital for 2 weekswith acute bronchitis. After the hospital I was taken to my company.

During the next two weeks of light duty I was taken on a live ammo firingexercise. I had never fired anything more powerful than a 22 caliber rifle. TheBattalion Commander, Lt. Col. Stone, came looking for the young man whohad never shot a rifle before. He took me off to the side of a mountain and Ilearned to shoot an M1 rifle. He was amazed that I had not had basic training inthe army. In late March, I drew my field equipment for the D-Series maneuvers.Camp Hale was in a valley surrounded by high mountain ridges and peaks.Smoke and soot from trains and the coal-fired furnaces in the barracks filledthe valley. Everyone had the Pando hack. We looked forward to going into themountains for some fresh clean air.


The 48th annual Memorial Day cer-emony on May 29th honored the 10thMountain Division soldiers who nevercame home from World War II. Nearly400 people were in attendance. The Na-tional and Division Colors were postedby two World War II veterans. Maj. DavidWhitworth showed the 10th Group col-ors. Portions of the ceremony were pre-sided over by descendent Flint Whitlock,Dick Over (110-SIG) and Col. FrankRomano (86-K), Chairman Emeritus ofthe Foundation.

The guest speaker was Col. MichaelKershaw, Commander of the 2nd BrigadeCombat Team (BCT) from Ft. Drum,New York. Col. Kershaw spoke from hisheart about what it meant to be part ofthis Division and able to walk in thefootsteps of the men of the World War II10th Mountain Division.

Twenty wreaths were placed at the

monument, making a clear statementthat the sacrifice by these soldiers willnever be forgotten. Following the cer-emony, Thomas Hames, Foundation Pre-sident, recognized some of the veteransand guests, including a survivor of theBataan march, a retired Marine whoseson served with the 10th Mountain Di-vision in Iraq and made the ultimatesacrifice, and several of our oldest 10thMountain Division veterans.

The Tenth Mountain Division Foun-dation extends appreciation to the LakeCounty High School band, directed byJames Knapp, the Lake County Sheriff ’sOffice, St. Francis Hospital EmergencyServices, Ski Cooper staff, the 10th Moun-tain Division Hut Association, the 10thMountain Division Descendants, BuglerDr. John Raabe, and The 10th MountainDivision Living History Group, orga-nizer of the ceremony.

MEMORIAL DAYCEREMONY 2006

Thomas Hames (Desc. 85-K) and David Little (Honorary)

John Huber (86-C) was a tennis leg-end as both a competitor and teacher,Golden Gloves boxing champion, expertskier, friend to everyone he ever met and,above all, a proud WWII combat veteranof the 10th Mountain Division. Thatwas the New England Chapter’s JohnHuber who died in late August at the ageof 100 years. Only a few weeks beforehis death, he was feted at a birthday partyattended by several of his 10th Moun-tain comrades.

Tales abound about John’s uniqueabilities as a tennis instructor and com-petitor, and he stayed active in the sportuntil three or four years ago. Players halfhis age were put to shame as John keptthem running from one side of the courtto the other with his cagey lobs, slicesand smashes. He was also a very patientinstructor and groomed his students toperfect their talents on the court. Hislong-time career as a ranking competi-tor was reflected in the countless trophieshe earned over the years. It was also re-flected in his performances on the court

JOHN HUBER, CENTENARIANDick Wilson (85-M)

at a time when most others his age hadlong since packed away their tennis gear.At age 85 he was ranked fifth nationallyin that age group for singles by the U.S.Tennis Association, and at age 90 hewas ranked second nationally in men’sdoubles by the USTA. A few years agohe was installed in the U.S. Tennis Asso-ciation’s New England Hall of Fame,Newport, RI.

John’s love of tennis was nearly equaledby his love of the mountains. For manyyears at the New England Chapter’s an-nual ski trips to Colorado, he served asgrocery shopper and chef for a condo unitoccupied by “skiing bachelors.” John’swide grin, sparkling eyes, great sense ofhumor and loyalty to his 10th MountainDivision comrades will certainly be longremembered by all who knew him. It issignificant to note that John was 37 whenhe volunteered for the 10th, making himone of the oldest recruits in the division.He served throughout the Italian cam-paign with 86-C, earning the Bronze Starand Combat Infantryman’s Badge.

In the Blizzard 2006 No. 2, page 5,Henry Klingman’s (86-HQ-1) veryinteresting article concluded with thestatement, “We were really glorified footslogging infantry, not glamorous ‘SkiTroopers’, and I think it’s time westopped perpetuating that image.” Myresponse to that is: Glamorous, No! SkiTroopers, Yes! Between 2004 and 2006,four articles in national newspapersstated that the Ski Troopers of the 10thMountain Division never skied in com-bat. Knowing the facts to be fallacious,I sent responses to each of the newspa-pers citing 18 book sources that con-firmed that the Ski Troopers of the 10thMountain Division did use skis in com-bat in Italy in 1945.

In 1991, the Blizzard published a re-quest asking for recollections of ski pa-trol experiences in Italy. In the nextmonth, a blizzard of letters arrived to con-firm dozens of ski patrols in January andFebruary 1945, as reported in the maga-zine Skiing Heritage (Fall 1995) in anarticle titled Before the Attack on Riva:Combat Ski Patrols. The patrols includethe following.

• In early February, 87-F left Vidiciaticoon skis at dark…”

• Bill Thompson went out on a ski pa-trol with 86-B led by Carl Casperson

• Bob Frauson and Jesse Shapiro (both86-A) laid a communication wire atnight from La Ca by snowplowing sideby side, unrolling a 100 lb. reel.

• The longest Ski Patrol was a three-daypatrol led by Don Traynor (86-HQ)near Bagni di Lucca

• The most difficult and daring was apatrol also led by Don Traynor up Mt.Spigolino, which was connected toRiva Ridge but towered over it. This

patrol lasted about 24 hours with littlefood and no rest, and traveled some 25miles mostly through German territory.Also on that patrol were Harry Slater(86-HQ), Carl Ginter (605-HQ),Steve Knowlton (86-HQ), and HarryBrandt (86-HQ).

• The late Fritz Benedict (126-HQ) re-ported that his patrol from the 126thEngineers skied from Vidiciatico toMaresca — there they traded foodwith the monks in a monastery.

• Dick Byers (85-B) recalls a January26 seven-man reconnaissance out ofMontefegatesi in a heavy snowstorm.

Another source of information aboutcombat ski patrols comes from VernonCram (86-B) in a January 2006 letterto me that includes a RECORD OFEVENTS — COMPANY B, 86THMOUNTAIN INF, compiled from morn-ing reports written by Edwin Thivridge.Following are excerpts from those Morn-ing Reports:

• January 13, 1945 (Vidiciatico, Italy).Patrol activity. No contact. First skipatrol sent out.

• January 14, 1945 (Vidiciatico, Italy).Another ski patrol sent out. No con-tact. Snow all day.

• January 20, 1945. One three-man pa-trol failed to report in. [The three menwere later found to have been casual-ties — Charles Norton (KIA), JohnStetson (wounded and captured),and Jack Swanson (captured)]. Thiswas a combat ski patrol, attested to byVern Cram, Bob Thompson andEd Fancher (all 86-B).

I believe the foregoing accounts cor-roborate usage of the term Ski Troopersas applied to soldiers of the 10th Moun-tain Division.

COMBAT SKI PATROLSAl Field (85-I)

Arlo Sletten (left) and Andy Hill on R&R in Rome, 1945.

A number of New England Chapter members were on hand to help John Huber(center, seated) celebrate his 100th Birthday in mid-August. Among them were,

l to r: Ed Raswyck, Dick Mansfield, Newc Eldredge and Dick Wilson.


In the 2006 No. 1 Blizzard, I recom-mended that the Tenth Mountain Divi-sion Foundation set up a scholarshipprogram to sponsor attendance by atleast 10 wounded soldiers of the 10thMountain Division at the 2007 Natio-nal Disabled Veterans Winter SportsClinic (NDVWSC), Snowmass, Colo-rado, March 31-April 7. As a result ofthis recommendation, and after a reviewof my proposal that included detailsabout the required financing, at its Julymeeting the Foundation gave full ap-proval for undertaking the project withsupport in the amount of $15,000.

“These wounded warriors are a veryspecial part of our 10th Mountain Divi-sion family,” said Tom Hames, Founda-tion President. “This Foundation projectwill make it possible for us to help themdiscover new skills and abilities they maynever have thought possible, allowingthem to rise above the physical and men-tal limitations imposed by their injuries.This is the least we can do in repaymentfor their sacrifices incurred while serv-ing with the 10th Mountain Division.The program also meets an immediateneed for the Foundation to be proactivein projects that further strengthen to-day’s bonds of comradeship between theWWII 10th Mountain Division and itscounterpart in the current 10th MountainDivision.”

Scholarship candidates will be re-cruited through a number of sources, in-cluding the Veterans Administration,military hospitals such as Walter Reed,Disabled Sports USA, the Wounded War-riors Project, and other similar organi-

zations. They will be evaluated for theirability to participate in adaptive skiingand the clinic’s other physical activitiesby their physicians, therapists, and pros-thetics technicians. Applicants will befurther evaluated by the clinic’s staff ofrehabilitation experts before final ap-proval is granted for participation inthe clinic. Sandy Trombetta, NDVWSCfounder and director, is proud of thefact that his Brooklyn uncle (FredVitello, 85-HQ-3) served with the 10thin WWII. He noted that several WWIIveterans of the 10th Mountain Divisionwere among early pioneers of adaptiveskiing in the U.S., most notably JimWinthers (85-G), Larry Jump (87-HQ-2, MTG), Andy Hastings (86-I, 85-E),John Hurst (86-HQ, 86-A), and KarlSchmidt (86-B, 87-I).

During the clinic’s 20th year last win-ter, approximately 350 disabled veteransparticipated in the weeklong event. Alarge number of those participants hadbeen injured in Iraq or Afghanistan.The clinic has produced several disabledveteran athletes who have occupiedthe winner’s medal podium at nationaland international competitions, includ-ing the U.S. National Disabled Ski Cham-pionships, the Winter Paralympic Gamesand the World Cup Disabled Ski Cham-pionships.

Watch a future issue of the Blizzardfor a report and photographs on the ex-periences of 10th Mountain Division sol-diers who were sponsored by our TenthMountain Division Foundation at the2007 National Disabled Veterans WinterSports Clinic.

DISABLED VETERANSWINTER SPORTS CLINIC

Dick Wilson (85-M)

I’m sure there are many of you 10thveterans from the early Camp Hale dayswho are now in their eighties and wouldlike to make a pilgrimage to the highcountry. I did it this past summer. I thinkothers might be interested in doing it too— the geriatric way!

Last August I spent a week at a lodgein British Columbia. The lodge is locatedin the Columbia Mountains, geologicallyseparate from the Rockies, which virtu-ally surround them. The Rockies, whichare softer rock, eroded around and ex-posed the Columbia Mountains. Theyare more jagged and steeper than themountains we knew at Camp Hale. Ev-ery day or half-day we were taken up toa different mountain by helicopter tostroll around the glaciers and sky mead-ows with a guide. We were then pickedup by helicopter at the end of the morn-ing or afternoon. The summer is a great

BACK TO THE HIGH COUNTRYVincent Macaluso (86-G)

time for wild flowers, too, and of coursethe views were magnificent. I’m not verygood on my feet these days, so I use acane. But that was no impediment. Theylet everybody go at his own pace. Somedays I had a guide all to myself. It wasjust great to be up there again. And if youare a chow hound like me, you will bepleased with the terrific chefs.

I plan to go again for a week startingJuly 9, and I hope some of you will joinme. If you are interested, email me [email protected] or call me at202-265-4903. The Company runningthe trips is Canadian Mountain Holi-days, and they have been doing this fordecades. They have an excellent safetyrecord. If you can’t stay the week of July9, they will take you for three days,and there are other tours during thesummer, some for a week and some forthree days.

NATIONAL DISABLED VETERANSWINTER SPORTS CLINIC

Snowmass, CO, March 2006

Mono skiing is for persons who don’t have use of their legs and ski sitting down.Pictured is a Korean War veteran.

Slider. A skier with weak low extremities wears a strap-on frame that enableshim to stand upright. He is accompanied by an instructor/guide.

3 track skiing is for persons able to skion one leg using outriggers. Pictured isan Army veteran who lost his leg in an

explosion in Afghanistan.

4 track skiing is for persons missingone or 2 legs who are able to use theirprosthetic limbs. Pictured is an Armyveteran, a right leg amputee injured

in Vietnam.

IMPORTANT DATE!

NATIONAL REUNIONIN DENVER

AUGUST 2-5, 2007


CPL Fernando D. Robinson1-32 INF • October 2006

CPL Angelo J. Vaccaro (Medic)1-31 INF • October 2006

SPC Jason A. Lucas2-30 INF • October 2006

MAJ Douglas E. Sloan1-32 INF • October 2006

SGT Charles J. McClain3 BSTB • October 2006

PFC Alex Ocequera1-32 INF • October 2006

Operation Iraqi FreedomAugust 2006-January 2007

PFC Satieon V. Greenlee4-31 INF • October 2006

PFC Keith J. Moore2-14 INF • October 2006

PVT Thomas J Hewett1-89 CAV • October 2006

PFC Nicholas Rogers (Medic)4-31 INF • October 2006

SGT Jason Denfriend2-14 INF • December 2006

SPC Joshua Sheppard642 Eng. Co • December 2006

SGT Curtis L. Norris210 BSB • December 2006

SGT Christopher P. Messer4-31 INF • December 2006

PFC Nathaniel A. Given4-31 INF • December 2006

January 2004

CW2 Brian D. Hazelgrove*3-17th CAV • January 2004

CW2 Patrick Dorff*3-17th CAV • January 2004

1/Lt Adam G. Mooney*3-17 CAV • January 2004

*Not previously reported.

Operation Enduring FreedomAfghanistanFebruary 2006-February 2007

1/LT Forrest P. Ewens1-32 INF • June 2006

SGT Ian T. Sanchez3-BSTB • June 2006

SFC Jared C. Monti3-71 CAV • June 2006

SSG Patrick L. Lybert3-71 CAV • June 2006

PFC Brian J. Bradbury3-71 CAV • June 2006

CPL Aaron M. Griner2-87 INF • June 2006

PFC Justin R. Davis1-32 INF • June 2006

CPL Kevin F. Edgin2-87 INF • July 2006

SGT Robert P. Kassin2-4 INF • July 2006

SSG Robert J. Chiomento2-4 INF • July 2006

SGT David M. Hierholzer1-32 INF • July 2006

CPL Regelio R. Garza, Jr.1-32 INF • August 2006

PFC James P. White1-32 INF • August 2006

PFC Andrew R. Small1-32 INF • August 2006

PVT Joseph R. Blake1-32 INF • August 2006

PFC Wakkuna Jackson710 BSB • August 2006

SPC Christopher F. Sitton710 BSB • August 2006

SPC Robert E. Drawl1-32 INF • August 2006

CPL Jeremiah S. Cole2-87 INF • August 2006

10TH LIGHT SOLDIERSKILLED IN ACTION

Reprinted from the October/Novem-ber 2006 Mt. Rainier Avalanche.

Marie Allen Smith, wife of HaroldAlford (10-HQ) received the followingemail on September 1, 2006 from hernephew, Lt. Col. Jay T. Allen, M.D.

“I am assigned to 1/32 IN of the 3rdBrigade, 10th Mountain Division. Thereare two airfields in our area of responsi-bility (AOR). One is close to the frontlines and the majority of wounded andsick are taken there. The other is remoteand is the refueling point for non-urgentmissions due to its safety and closenessto Bagram and the Combat Support Hos-pital. It is here that a majority of the fa-talities from our AOR are taken as theywait for further transportation to Bagram.Soldiers’ families cannot be notified un-til each person has officially been de-clared dead. Since there are only medicsat the front lines, and since I am the onlydoctor at this location, and this is usu-

NOTES FROM THE 10THIN AFGHANISTAN

ally the stopping point for KIAs en routeto their final resting place, the duty todeclare them dead has fallen to me. Mostof those who have come to me for thisduty are strangers, but some I haveknown. One was a flight medic whoseequipment failed as he tried to extract apatient from a mountainside; two morewere medics who were together whentheir vehicle struck an improvised explo-sive device (IED). But it doesn’t reallymatter whether they are strangers or ac-quaintances. As I stand side by side withmy infantry brethren, the chopper comesto carry them closer to home. Chokingback tears, we show our respect andhonor for these brave young men with asimple military gesture. We render a sa-lute. ‘Farewell, my brother. Farewell, mysister.’ I think about the mothers at homeand the children who will not know thegreat individuals who were their parents.We hold our salutes until the helicopteris no longer in sight.”

An article in the Blizzard (2006 No.2) described a Scholarship Fund formembers of the current 10th MountainDivision. Under the by-laws of the 10thMountain Division Foundation, thesesoldiers are not eligible for FoundationScholarship monies. To address this situ-ation, the Ft. Drum Chapter is raisingfunds to provide scholarships for 10thLight members and their families.

It is important that we move on thisproject as rapidly as possible so that wecan award our first scholarships for theacademic year 2007-2008. To date therehave been 87 KIA and over 900 WIA

THE 10TH MOUNTAIN DIVISION(LIGHT) SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Mike Plummer (10 Lt.)

10th Mountain Division (Lt) soldiers,and with 12,500 soldiers currently de-ployed, the need is now and it will con-tinue to grow. Please Help and show oursoldiers you appreciate their service bycontributing to this fund. Contributionsare tax deductible. Make checks payableto: “The 10th Mt. Div. (Light) Scholar-ship Fund” and mail to: Mike Plummer,President, Fort Drum Chapter, NationalAssociation of the 10th Mountain Di-vision, 121 Paddock Street, Watertown,NY 13601. If you have questions, pleasecontact Mike Plummer at (315) 782-4178, or email at [email protected].

Gen. Colin Powell awards Purple Hearts to 10th Light soldiers at Walter ReedArmy Hospital. They are l to r: Sgt. Nathan Toews, Sgt. Moody, Sgt. Dustin Dixon,

PFC Robert Blanchard, and Spec. Steven Beson (receiving Purple Heart).Bob O’Malley greets Gen. Colin Powell following Purple Heart ceremony at Walter

Reed Army Hospital attended by 10th Light family members and friends.

From the Hudson, NY, Reporter —submitted by John Laurie III (85-K). Thestories of more than 12,000 veterans whoearned Purple Heart Medals have beenshared with the recently opened NationalPurple Heart Hall of Honor in New Wind-sor, NY. An estimated 1.7 million servicemembers have been awarded the medal

THE NATIONAL PURPLEHEART HALL OF HONOR

for wounds suffered in combat — includ-ing those whose medals were awardedposthumously. The Hall is now open, andPurple Heart recipients and their fami-lies can share their stories. Write to theNational Purple Heart Hall of Honor, P.O.Box 207, New Windsor, NY 12584, orcall toll free at 877-28HONOR.

VOLUME 9 2007 NUMBER 1

PUBLISHED BY AND FOR DESCENDANTS OF THE 10TH MOUNTAIN DIVISION

My admiration and appreciation forthe 10th Mountain Division began whenI was a young boy putting on Dad’s (CruzRios, 87-K) uniform and marchingaround the house pretending to be a sol-dier. The Eisenhower jacket was way toobig but I loved looking at it, admiring thepatches and medals. Little did I know thatit would be the beginning of a deep lovefor the 10th Mountain Division and aneven deeper love for my father.

Dad did not talk much about his warexperiences. I knew that he belonged tothe ski troops and that his foxhole buddywas killed in Italy. In the late 1980s dadfound out about the 10th Mountain Di-vision Association and began attendingreunions at Pismo Beach. In 1994 he re-turned to Italy on the Reunion Tour andwhen I picked Mom and Dad up at theairport he began to tell me about the trip.Almost immediately he began to cry andcontinued crying for quite some time. Iknew that this trip had a profound im-pact upon him and opened up a flood ofmemories, both painful and pleasant. Itwas then that I wanted to know as muchas I could about my Dad’s war experi-ences and his beloved 10th MountainDivision.

I had his slides made into prints andI tried to find out as much as I could

CRUZ RIOSVal Rios (Desc. 87-K)

about the 10th. In 2000 my dad and I wenton the Italy Reunion Tour and that expe-rience was just awesome! Since then Ihave become more involved with both theAssociation and Descendant groups. In2002 I became Descendant Director ofthe Sierra Nevada Chapter and in 2005was made Vice President of the 10thMountain Division Association SierraNevada Chapter. Until now, I have beenthe Descendant Executive Vice President.

My relatively short time with the 10thMountain Division has allowed me theopportunity to meet so many wonderfulveterans, descendants, and friends of the10th. I cannot tell you what it has meantto me, while traveling in Italy, to be ableto walk in your foxholes and to hear yourstories firsthand. It has indeed been aprivilege to be part of such an honorableorganization and you can be assured thatI will do my best to maintain your legacyand pass it on to future generations.

I am very proud of my father, and aslong as he is healthy I will continue totake he and my mother to 10th Mountainevents. I am blessed with a wife, Geor-gia, who is very supportive of my 10thactivities, and I am so glad that my twosons, Jacob and Dominic, also share alove for the 10th.

Vires Montesque Vincimus

Val and Cruz Rios at Montecatini during the 2006 Sempre Italia Tour.

It’s easy. Go to the web site, 10th Mountain Division Descendants,and click on Descendant Application Form.

JOIN THE 10TH MOUNTAINDIVISION DESCENDANTS

There is much work being done be-hind the scenes for the “Hale and Fare-well” reunion being held in Denver,Colorado at the Denver Marriott TechCenter on August 2nd through 5th, 2007.Descendants can help by offering assis-tance to the members and veterans of the10th Mountain Division Association toensure that they are able to attend andenjoy this wonderful time among friends.Gestures as simple as helping associa-tion members organize rides to and fromairports, carting luggage, assisting in theregistration areas and aiding with locat-

ASSISTANCE FOR VETERANSAT 2007 NATIONAL REUNION

ing hotel rooms are just a few ways youcan help. The attendance for this reunionis anticipated to be some 800 people,which is twice the number of those at-tending the 2004 Austin, Texas reunion.This is the last official national reunionthat will be organized by the WWII vet-erans, so it is imperative that each andevery one of these heroes attending hasan enjoyable and memorable visit. Youcan make a difference by helping in oneof these or many other areas. To learnmore about the upcoming reunion visitwww.10thmtndiv assoc.org/reunion.html.

It is with regret that we reportthat the 10th Mountain Division Descen-dants Executive Board has accepted JillHahn’s (daughter of Robert Hahn, 85-HQ-3) resignation as Vice President ofMembership and Database. In addition,Jill has declined to accept the position ofPresident of the 10th Mountain DivisionDescendants for the 2007-2009 term.Executive Vice President Val Rios, Sonof Cruz Rios, Jr. (87-K) will becomePresident of the organization effectiveJanuary 1, 2007.

Jill states, “I am positive that the or-ganization will continue to grow, flour-ish, and be able to recruit outstandingpeople who will have the same drive anddetermination to make the Descendantsthe best that it can be. I have been hon-ored with meeting and correspondingwith wonderful people and was able tocall many my friends.”

Over the last four years Jill has dedi-cated more time than she had availableto ensure that the WWII 10th Mountainmen are recognized and honored. Jill

JILL HAHNtook on many jobs within the organiza-tion; however, her primary commitmentwas to ensure that descendants of 10thsoldiers were identified and entered intothe Descendant Database and becamemembers of the Descendant organization.Under Jill’s direction, membership rosefrom 400 to 1,000 members with over3,000 descendants identified and docu-mented. As Vice President of Member-ship and Database, Jill devoted herThanksgiving and Christmas breaks toentering membership information intothe Descendant Database. Jill’s commit-ment to the Database has been the key-stone to the Descendant organization. Inaddition to Descendant Membership andDatabase, Jill also served as DelawareRiver Valley Chapter Treasurer and De-scendant Director.

10th Mountain Division Descen-dants, Inc. gratefully recognizes the dedi-cated time that Jill contributed to the wellbeing of the organization and encouragesJill to enjoy all the good things of beinga descendant, without the hours of work.

Coming soon to a radio near you, aspecial story on the 10th — told with atwist. Years in the making, this 10th fea-ture is part of National Public Radio’sunique radio documentary project, Ra-dio Diaries. This public radio project ison a mission to record powerful & time-less oral histories which become fasci-nating features airing on the NPR pro-gram All Things Considered.

While Inquiring Minds may wantto know which 10th vets are profiled,

NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIOFEATURES 10TH

we’ll have to get back to you on that —Radio Diaries is still recording the 10thinterviews. But National Public Radioand Radio Diaries producer Joe Rich-man know a good story when they hearone, and we all know the 10th is full ofthem!

Stay tuned for a specific airdate onNPR’s All Things Considered, likelySpring of 2007. For more information onRadio Diaries, go online and check outtheir website at www.radiodiaries.org.

DESCENDANT BLIZZARD 2007 NUMBER 1PAGE 2

Arizona ChapterMary (Bockelmann) BroughtonPO Box 25964Prescott Valley, [email protected]

Armadillo ChapterSteven T. Worley731 KreutzbergBoerne, TX [email protected]

Big Sky ChapterJames WalshPO Box 305Stanford, MT [email protected]

Delaware River ValleyChapterPatricia Finn Thornton112 Maple AvenueBala Cynwyd, PA [email protected]

Fort Drum ChapterMike Plummer121 Paddock StreetWatertown, NY [email protected]

Lower Michigan ChapterTo be assigned

Metro New York ChapterDonald Perkins,*Treasurer3511 85th Street, Apt 9HJackson Heights, [email protected]

Midwest ChapterPatricia LaRocca1151 Parkside CourtCarol Stream, IL [email protected]

Mt. Rainier ChapterRichard Morse4812 NE 40th StreetSeattle, [email protected]

New England ChapterSusan HagermanPO Box 60Enfield Center, NH [email protected]

North Central ChapterNikki Fahey

Northwest ChapterTo be assigned

Roadrunner ChapterTo be assigned

Rocky Mountain ChapterTo be assigned

Sierra Nevada ChapterVal Rios6816 S. MapleFresno, CA [email protected]

Southeast ChapterLarry Fields, Chaplain6300 Deane Hill DriveKnoxville, Tennessee [email protected]

Southern CaliforniaChapterMary Roddick Ghan25642 La CimaLaguna Niguel, CA [email protected]

Upper Peninsula ChapterMarilyn Kahl1738 Wilkinson AvenueMarquette, MI [email protected] [email protected]

Upstate New York ChapterTo be assigned

Utah ChapterRon Sawdey2016 Emerson AveSalt Lake City, UT [email protected]

Washington, DC ChapterPamela Pikla3707 Red Grove RoadBaltimore, MD [email protected]

10th MOUNTAIN DIVISION DESCENDANTSOFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

(* denotes Executive Committee)

PUBLISHED BY AND FOR DESCENDANTS OF THE 10TH MOUNTAIN DIVISION

The Descendant Blizzard is edited by Bryan Pullen. Descendants: News, stories,announcements, letters, photos etc. are most welcome — this is your Blizzard!Contact Bryan Pullen at 708 S. 6th Street, Davis, OK 73030 or email: [email protected].

AT LARGE BOARDMEMBERS

Val RiosPresident6816 S. MapleFresno, CA [email protected]

Martha J. Hays,*Legal CounselBallard Spahr Andrews& Ingersoll, LLP1735 Market St. 51st StreetPhiladelphia, PA [email protected]

Patricia Finn Thornton*Past President112 Maple AvenueBala Cynwyd, PA [email protected]

Denise TaylorQuartermaster4075 Depew StreetWheatridge, CO [email protected]

Sharon Ahrens*Secretary34 Johnny Cake LaneNew Hartford, CT [email protected]

Larry WilsonVP-Chapter CoordinatorPO Box 3Columbia Falls, MT [email protected]

Sandy Eldredge*VP- Publicity3939 Hale DriveSalt Lake City, UT [email protected]

MEMBERSHIPCOMMITTEE

Susan HagermanNew England Chapter

Denise TaylorQuartermaster

Sharon AhrrensSecretary

Pamela PiklaWashington, DC Chapter

RESOURCECOMMITTEEDENVER LIBRARY

Abbie Kealy5316 Glen Falls Rd.Reistertown, MD [email protected]

ON BELAYPROJECT

Pam Pikla3707 Red Grove Rd.Baltimore, MD [email protected]

GOLD STAR10TH MOUNTAINDESCENDANTS

Norman Burkey308 Colgate Dr.Forest Hill, MD [email protected]

ORAL HISTORYPROJECT

Myrna Hampton4803 Monterey St.Carmel, CA [email protected]

10TH MOUNTAINDESCENDANTMERITSCHOLARSHIP

Val Rios6816 S. MapleFresno, CA [email protected]

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGEPatricia Finn Thornton (Desc. 85 A & L)

“This is not the end. It is not the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.”

As my six-year term comes to a close,I cannot help but recall Winston Churchill’s1940’s quote. Can it be that 10th Descen-dants, Inc is moving beyond the beginningstage of our organization?

What began as a long held vision be-came reality in 1998 when then Associa-tion President Dean Carmichael establisheda Steering Committee to explore the feasi-bility of a Descendant Organization. Aftera year of exploratory meetings and men-toring, assistance and encouragement frommany 10th Mtn veterans, 10th Mountain Di-vision Descendants, Inc came into beingin 1999 with first president, Kate Raabe,establishing the legal and financial foun-dation for a strong organization. By 2001,10th Descendants faced the challenges ofgrowing the membership nationwide andestablishing viable projects that honor our10th Mtn soldiers and carry on their legacy.

Uniqueness and a distinct differencedefine the men who served in the 10thMountain Division, and it is no surprisethat their descendants want to honor thesemen. In 2001, I began my journey with ahighly talented, dedicated and creative lead-ership team of Don Perkins, Sharon Ahrens,Martha Hays, Jill Hahn, Val Rios, LarryWilson, and Sandy Eldredge, all who haveworked tirelessly for 10th Descendants.They shared the same passion to develop10th Descendants into a respected nationalorganization that will ensure our WWIIsoldiers would not be forgotten. The offic-ers and the Board created an atmosphereof open communication and participationamong all descendants throughout thecountry, welcoming any form of service.As they say, “many hands make light work”and one can realize this through the 1,000plus members and the involvement of de-scendants throughout the country as theybecame involved in the operations of theChapters.

As we near 62 years following the endof WWII, we are faced with the alarmingreality of saying goodbye to our veteransand their wives. While we can intellectual-ize the realism of life’s cycle, our emotionalside finds difficulty in letting go. As welose our WWII Generation, the lasting sig-nificance of their 10th Mtn experiences willdepend on whether younger generations of10th Descendants are aware of the values

and events that shaped the lives of thesemen and women. 10th Descendants arefortunate that the 10th veterans have es-tablished the means to understand theirlegacy by establishing a WWII 10th MtnDatabase that documents the militaryhistory of all the soldiers who served inthe Division. They housed WWII Databasein the Resource Center at the Denver Li-brary along with their personal as well asother military memorabilia. This importantand historically significant legacy mustbe preserved.

With the intention of preserving andenhancing the legacy of the WWII 10thMountain soldiers, the Descendant Boardof Directors at their 2006 Board Meetingin Washington, DC organized Action Plansthat will maintain a partnership with theNational Association and a relationship toThe Foundation and to the 10th MountainDivision (Light). The accomplishment ofthese Actions Plans will safeguard the 10thMtn legacy for future generations; however,it will depend on the dedication and in-volvement of the next 10th Descendantleadership team.

New leadership and new ideas insuresthe growth of any organization. New Presi-dent Val Rios, son of Cruz Rios, 87-K, fromSierra Nevada Chapter will lead 10th De-scendants into the next phase of develop-ment. Val is one of those exceptional indi-viduals who live the legacy of service mod-eled by his father. Val and his team willaccept the challenge of establishing newconnections and recognizing commonground in the historical experience of ourWWII 10th Mountain soldiers.

In conclusion, to the many veterans anddescendants who have provided guidanceand support and made my role as Presi-dent one of joy and pleasure, I extend aheartfelt thank you. These last six yearshave provided friendships and experiencesbeyond what I had anticipated. I am espe-cially indebted to John Duffy and JohnImbrie who were always available for ad-vice and guidance. A final thank-you goesto my husband Frank whose financial andemotional support enabled me to honormy father, Captain Fred Finn, and all mydear friends who served in the WWII 10thMountain Division. These last six yearshave provided friendships and experiencesthat have enriched my life.

Therefore, in closing, this is not an endbut the beginning of the next phase for 10thDescendants. Sempre Avanti!

President Val Rios [email protected]: Cruz F. Rios, Jr., 87-K

Executive Steve Coffey [email protected] President Father: Albert Coffey, Jr., 87-FTreasurer Don Perkins nbcushman@

Father: Ruso H. Perkins, 87-I yahoo.com

Secretary Sharon Ahrens [email protected]: Rodman C. Ahrens, 85-C

Vice President Larry Wilson lwilson@Chapter Coordinator Father: Ross Wilson, 87-HQ-1 aboutmontana.net

Vice President Pam Pikla pam_pikla@Membership Father: Hassell G.Vass, 10-AT-A yahoo.com& DatabaseVice President Sandy Eldredge sandyeldredge@Special Events and Father: Newc Eldridge, 85-L utah.govPublic Relations

DESCENDANTS NATIONAL OFFICERSTerm of Offices: 2007 through 2009

DESCENDANT BLIZZARD PAGE 32007 NUMBER 1

In September, Bob Woody (85-C),Ron Sawdey (Utah Descendant ChapterDirector), and Sandy Eldredge (UtahChapter President) paid a sentimentalvisit to a memorial plaque in Park Citylisting 10th Mountain KIAs from Utah.The main reason for the “over the hill”trip, as Bob called it, is to figure outhow to add another name to the memo-rial. Utah provided about 50 to the divi-sion, including the late H. DevereauxJennings (85-I), 1948 Olympic racer who

UTAH CHAPTER NEWSBy Sandy Eldredge (85-L)

was recently installed into the Intermoun-tain Ski Association Hall of Fame; andTommy Mathews, a military Piper Cub ar-tillery observer and, postwar, a co-founderof Common Cause. An intimate of theKennedy brothers, he also organized BobbyKennedy’s funeral train.

The photo below shows Ron Sawdey(Desc.87-B) and Sandy Eldredge (Desc.85-L) looking at the memorial plaquemounted on a wall at the Park City SkiArea.

Photo by Bob Woody.

Hello — my name is Bryan Pullen,the new editor of the Descendant Bliz-zard. I live in Oklahoma with my wifeJami and son Nolan. My 10th Mountainconnection comes from my GrandfatherHarold “Bud” Sutton (85-M). I am for-tunate enough to have my Grandfatherstill with me and he lives 75 yards fromme. I recently was able to fulfill a child-hood dream by participating in the2006 Return to Italy trip and retracingmy Grandfather’s WWII route. Growingup I always heard him tell stories abouthis time in Italy and I especially lovedhearing the part about capturing“Mussolini’s Castle” and the luxuries itcontained. Sixty-one years after his ex-perience, I found myself inside the VillaFeltrinelli, a.k.a. “Mussolini’s Castle,”alongside members of 85-K, just like mygrandfather. The story of 85-K and oneplatoon of 85-M’s machine guns captur-ing Mussolini’s last residence has been afascination of mine for the last severalyears. I had one article published onthe operation and I am currently in theearly stages of writing a book about the

NEW EDITORIAL TEAMBryan Pullen (85-M)

history of the villa from WWII throughthe present.

My passion for 10th Mountain his-tory also transcends into 1/6 scale mod-eling. I have completed various represen-tations of 10th soldiers and even hadthe pleasure of presenting one to Sena-tor Bob Dole. It was a model of how heappeared in WWII and is now part of adisplay, which includes Senator Dole’s10th Mountain personal effects at theRobert J. Dole Institute of Politics inLawrence, KS.

It is truly an honor to serve as editorand I proudly offer my services to thisgreat organization. Along with TylerTollman (Desc. 87-B) and Tracy Negrete(Desc. 85-HQ-2), we will do our best tofollow in the footsteps of Lisa McAllister(Desc. 86-M) and Pat Thornton (Desc.85-A,L), who have done such a fantasticjob on this publication. Please send anyarticles to the emails listed below or feelfree to contact me at (580) 369-5515.

[email protected]@[email protected]

Front Row from left to right: Vera (Allen) Coffer, Susan (Miller)Alexander, Joy (Hadsell) Ellison, Kathy Cangello, Sue Cangello, Mary Cangello,

Ellen Davidson, Val Rios, Joel Harpainter. Back Row from left to right:George Alexander, Randy Cullen, Kevin Nierderman Cullen, Paul Harpainter,

Mark Harpainter, Matt Harpainter.

SIERRA NEVADA CHAPTERDESCENDANTS OCTOBER LUNCHEON

The U.S.S. West Point was the ship that transported members of the 85thand 87th from Hampton Roads, Virginia to Naples, Italy in January of 1945. Thispiece of 10th Mountain Division history is still preserved today in an unusualway. The next issue of the Descendants Blizzard will feature the story of theship and a personal account of the crossing of the 10th Mountain Division

through the eyes of one of the ship’s sailors who accompanied them.

The Midwest Chapter met in Kan-kakee, IL for its annual reunion begin-ning on September 10, 2006. We expressour gratitude to Jerry and Diane (Milne)Jurina (desc. 616-B) for planning a won-derful event. Highlights included a me-morial service at the Illinois VeteransHome, a tour of the facility and lunchwith some of the residents. Jerry andDiane hosted a picnic at their home butdue to heavy rains we could not utilizethe big tent and the gathering was movedto the garage. We all had a great time.

“Something Special”, a very talentedsinging group of senior citizens, enter-tained us at the Farewell Banquet. Theyreally are ‘something special’. We endedthe evening with the descendants sing-ing a senior citizen version of “Are youLonesome Tonight,” which had us alllaughing.

Patty (Soutar) LaRocca (desc. 616-HQ) arranged for our chapter to adopt

MIDWEST CHAPTER NEWSJanice Fuglsang (Desc. 126-A)

a platoon and encouraged all of us towrite letters and birthday/holiday cardsto those serving in the 2nd Platoon 642En Co (esc). She arranged a raffle to raisefunds for supporting our platoon.

Midwest descendants welcome PattyLaRocca as our new Midwest Directorbeginning in 2007, and we thank CarlNawrot (desc.87-MED-D) for his ser-vice the last three years as our Direc-tor. Carl was elected as Treasurer for theMidwest Chapter and serves with vet-eran Jake Pollack (85-HQ-2), President,Jerry Jurina, Vice President, and vet-eran Kroy Ostergaard (85-D, 85-HQ-1),Secretary.

The next Midwest reunion is June 10-15, 2007 in Springfield, IL. Sharon (Pol-lack) Green is planning the reunion withher parents, Sophie and Jake Pollack.We invite descendants to join us andcome as long as you can or as little asyou can.

A. I spent four years researching origi-nal documents at the 10th Mountain Di-vision Resource Room at the DenverPublic Library, reading newspaper clip-pings, scouring all of the prior bookswritten about the 10th, and conductingabout 100 interviews with veterans of the10th and the surviving family membersof the main protagonists.

Q. What would you like your son, andhis generation, to know about youruncle, the men with whom he servedand the times in which they lived?

A. I think one of my proudest momentswas when the late Jeddie Brooks (86-F)gave my son Jackson (then 7) a ski lessonat Keystone. I have written about that eventin the Blizzard before, but I want Jacksonto be able to say to himself some day that aCamp Hale veteran personally taught himto ski. It means something to me to be ableto say that about myself, and I hope it willmean something to him, too, if he contin-ues on his own to develop a love for thesport. Much more important than that,though, I want him to understand what sac-rifice in war really means, and that pridein country and family must exist side byside with a deep understanding that warmust always be considered a last resortbecause of the horror and loss that inevita-bly accompanies it.

In 2005 another book on the WWII10th Mountain Division hit the streets;however, this one had a different slantthan recent books. The Boys Of Winter:Life And Death In The U.S. Ski TroopsDuring the Second World War by CharlesJ. Sanders relates a compelling story ofthree soldiers Rudy Konieczny (87-F),Jacob Nunnemacher (87-B) and RalphBromaghin (86-HQ-3). While theirbackgrounds differ, their commonality ofthe love of skiing led them to becomemembers of the 10th Mountain Division.Sanders’ focus on the lives of these threesoldiers creates a personal and emotionallink to the training for the battles that ledto their deaths in 1945.

Author and 10th Descendant CharlesSanders (Nephew of Norm Gavin, 86-L) recently was the keynote speakerat the Delaware River Valley VeteransDay Luncheon and gave the followinginterview.

Q. Can you provide some informa-tion about your uncle?

A. My uncle, Norm Gavin, is 90 yearsold and lives in Carmel. Though he didnot train at Camp Hale, he joined 86-Lonce the Division arrived in Italy. He hadseen action in North Africa and South-ern Italy before joining the 10th, and hewas awarded a Bronze Star for actionnear Lake Garda in April 1945. As I statein the book, he regarded his service withthe 10th as the most positive of his Armyexperiences because of the egalitarian-ism of the unit. He was and is a verybright and confident non-conformist andfit right in with the free spirits he encoun-tered in the ski troops.

Q. What was it about your uncle’sservice that made you becomeinterested in the 10th MountainDivision?

A. It was more the former members ofthe 10th who were the ski enthusiasts andinstructors whom I met in the Berkshiresgrowing up in the 60s and 70s that madean indelible impression. I would hearpeople in the ski community talkingabout the 10th with a certain reverence,and to know that a member of my familyhad been part of that family made meproud. It also made me very curious tounderstand who these guys were andwhat they had accomplished. Moreover,skiing in the Berkshires, one could nothelp but learn about the legendary RudyKonieczny, who skied the Thunderbolt atMount Greylock and gave his life as amember of the 87th Regiment at the veryend of the war.

Q. Why did you decide towrite your book about the10th Mountain Division?

A. I wanted to pay homage to the menwho taught me to ski, and to repay insmall measure the ultimate sacrif icemade by the three soldiers of the bookwho had not yet been given a voice, de-spite the many terrific books on the 10ththat have been written. I never served,and I wanted to pay tribute to the men

INTERVIEW WITH 10THDESCENDANT AND AUTHOR

CHARLES SANDERSPatricia Finn Thornton (Desc. 85 A & L)

who gave so much for me. This book en-ables me to “give something back” insome little way.

Q. How did you decide on the focus of the book?

A. Frankly, I was appalled at the seem-ingly cavalier attitude toward sendingmen and women into combat that mem-bers of my generation displayed after 9/11. I spent that terrible day of 9/11 inLower Manhattan and was as angry asanyone else was about our country be-ing attacked. But I also got an “up closeand personal” look at what ultimate sac-rifice looks like, and I think it sensitizedme even more to the fact that the menand women who do the sacrificing arenot statistics — they are real people withreal families, pasts and futures. As timewent on leading up to the invasion ofIraq, I got the distinct feeling that therewas a very severe disconnect between thenon-military public and the soldiersabout to do the fighting over what waspersonally at stake. Dwight Eisenhowersaid it best: “Men acquainted with thebattlefield will not be found among thenumbers that glibly talk of another war.”That sentiment underlies everything inthe book. Heroes are flesh and blood, andthey give EVERYTHING for our free-dom. It is our sacred duty as citizens tobe damn careful that in placing our com-munal sons and daughters in harms way,we do so only for the most crucial andwell thought out motives and objectives.

Q. What is the theme of the book?

A. Aside from the in-depth look at thefull lives of the three main protagonists,Rudy Konieczny (87-F), Jacob Nunne-macher (87-B) and Ralph Bromaghin(86-HQ-3) and their pre-war skiing he-roics, the theme of the book is to getthe readers to feel as if they have knownthese boys since childhood, so that whenthey are lost, it means something per-sonal. The reader needs to understandthat behind each war statistic is a real per-son, a father, brother, son or friend. I trulywant each reader to feel in some smallway that he or she knows, respects, andfeels a genuine affection and affinity fora person who was lost in combat andwhat that means. (See pages 203-204 ofthe book)

Q. How did you organize the book?

A. In order to accomplish the above, Ichose to recount in great detail the livesof three boys whose lives were economi-cally, geographically and personality-wise completely diverse, yet totally em-blematic of the type of men who servedin the 10th. That cross section allowedme to describe the pre-war ski world asit developed throughout the country, andto give the reader a sense that no matterwhat background he or she is from, thereis a meaningful connection betweenthe reader and at least one of the majorprotagonists.

Q. Where did you get the contentfor your book?

Q. Do you have any final reflectionson the book?

A. It was one of the most satisfyingprojects of my life. I have been blessedthroughout my life with great male rolemodels, and now I have about thirty moreto choose from in fashioning how I wantto shape my own future if I am blessedwith the longevity of these wonderfulguys I still ski with.

Charles Sandersserves as counsel andsenior vice-presidentof legal and interna-tional affairs to TheNational Music Pub-lishers’ Association,Inc. and is director andexecutive vice presi-dent of Artists AgainstHunger and Poverty. Sanders is an associ-ate member of the U.S. National Ski Pa-trol, and a member of the 10th MountainDivision Descendants, Inc.

You can purchase a copy of TheBoys of Winter: Life and Death in theU.S. Ski Troops during the Second WorldWar by Charles J. Sanders from the 10thMountain Quartermaster, Frank Thornton,112 Maple Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, PA19004. Email [email protected]: 610-667-2911.

Lights! Camera!! Oral History Train-ing at the Denver Reunion!!! 4:30-5:30pm on Thursday, August 2; repeated Fri-day, August 3 at 4:30- 5:30 pm.

When you attend the upcoming 10thReunion in August 2007, don’t miss ashort, but action packed training ses-sion with everything you need to knowto videotape compelling interviewsand oral histories. Session comes withbuilt-in Happy Hour to assure completesatisfaction.

Session includes “Top Ten Tips forIntriguing Interviews,” “Technical Tech-niques You Wish You Knew” and the ever-popular “Mistakes I’ve Made.” Thismust-see session will be led by “The LastRidge” television producer Abbie Kealy,

ORAL HISTORY TRAININGAT THE DENVER REUNION

Abbie Kealy (Desc. 86-L)

Abbie Kealy and Bill Bealmear videotaped 28 hours of oral histories on the VivaItalia Tour in May-June 2003. Here they interview Jerry Nash.

and Oral History Project CoordinatorMyrna Hampton, daughter of Lt. Colo-nel Hank Hampton.

You’ll also have a chance to put yourinterview skills into action later duringthe Reunion. All recorded 10th vet inter-views will be sent to the Library of Con-gress as part of their Veterans’ HistoryProject.

Future generations will thank you,vets will thank you, we will thank you!!Helping out has never been easier. Nottoo technical, not too intimidating, thistraining session is just right for everyone.

Save the Date: 4:30-5:30 pm onThursday, August 2; repeated Friday, Au-gust 3 at 4:30- 5:30 pm. Sign up uponarrival at the Reunion.

DESCENDANT BLIZZARD 2007 NUMBER 1PAGE 4


Come to the beautiful North Coun-try June 27-30, 2007. Celebrate yourrole in the history of the 10th MountainDivision. This event will be a gatheringof the new and old 10th Mountain Divi-sion veterans.

• Wednesday, June 27: Registration &reception.

• Thursday, June 28: Ft. Drum Day;Briefing on Afghanistan/Iraqi Opera-tions; Memorial Service. Lunch at aFt. Drum dining facility with soldiers;visit PX/clothing sales; bus tour ofthe Post; visit the Mountain Fest equip-ment/weapon displays; Division andVeterans pass-in-review. Return tohotel or stay for concert and fireworksdisplay.

• Friday, June 29: Winery Tour; Thou-sand Islands boat cruise; unit dinners.

FORT DRUM CHAPTERREUNION

Mike Plummer (10 Lt., Ret.)

• Saturday, June 30: General member-ship business meeting; Clayton BoatMuseum and Sackets Harbor; 1812Battlefield tours; farewell banquet.

• Sunday, July 1: Depart, or stay for agreat North Country 4th of July cel-ebration.

Days Inn in Watertown will be theheadquarters for all events. Room costsare not included in the registration fee.For reservations call Days Inn (315) 782-2700. Tell the clerk that you are part ofthe Ft. Drum Chapter reunion for dis-count. We are trying to keep the registra-tion costs below $150 per person. Pleaseget five of your Mountain Buddies to at-tend and make this a Climb to Glory hap-pening. Any questions? Email MikePlummer at [email protected] orphone: 315 782-4178

At Whiteface Mountain on August 3,200 veterans, soldiers, friends and rela-tives commemorated the activation of theTenth Mountain Division in 1943. TheFt. Drum community provided soldiers,a band, flag bearers, rifle squad, and otherpersonnel to make this annual event col-orful and meaningful. As Bill Millette(605-A) observed, “This ceremony is ashared celebration of our Division, whichkeeps the Old Tenth and today’s soldierstied together.” This sentiment was ech-oed by Bob Krause (87-G): “We old-timers don’t want to lose that feeling.”John Benson (87-G) summed it up bysaying: “It helps keep the fighting spiritof the Division alive!”

This writer paid tribute to the “Braveand honored soldiers of the Tenth Moun-tain Division (Lt) who have fought withgreat courage a faceless and tenaciousenemy in warfare vastly different fromwhat we encountered in Italy. Their un-daunted devotion to duty demands ourgreatest respect and admiration. Withdeep honor we salute them today.”

Col. David J. Clark, Garrison Com-mander, speaking on behalf of Command-ing General Freakley who is deployed inAfghanistan, talked of the success andsacrifices of the WWII troopers and hispride in being part of their legacy. Hethanked them for their concern and sup-port of the soldiers and families of themodern 10th. In closing, he assured thosepresent that the Tenth (Lt) stands readyto continue its defense of our nation andour chosen way of life. The 338th ArmyReserve Band from Ohio sounded forthin place of our own 10th Mountain Band,which is temporarily overseas. Food ser-vice personnel again provided a fine andgenerous luncheon to cap this very spe-cial day.

The chapter held its fall businessmeeting and social gathering at the Gar-net Hill Lodge on October 4-5. There was

a comprehensive presentation on ourNational Foundation by Tommy Thomp-son (desc. 86-F). We were impressed bythe scope of the Foundation’s activities.We adopted a proposal to donate fundsto the scholarship program for 10th Lt.soldiers as promoted by Mike Plummer(l0-Lt). Phil Santasiero (87-K) presen-ted information about the Purple HeartHall of Honor, now under constructionin the Hudson Valley. To encouragegreater member involvement, we willexplore the possibility of a joint meetingwith the Metro New York chapter in thespring. There was a Veterans’ Day Cer-emony at Ft. Drum on November 8th;and the traditional Belvedere Luncheonwas held on February 19 in Albany.

Stalwart troopers attending GarnetHill were Beverly and Bill Millette (605-A), Bob Krause, our new chaplain Ho-ward Sebald (605-A), Jean and FredVetter (86-MED-3), Emmy and PhilSantasiero, Shirley and Horton Durfee(86-L), Ruso Perkins (87-I), Lorraineand Harold McAfee (85-L), Shirley andGene Moose (86-A), Don Stuart (87-L), and Bill Morrison.

We noted with regret the passing ofour long-time chapter president FredShuler (86-C), survivor of the climb upRiva Ridge and recipient of three BronzeStars. At the burial site, a full militaryservice was conducted by the local VFW,assisted by the Honor Team from Ft.Drum. Fred had selected his final rest-ing place high on a bluff overlooking hishome town and the Susquehanna RiverValley, a suitable resting place for a wor-thy mountaineer. Veterans of the Tenthpaying their respects were Majorie andCarl Newton (86-C), Mugsy and GeorgeFuge (86-C), Shirley and Horton Dur-fee, Jane and Pete Austin (10-HQ), Bettyand Jeff Benson (86-C), Charlotte andDuane Smith (85-HQ-3), Jacques Par-ker (86-C), and Bill Morrison.

UPSTATE NEW YORKBill Morrison (86-L)

For the first time in many moons,the chapter migrated to Florida’s WestCoast for an October 10-13 meeting inNew Port Richey. The attraction is thetown of Tarpon Springs settled by Greeksponge divers around 1900. Sponges areno longer commercially harvested, butfishing boats are moored at the wharfsand Greek restaurants line the mainstreet. President Al Partridge (86-A),with wife Cindy’s help, presided overthe three-day reunion. These meetings,as the years pass, become more nostal-gic. Even the hotel brought back memo-ries of Belvedere Day gatherings hostedby Mary and Bill Weber (616-HQ) andit was here that Bill sold me the red artil-lery jacket I still wear to 10th functions.National President Emeritus Paul Gun-derman (605-Med) was there with someof his Executive Committee: ExecutiveDirector Harry Coleman (86-B) withLorraine, Quartermaster “Speed” Mur-phy (85-G) with son David and BlizzardEditor Ray Zelina with Carol. In thehospitality room former chapter presi-dents were in abundance. In addition toPaul Gunderman, Harry Coleman and“Speed” Murphy, Ted Fasting (616-HQ)and Bill Dyer (87-E) (with Yvonne) werealso there.

Except for Vice President Moe Hall-gren (85-C), a long time chapter mem-ber who is moving to Texas, the chapterreturned the present chapter officers foranother term: President Al Partridge;Vice President Ray Zelina and Secretary/Treasurer Ed Van Romer (87-I). Moeand Joe Ann will be missed. The chaptervoted unanimously to donate $500 to theFort Drum Scholarship Fund as anotherway of showing the chapter’s apprecia-tion to the soldiers of the 10th engagedin the present conflict.

The local area is synonymous withseafood. We dined at Christies on Tues-day evening. Dolores Gunderman fixedme with an icy stare, and said, “Why wasmy name omitted from your last chaptercolumn in the Blizzard? You mentionedPaul. Why not me?” How could I missDolores? This time she hasn’t been for-gotten. A trip to Tarpon Springs to samplethe Greek food is mandatory and the

chapter fulfilled that mandate at the Hel-las Restaurant on Wednesday evening. Asurprise was a complementary baklava(a sweet Greek pastry) for dessert.

President Al and Cindy Partridgeplanned a marvelous final banquet. Dot-tie and Art Ramsdell (HQ-86) camefrom Oldsmar, and the Coleman’s daugh-ter Denise and husband Warren drovefrom Tampa for the banquet. Bill & Deb-bie Edling (Bill is the grandson of Maryand Bill Weber, 616-HQ) also joined usfor the banquet. Cadets from the 438thCivil Air Patrol posted and retired thecolors and enjoyed pizza for their efforts.Catherine and Wayne Albright (604-A) cancelled due to health problems anddonated their banquet payment for thepizza. We were treated to an excellentslide show on the activities of the CivilAir Patrol (CAP) by CAP LieutenantRodman, assisted by CAP LieutenantMiszewski. The efforts of the Civil AirPatrol were appreciated during the finalbanquet. We later learned that the com-plementary dessert on Wednesday eve-ning was through the efforts of Lt.Miszewski’s wife. Thanks to Bill Weber,accordionist Jeanne Zube entertainedduring dinner and added just the righttouch to the banquet.

The hospitality room is always, “whereit’s at.” Descendant Val Rios sent a DVDof the dedication of the WWII memorialthat kept everyone’s attention during itsviewing. A reporter dropped by and in-terviewed the group. The article was pub-lished in the Suncoast News on Veteran’sDay. Talk turned to the enjoyable FloridaBelvedere Day celebrations Caroline andGeorge Rosenfield (85-E) host at Mel-bourne and Yvonne and Bill Dyer (87-E)at Sarasota. On February18th, the South-east Belvedere luncheon at Marina Jacksrestaurant was attended by Bill and YvonneDyer, Al and Catherine Albright, Edithand John Kurnik (86-HQ-3), Renee andBill Henry (10 Lt). Bill retired from theservice in 1996, and now has a son servingin Iraq. Ed Van Romer and Conness Gil-lespie are once again hosting the SpringBreak in Greenville, South Carolina.

The very best to everyone from thesunny South. You-all come see us.

SOUTHEASTRay Zelina (605-A)

L. to r: LTC Jacobma, Civil Air Patrol, Ted Fasting, “Speed” Murphy andchapter Secretary/Treasurer Ed Van Romer at the Southeast Chapter meeting

in New Port Richey Florida.

In attendance at the chapter meetingat Colorado Springs on August 27 were:Scott Adams (10th Mtn. MarchingBand), George Cahill (87-L), Bob Carl-son, John Carroll (85-K), Earl Clark(87-HQ-1), Lefty Cormier (87-L), ArtDelaney (87-L), Bonnie Douglas (desc.86-H), Hugh Evans (85-A&C), JohnGordon (ASSOC), Ed Halstead (86-G,87-L), Gene Hames (85-K), WilliamHoevers (10th Mtn. Marching Band), EdKirches (87-M), Nancy Kirk (86-H-DESC), John Litchfield (86-L&10-HQ),George Loudis, (86-H), Steve Mindock(87-A), Dick Over (110-Sig), Joe Perry(10 MED-D), Carl Peterson (ASSOC),Franci Peterson (HONORARY), FrankRomano, (86-K), Lu Scadit (FRIEND),Loretta and Orville Tomky (126-B),Stan Walker (86-A), Judy Whittemore(86-H-DESC), Les Whittemore (86-H),Joan and Adne Wilde (86-I), CharlesWoudenberg (85-L), and Neil Yorker(87-L). We were shocked to learn thatLefty Cormier died the next day afterhe appeared to be in good health at theluncheon. Many vets attended Lefty’sfuneral services on August 31st at hischurch.. His wife Betty Lou then hosteda reception at their home. He was in-terred the next day at Fort Logan Mili-tary Cemetery.

We have received our first and sec-ond Reunion sponsorship funds from ananonymous donor and from Joe Perry(10-MED-D). These gifts are much ap-preciated and will help considerably inkeeping our costs as low as possible.Bill Ludemann (85-HQ-3) has sent us50 very special table decorations. Prepa-rations for the Reunion are proceedingsmoothly thanks to a dedicated volunteerplanning group and its fearless leaderHugh Evans. Chere Mitchell HistoryGroup’s Reunion Book/DVD, which willbe available about 18 months after theReunion, will cover interviews and pho-tos of all attending vets. This organiza-tion is responsible for finding donors tokeep this book at an affordable price —the target is $30 or less. The trip to CampHale has drawn much interest, and itnow appears that the lunch will be bothindoors and out under tents.

Some Western Colorado vets at-tended the funeral in September of aTenth Mountain Soldier, 21 year-old Cpl.Christopher F. Sitton of Montrose. Chriswas an Eagle Scout and distance runneron the high school track team. He joinedthe Army in 2004, and was killed by aroadside bomb in August in Afghani-stan. He was a Combat Medic with hopesof going to Medical School. The Funeral

ROCKY MOUNTAINBob Carlson (86-L)

was held at Montrose High School andhis remains were taken to the GrandView Cemetery by a horse-drawn 1867hearse-coach donated by a local gentle-man in Montrose. Attending the servicewere Robert Hoover (86-B), CharlieLeggiero (10-HQ, & 86-F), Bill Farrow(85-E & HQ) and Dave Dearborn (Desc.85-MED).

Attending the yearly luncheon inGrand Junction in September were Joanand Bill Farrow (85-HQ, E), Dave Dear-born, Tylia and Thor Groswold (ASSOC),Dave Jennings (87-F & MTG), CharlesLeggerrio, Neil McKinstry (10-AT),Crosby Perry-Smith (86-HQ-2), Faithand Dave Reed (85-I), Bonnie Sayre(126-ENG-HQ, W), Dick Wellington(86-B &10-RECON) and daughter Coy,and Clark Wingate (87-L). Bill Farrowhas coordinated this Western Slope ac-tivity for a number of years.

Our annual Christmas party was do-nated by Dave Christie (desc. 85-F), sonof the deceased Neal Christie, at hiswonderful event center in Gennessee,marking the seventh time that we havebeen Dave’s guests. He hosted many hun-gry vets and descendants. To us, his gen-erosity seems overwhelming.

In August 2006 our descendants, un-der the direction of Kate Raabe (desc. 86-MED), planned and held our annual sum-mer picnic. Over 40 attended including12 veterans. More and more we will de-pend on the descendants to take on re-sponsibility to carry on our traditions.

In attendance at our July chapterluncheon meeting were some soldiers ofthe First Space Battalion from PetersonAFB in Colorado Springs. Their com-mander, Lt. Colonel Lee P. Gizzi is try-ing to arrange for our veterans to wit-ness an infantry training exercise at FortCarson. The First Space Battalion’s mis-sion is to receive real-time satellite im-ages from combat zones and transmitthem to appropriate operations centersoverseas. For modern technology we say— Hooah!

Bill Kehres (85-F) had good things tosay about his volunteer experience at theUSO at Denver International Airport as-sisting retired veterans, current militarypersonnel and their families. Bill, DickOver and George Loudis serve at leasttwice a month at this facility, which canbe a fine resting place with refreshmentsfor those flying in and out of Denver. It islocated near concourse A (Frontier’s con-course). Any retired military 10th vets orcurrent 10th Light airline passengers willbe welcome to take advantage of its ser-vices during our 2007 Reunion.

10th COLD WAR VETERANSThe Association seeks to expand its membership to include veterans who

served in the 10th Infantry Division during the Cold War (1948-58). Thiswill enable them to meet with their Cold War comrades, with WWII veteransof the 10th Mountain Division, and with members of the modern 10th Moun-tain Division (Lt). Please contact: National Association of the 10th MountainDivision, Attn: John Duffy, P.O. Box 750888, Forest Hills, NY 11375-0888;e-mail: [email protected]. Send articles, photographs and notices tothe Editor for publication in the Blizzard.

At the tri-chapter reunion September12-15 of the Big Sky, Mt. Rainer andNorthwest Chapters at the Coeur d’AleneCasino in Worley, Idaho, attendees weretreated to a wonderful 10th Mountain Di-vision display. Michael Myers (Honor-ary), a collector of 10th Mountain Divi-sion WWII memorabilia and his wife,Connie, presented a winter campingscene with a display of nearly a dozendifferent uniforms, photos and othermaterials. Michael noted that he startedattending meetings to get information forhis collection, but found new friends, andthat was the best part.

Dale Smith (10-MP), Mt. RainerChapter President, opened the combinedchapters meeting by acknowledgingthose who helped organize the joint meet-ing. The Big Sky Chapter handled thereservations, Mt Rainer Chapter was incharge of the organization, and theNorthwest Chapter made the arrange-ments. Trux Dole, grandson of C. Minot(Minnie) Dole who formed the 10thMountain Division and the National SkiPatrol, is a board member of the 10thMountain Division Foundation. Trux re-ported on the management of the Foun-dation funds. The yearly interest on thecore fund is used for operation costs, pro-gram obligations, Tennessee Pass memo-rial and memorial sites in Italy, the Den-ver Public Library 10th Mountain Divi-sion Resource Center photos project,scholarships, and special projects. LarryWilson (desc. 87-HQ-1) a 10th Moun-tain Division Descendants board mem-ber, spoke on the role of the descendantsorganization.

Cliff SiJohn, a member of the Coeurd’Alene tribe and Vietnam veteran,welcomed the attendees to the Coeurd’Alene lodge. He gave history of theCoeur d’Alene tribe and closed by pay-ing tribute to the warriors in attendanceand singing a warrior’s song for them.

After the banquet, John Duffy (86-HQ-2), National Association President,

TRI CHAPTER REUNION:BIG SKY, MT. RAINIER,

NORTHWESTSuz Rittenhouse (Desc. 87-HQ-2)

reported on the past year’s accomplish-ments of the Association, including thevery successful return to Italy trip. Hesaid he hopes such tours will continue.He encouraged everyone to attend the2007 National Reunion in August in Den-ver. This will be John’s last year as Na-tional president, so he shared his visionfor the future of the Association. North-west Chapter president Ed Flabetich(86-A), gave John a mountain print as amemento of his visit.

Distinguished Service Awards werepresented to Jim Belcher (87-HQ-1),Barney Ilertsen (616-HQ), Ray John-son (85-G), Stan Walsh (10-MED-B),Ed Stowell (87-HQ-2), Leo Erhart (86-B), and Dan Ruddell (604-HQ). EleanorCoop, wife of Bob Coop (87-B) receiveda Meritorious Service Award for all heryears of assistance to the Big Sky Chap-ter. Suz Cramer Rittenhouse (descendent87-HQ-2)) was presented with a Merito-rious Service award for her editorship ofthe Big Sky Chapter Mini-Blizzard. Aspecial presentation of a 10th MountainDivision blanket was given to ArlenePriest for her hard work registering theattendees for the meeting.

The traditional memorial service tookplace Friday morning on the casinogrounds. The Coeur d’Alene WarriorsSociety presented United States, 10thMountain Division, and Coeur d’AleneTribe flags. Rev. Webster Barnett (86-HQ-1) led the members in prayer. CliffSiJohn paid tribute to all warriors, andasked for a blessing for the 10th Moun-tain Division warriors. Ernest Stensgar,member of the Warriors Society andpast president of the Coeur d’AleneTribe, presented a bronze of a Coeurd’Alene Indian scout to the National As-sociation. Dale Smith accepted the giftfor the Association and will present it tothe Resource Center in Denver for dis-play. The service ended with Taps, a fi-nal prayer, and singing of God BlessAmerica.

Recipients of Distinguished Service Awards presented at the Tri Chapter Reunionat Coeur d’Alene Casino in Worley, ID, are, l to r: Ed Stowell, Ray Johnson, Barney

Ilertsen, Leo Erhart, Dan Ruddell, Stan Walsh, and Jim Belcher.


Without notice, the Yankee Grill inBallard, site of Mt. Rainier chapter lun-cheons, dinners, and Board meetingsfor several years, closed! The Board hasmoved to Andy’s Diner, a restaurant in acluster of vintage railroad cars wherethey now regularly meet in the formerprivate car of President Franklin Roose-velt. Then began a search for another lo-cation for the membership luncheons anddinners. Rich Morse, descendants’ chair-man, provided the solution — the SeattleYacht Club, where Rich, a member, wascontinuing a tradition started by his fa-ther, “Beanie” Morse (85-H), hostingone Sunday meeting a year especially fordescendants whose work schedules pre-vented them from attending the mid-week luncheons. Now all meetings dur-ing the fall and winter are held in theClub. The cuisine is gourmet — salmonwith pesto sauce, New York steak Lon-don Broil style, creamy seafood crepes.The cost, somewhat higher than the Yan-kee Grill, is partially subsidized by theChapter treasury to make it affordable forall those who wish to attend.

The transition was not all smooth,however. The page 1 headline on theChapter’s November newsletter AVA-LANCHE read, “MEETING ALERT:DECEMBER DATE CHANGED!” Anexplanatory note said, “Due to a mentallapse suffered by all Mt.Rainier chapterboard members who, after unanimously

MT. RAINIERHal Alford (10-HQ)

approving the change of the meeting datefrom the second Tuesday to the thirdWednesday in December, promptly for-got what they had done, so all previousannouncements of the December lun-cheon date are in error.” Happily, mem-bers got the word and a large group of55 made it to the gala Christmas lun-cheon, with carol singing led by GordyDick (87-G), and a visit from Mr. andMrs. Santa Claus, Mary and John Hen-dron (87-MED-3).

New officers took over in November.Karl Stingl (87-HQ-1), President; Nor-man Brooks (10-AT-A), 1st Vice Presi-dent; Edward Gibson (MTC), 2nd VicePresident; Warren Elmer (10-HQ), Sec-retary; Royce Ward (10th INF), Trea-surer; Hal Alford, Editor.

In January, the Board set the sched-ule for luncheons in 2007 as posted inthe Events block on page 3 of the Bliz-zard. The June 12 dinner is especially fordescendants; the May 8th luncheon is es-pecially for NW chapter members; theJune 12 luncheon and the July 10th lun-cheon are especially for Eastern Wash-ington members. The August 14th lun-cheon at Rainier Golf and Country Clubreplaces the traditional summer picnichosted by National Chaplain Web Bar-nett (86-HQ-1). The September 11 din-ner at Leavenworth, WA replaces the tra-ditional luncheon at Paradise Inn on Mt.Rainier, which is closed for remodeling.

It was a banner summer for the NewEngland Chapter. In mid-July we held theannual ceremonies at Shirley and WarrenBartlett’s (87-I) 10th Mountain DivisionMemorial Garden in Lancaster, NH. Asalways, flower plantings and small Ame-rican flags marked each of the more thansixty white crosses in memory of 10thMountain Division comrades. We thengathered in a nearby forest clearing toenjoy wine and camaraderie. Later, morethan 70 adjourned to Cabot’s Motor Lodgefor the traditional buffet luncheon. All inall, another memorable day in the historyof the New England Chapter.

A few weeks later, we assembled forthe 24th annual Mt. Washington Climband Memorial Ceremonies at the chap-ter’s memorial plaque on the 6,288 footsummit. This mountain often has se-vere weather conditions, and retains theworld’s wind speed record of 231 MPH.As in many past years, the extremeweather conditions made it necessary tohold the memorial services in the sum-mit house. Chapter President Jack Bar-ton (87-HQ-1) read the list of 12 chap-ter members who had died during thepast year. The 10th Mountain Division’sKIA Roll of Honor for the previoustwelve months was presented by SFCRoy Mitchell: fourteen soldiers fromOperation Iraqi Freedom, nine from Op-eration Enduring Freedom in Afghani-stan, plus the ten troopers who died inthe tragic Afghanistan helicopter crashon May 6th. LTC Matthew J. Fitzgerald,commandant of the Army Mountain War-fare School, paid tribute to the elevenVermont National Guard soldiers wholost their lives in Afghanistan, Iraq andKuwait. Memorial prayers were offeredby Chaplain James MacIntyre of the Ver-mont National Guard

This was the 24th consecutive yearthat Newc Eldredge (85-L) master-minded every aspect of the mountain as-cent, including securing overnight bunkspace and meals at the Lakes of theClouds Hut, recruiting climbers, and se-curing transportation. He was assisted byChet Morley (85-C) and Tiny McWade

(87-HQ-3). One statistician on the climbestimated that Newc had trekked approx-imately 120 miles up the mountainduring his 24 years as expedition leader.There were 39 participants in this year’sclimbing party, including three WWII10th Mountain Division veterans in ad-dition to Newc Eldredge. They were Er-lon Blood (87-MED-L), David Cleasby(10th RECON), and John Imbrie (85-C). There were 16 troopers from the Ver-mont National Guard’s 172nd MountainBattalion and the Army Mountain War-fare School. The remainder of the climb-ing party were descendants, family mem-bers and friends. Approximately 40 otherparticipants used motorized transporta-tion up to the summit from the GlenHouse. There was not a climbing contin-gent from the Fort Drum 10th this yeardue to extensive deployments to Iraq andAfghanistan. SFC Pat Muir who usuallyorganizes the Fort Drum climbing teamis currently serving in Afghanistan.

Following the ceremonies, there wasa chicken barbecue picnic at the nearbyWildcat Ski Area, thanks to the dedicatedefforts of Chet and Laurette Morley inmaking the necessary meal arrange-ments. The national organization’s Dis-tinguished Service Award was presentedto Bill Osgood (87-C) for his many yearsof effort in behalf of chapter projects. Thechapter’s Spirit of the Mountain awardwas presented to Newc Eldredge in rec-ognition of his 24 years as climb orga-nizer and leader.

To top off the chapter’s 2006 sched-ule came the annual fall luncheon at theLake Sunapee Country Club in New Lon-don, NH. The dining room was packedto capacity with approximately 110people on hand to enjoy the event, ex-pertly organized once again by the chap-ter’s “hostest with the mostest,” JeanDearborn (85-MED, W). At a brief busi-ness meeting it was determined that theannual winter gathering will return tothe Cortina Inn, Pico Peak, VT, March23-25. The directors approved a contri-bution of $2,000 to the 10th MountainDivision (Light) Scholarship Fund.

NEW ENGLANDDick Wilson (85-M)


Following the luncheon at the Wildcat Ski Area, Chapter President Jack Barton(left) presented Bill Osgood with the Distinguished Service Award for his many

years of work on behalf of chapter projects and its members.

Participants at the Memorial services in the Mt. Washington summit house in-cluded SFC Roy Mitchell (10th Light) (left) and LTC Matthew Fitzgerald, comman-

dant of the Army Mountain Warfare School. This was the 5th year that LTCFitzgerald participated in the Mt. Washington climb. Sgt. Mitchell incurred severe

combat injuries in Iraq, including loss of one leg. He started skiing last winter.

Mt. Rainier chapter board meeting in President Franklin Roosevelt’s formerprivate railroad car. Around the table, l to r: Warren Elmer, Royce Ward, Hal Alford,

Dale Smith, John Hendron, Karl Stingl, Richard Morse, Vic Eklund, Dave Rabak,Hans Thompson, Gordy Dick, Norm Brooks, and Bob Bagshaw.


Bradley, Illinois was the location forthe annual chapter meeting September10-15, 2006. Much of the work in plan-ning, preparing and carrying out theparty was done by descendants Jerry andDianne Jurina (Raymond Milne, 616-B), assisted by Carl and Lynn Nawrot(Stanley Nawrot, 87-MED-D), Johnand Patty LaRocca (Richard Soutar,616-HQ) and Janice and Ron Fuglsang(Martin Bockelmann 126-A). Sundaywas early birds’ day but almost everyonecame then. Registration was Mondaywith 45 the official count. The welcom-ing banquet took place that evening atthe Quality Inn and Suites Hotel, site ofthe meeting. There was a visit to theKankakee Train Museuem in the old Il-linois Central train station on Tuesday.Several gauges of toy trains were dis-played with much railroad memorabilia.After a catered box lunch there, golfin the afternoon was at the ShamrockGolf Club. The Peoria system was usedfor the competition, and the winning

MIDWESTKen Hanson (85-MED-2)

team was Kroy Ostergard (85-D, 85-HQ-1), Dianne Jurina and Ed Barys(604-C).

Wednesday afternoon a general meet-ing was held at the Jurina’s home on theKankakee River. Then it rained! The ca-tered dinner was held in their garage soeveryone stayed dry! A memorial servicepresided over by chapter president Rob-ert Foreman (85-L, M) was held onThursday at the Illinois Veterans Homein Manteno. The Momence, Illinois HighSchool honor guard presented the colorsand the Rev. Gerald Lundby (86-L,M)read a list of the names of the fallen,and offered a meditation. After the ser-vice, meeting attendees lunched withsome of the residents. Thursday was theFarewell Banquet and the installation ofofficers for 2006 to 2009. They are JacobPollack (85-HQ-2), President; JerryJurina (desc.), Vice President; KroyOstergaard, Secretary, and Carl Nawrot(desc.), Treasurer. The next reunion willbe held in June 2007 in Springfield, IL.

Our adopted platoon is 1st platoonBlackhawk Co., 2nd, 87th, 10th Moun-tain Division (Lt). Director Bob O’Mal-ley (85-L), our chair of the Wounded inAction committee, reports that platoonleader 1st Lt. Derek Martin and 3 troop-ers were wounded in Afghanistan duringan engagement in which 30 Taliban fight-ers were killed. Lt. Martin is currentlyreceiving treatment at Walter Reed ArmyHospital for a shrapnel wound to his righteye. Bob noted that Lt. Martin was givenhis personal attention. Lt. Martin sendshis best wishes and thanks to Metro andthe American Legion for the packagesthat the platoon has been receiving. SFC

METRO NEW YORKJay Charles (85-C)

Christopher Norris, Acting Platoonleader, reports that the morale of the menis “Top-Notch” and the wounded menwill recover. Bob O’Malley further re-ports that the 10th Mountain Division(Lt.) troopers wounded in action withauthorized hospital leave have beentreated to dinners at “Hooters” under thesupervision of SSG Francisco Osuna,our 10th Mountain Liaison at WalterReed Army Hospital. Metro’s thanks toour civilian benefactors who providedthe financial gifts to help the morale ofour wounded troopers. Metro plans tocontinue with these dinners as long asthe funds hold out.

There was a chapter meeting andluncheon on October 22nd at the RoseRestaurant, followed by a visit to Ft. McHenry. An invitation was issued to theambulatory wounded veterans at WalterReed Army Hospital, but they were un-able to attend as they had suffered majorlosses that week. In attendance at themeeting were Dan Muffoletto (87-HQ),Michael Muffoletto (son), Ed Doyle (85-M), Charlie Rittenhouse (son-in-law),Elaine and Bill Magrath (Associate),Mary and George Welch (86-E), Eliza-beth (Welch) Wood, Fred Wood, Chris-topher and Antigone Doucette (descen-dants 87-HQ-3), Mary and Al Nencioni(85-I), Oscar F. Baxter, IV, Oscar F.Baxter, V, Mary and Norm Burkey (desc85-C), Hassell Vass (10-AT-A) andPam (Vass) Pikla. The prize for the long-est drive to the meeting goes to OscarBaxter IV (86-I) and son, Oscar F. Bax-ter V, who drove all the way from Vir-ginia Beach, VA.

Elaine and Bill Magrath showed aphoto of the Medal of Honor flag theyreceived in honor of the 10th’s onlyWWII Medal of Honor recipient, JohnMagrath (85-G), Bill’s brother. Thisflag was not received through normalchannels; Peter Lemon donated his ownflag. A motion was made, secondedand unanimously approved to contri-bute $1,000 to the 10th Light Scholar-

WASHINGTON D.C.Pam Pikla (Desc.10-AT-A)

ship Fund.We continue to make bimonthly vis-

its to wounded 10th Mountain Division(Lt) soldiers at Walter Reed. Unfortu-nately, the numbers have increased re-cently. On November 2nd visitors wereHassell Vass, Ed Doyle, George Welch,Al Nencioni, Oct Covington (86-MED-HQ), Bill Magrath, Charlie Rittenhouse(Ed Doyle’s son-in-law), Mary Welch,Elizabeth (Welch) Wood, Elaine Mag-rath, Norm Burkey (desc. 85-C) andSteve Coffey (desc. 87-F). Joining themwas Mrs. Bobbi Infanti, visiting at therequest of her husband, LTC MichaelJ. Infanti, who is currently serving withthe 10th Light in Iraq. Elaine Magrathbrought 9 lap robes as gifts for thewounded soldiers — she has now madein excess of 100. The group visited firstwith in-patients in the hospital and thenwent to Mologne House for lunch. Thewounded soldiers we visited were Cpl.Adam Judd Shaffer, PFC Paul Linkous,SSG Christopher Howard Hurlbut, PFCAlejandro Albarran, Lt. Scott Quilty, andChanning J. Moss.

Anyone who would like to donatefunds for gifts to wounded 10th Lightsoldiers can send a check payable toWashington, DC Chapter, 10th MountainDivision Association, and send to Has-sell G. Vass, 3707 Red Grove Road, Bal-timore, MD 21220.

SSG Francisco Osuna (center) received the National Association’s DistinguishedService Award from Hassell Vass for his assistance to the Washington DC and

Metro New York chapters in his position as 10th Mountain Liaison at Walter ReedArmy Hospital. Pam Pikla is at right.

Veterans of Midwest chapter at annual chapter meeting September 10-15, 2006,in Bradley, Illinois.

Sgt. Dennis Cline Sgt. Nathan Robinette with Hassell Vass.

WALTER REED ARMY HOSPITAL


On August 24 to 26, 2006, 85-C held a reunion at the Double Tree Hotel inColorado Springs. Four members of the 2nd squad, 2nd platoon of 85-C at-tended, making it a very special occasion. Don Olson, Jay Charles, Clem Pay-check and Walt Neller were delighted to see each other and reminisce. Throughthe years there have been many C Co. reunions with two, three or four 2ndsquad members present. After 60 years it was heart-warming to reunite withso many men who share the same memories and fears we all faced during ourWWII days. It was interesting to recall events individually and collectivelyduring those days and fun to catch up on what our buddies have done since. Itwas truly amazing to discover how many different careers and paths our liveshave taken, and yet how we have all hung onto the values we treasured then,as we do now. There will always be that bond that can only be shared bythose who have faced combat together.

A special thanks goes to Joe Berry for organizing this great reunion.

C COMPANY REUNIONWalt Neller (85-C)

The tenure of Association Quarter-masters Jane and Peter Austin (10-HQ)has been a big success. The size of theiroperation — and the number of satisfiedcustomers — can be judged by the factthat every year they were in office, theydid $40,000 worth of business and aver-aged over 1,000 mailings per year. Theiringenuity in finding new items to sell andtheir dedication to serving customers’needs have been exceptional. By care-fully controlling expenses and investingin two catalogs (both in color) to adver-tise their wares –– they generated suffi-cient net income to fund a dozen projectsfor the Association. Among them werethe following:

• A $5,000 contribution to Abbie Kealy’sdocumentary video, “The Last Ridge.”

• $5,000 to help fund publication of theAssociation’s 2004 roster.

• $5,000 to finance a video recording ofthe Return to Italy 2003 tour by AbbieKealy and Bill Bealmear.

• Support for publication of four booksfor sale by the QM, including MacMacKenzie’s History of the Interna-tional Federation of Mountain Sol-

JANE AND PETER AUSTIN,QUARTERMASTERS

John Duffy (86-HQ-2)

diers; 10th Mountain Division Cam-paign in Italy 1945, by John Imbrie andTom Brooks; Mission Udine: The 10thMountain Division at the YugoslavBorder, by Tom Brooks and JohnImbrie; and 10th Mountain DivisionBattle Site Photos: Then and Now, byJohn and Barbara Imbrie.

John Imbrie says, “Without the finan-cial support of the Quartermasters, wewould not have been able to get three ofthose books into print. And eventually,sales of the books made a profit for theQM.” Treasurer Danny Murphy (CPA)says: “Thanks to Jane for her superb ac-counting and reporting!”

The Austins tripled the value of theinventory during their tenure, and gavetheir successor, Frank Thornton, $21,000to start his operation. As a final measureof the success of their operation, theAustins were able to make a $10,000contribution to the Association from QMfunds. Their total donations to variousAssociation projects was $55,000!

They will be attending the NationalReunion in August, so you’ll have achance to say, “Well done, Peter andJane!”

Quartermasters Jane and Peter Austin selling their wares in the reception hall atthe Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont, during the IFMS XX Congress.

THEN AND NOW: 2ND SQUAD,2ND PLATOON, 85-C.

On April 7, 1945, the 2nd Squad gets ready to leave its bivouac onHill 866, just south of Mt. della Spe. Back row: Dan Ward, Robert Anderson,

Dick Snyder, Walt Neller. Middle row: Clem Paycheck, Jay Charles, Don Olson(with helmet). Front: Jim Gehringer, George Sheeler, Ronald Rothe,

and Fred Tennant.

Four members of the same squad — the 2nd Platoon’s 2nd Squad,attend the 85-C company reunion in Colorado Springs, September 2006.

L to r: Jay Charles, Clem Paycheck, Don Olson, and Walt Neller.

BLIZZARD SCHEDULE

SEND MATERIALS TO:Sally Fricke Oesterling, Editor • 9700 Cottrell Terrace, Silver Spring, MD 20903

Fax: (301) 434-7722 • email: [email protected]

Issue No. Period covered Articles deadline

1 September 06-January 07 January 1

2 February-June May 1

3 July-December October 15

William L. Putnam (85-L, 87-L) ex-plores the life of Damiano Achille Ratti,also known as Pope Pius XI, and his ex-ploration of mountaineering in his newbook, The Mountaineer’s Pontiff: AchilleRatti, published by AuthorHouse. Put-nam describes the education and familybackground and Ratti’s origins in thesmall northern Italian city of Desio. Healso provides a backdrop of the worldevents that shaped his tenure as Pope,as well as others’ reactions to his ad-monishments of the dictators of his day— Hitler, Mussolini, and Stalin. Put-nam details Ratti’s more notable climbson alpine peaks, the most famous be-ing the fearsome Marinelli Couloir on

Monte Rosa.Putnam repeated Ratti’s famous climb

on Mount Rosa after his WWII service.Putnam is a leading authority on themountains of Western Canada, a formertelevision broadcaster and editorialist,and currently the sole trustee of theLowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Ari-zona. He has written numerous works,including The Great Glacier and ItsHouse (1982); A Yankee Image (1991);A Centennial History of the AmericanAlpine Club (2002); and numerous clim-bers’ guidebooks to the Rocky Mountainsof Canada and Interior Ranges of Brit-ish Columbia. For more information, vi-sit www.authorhouse.com.

NEW BOOKTHE MOUNTAINEER’S PONTIFF

Pho

to C

ourt

esy

of J

ohn

Imbr

ie


ALVIN CLEO WILLIAMSMy father’s name was Alvin Cleo Williams. He was from White Deer Texas. He

was in 87-HQ at Camp Hale. I am not sure when he was there. He was later trans-ferred to SHAEF in Europe. He was a T-5 grade and was discharged on 2/10/46. Iwould appreciate hearing from anyone who knew him.

Thanks for your help.

Dale Williams. 806-674-2648

ARNOLD F. GUSTAFSONMy father, Arnold F. Gustafson, served in 87-B. He lived in Elgin, IL when

he went into the service. At 27 he was a little older than most of his fellow troopers.I would love to hear from anyone who may remember him. He passed away inMarch of 1994 and never talked much about his service years. He is sadly missed.Thanks for your help.

One of his proud sons, Dick Gustafson818 Michigan Street #7, Delavan, WI 53115Email: [email protected]

PFC ALEX L. HENNESSEEPFC Alex L.Hennessee, from Stanislaus, California, served with the 10th moun-

tain Division at Camp Swift and in Italy. He was a member of the Medical Detach-ment, 86th Mountain Infantry and may have been a company aid man in the 1stBattalion. I’m looking for any information about him, but especially what specificunit he was with and for photos of him wearing his medic’s helmet in Italy.

Thank you for your help.

Michael Myers, 17810 SW Shasta Trail, Tualatin, OR 97062Email: [email protected]

IN APPRECIATIONRandom House Publishing has again this year donated 100 copies of The Last

Ridge by McKay Jenkins to the National Association. The books are given to 10th

Light soldiers wounded in action and recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Centerduring visits by local veterans and descendants led by Washington DC chapter presi-dent Hassell Vass (10-AT-A). To date Random House has provided a total of 200copies to us. We thank Random House and author McKay Jenkins for their generos-ity in support of this important outreach activity.

Steve Coffey (desc. 87-F).

THANK YOU!Letter written to Elaine Magrath after a visit to Cpl. Adam Shaffer at Walter

Reed Army Hospital.

I am Corporal Adam Shaffer’s mother and I wanted to thank you again forstopping in to see my son today. It is very uplifting for him to know people reallydo care what happens to the soldiers. The kind gift of the afghan went on his bedright after you left. A thousand Thank-yous for your time and dedication to ourinjured soldiers.

Take care and God Bless you.

Sheila Shaffer

BUDDY HUNTER

Ed. Note. A Mail Call in Blizzard 2006 No. 1, “Which Division’s Pin is This?” by Will-iam Kohn (86-F) asked for identification of the pin shown below. Max Womack re-sponded with a Mail Call in Blizzard 2006 No. 2. Following are two more responses.

I found the pin shown in the Blizzard Mail Calls in a collection of militaryaccouterments from old 10th Division days. This pin was worn by 10th DivisionHeadquarters and Staff personnel. I was aide-de-camp to MG Walter Yeager, Com-manding General of the 10th Division during 1957-58, while stationed in Wurzburg,Germany. I left a message for Max Womack. I hope this clears up the inquiry.

Rod Vitty (10th INF)Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army forthe State of VermontP.O. Box 151Quechee, VT 05059(802) 295-1914.

The insignia you show under Mail Call in theBlizzard was worn by the 10th Infantry Division’sSpecial Troops Detachment while serving in Ger-many between 1954 and 1958. The 10th SpecialTroops included the Division’s staff officers and support units such as Quarter-master. The 1957 Tenth Division yearbook shows a number of photos of menwearing this insignia both as a pin on their epaulets and as a pocket patch on theirfatigues and field jackets. I have in my collection a desk nameplate for ElmerPowelson who served in the 10th Division’s Quartermaster unit. This nameplateincludes a representation of both the divisional shoulder sleeve insignia andthe 10th Special Troop insignia.

Michael Myers (Honorary)17810 S.W. Shasta TrailTualatin, OR 97062

WHICH DIVISION PIN IS THIS?

Who is this man receiving hiscommemorative cap from MayorPolmonari in Lizzano duringthe Sempre Italia tour? He is notBob Carlson, as incorrectly re-ported in the special Italy Bliz-zard.

PLEASE HELPIDENTIFY

The Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission, chaired by Rocco C.Siciliano (87-HQ-1), in conjunction with the Johns Hopkins University Press, hasproduced an electronic reproduction of the Presidential Papers of Dwight DavidEisenhower. These papers are instantly accessible to everyone, as they are a com-plete electronic reproduction of the eight printed volumes in a pleasing visual andfully searchable format. Visit the Eisenhower Memorial Commission’s website athttp://www.eisenhowermemorial.org, and click on the Presidential Papers icon. Theelectronic reproduction of these papers will be part of an Eisenhower NationalMemorial to be created in Washington, DC.

THE PAPERS OFDWIGHT D. EISENHOWER

ALL 85-HQ-3

Apologies to these 85-HQ-3 veterans for the typo that listed them as 87-HQ-3in the Descendant Blizzard, 2006 No. 2. L to r: Jim Gilronan, Bill Ludemann,

Donat Martin, Ray Makela, Jill Hahn (Desc.), Chuck Hauptman.


Eridon, John (604-A, 604-B), February4, 2007, Dearborn, MI. He is survivedby his wife Florence, 3 sons, a daughter,and 8 grandchildren. He was an engineerwith Ford Motor Co. for 34 years.

Finn, Aloysius Gardner (110 SIG, 87-HQ), December 20, 2006, Carmichael,CA. He is survived by 3 children and 8grandchildren. He was an insurance bro-ker with the family firm of Finn and FinnInsurance in Santa Cruz, CA.

Garrett, Theodore O. (604-HQ, 604-C),June 13, 2004, Bonham, TX.

Gilbert, John Edward (86-G), July 27,2006, Sunbury, PA. He is survived byhis nieces and nephews. After WWII herejoined the Army and saw action withthe 2nd Infantry Division in Korea. Heserved as part of the honor guard at theTomb of the Unknown Soldier beforeretiring from the service.

Gilman, Stephen H. (86-E, 90-C, 86-I),October 23, 2006, Burlington, VT. He issurvived by a son, a daughter and onegranddaughter. He practiced law inBennington, VT until his retirement.

Goodrich, Benjamin F. Jr. (86-HQ-3),May 2, 2006, Duxbury, MA. He is sur-vived by his wife Natalie.

Gordon, Lloyd A. Sr. (90-HQ, 86-A, 86-HQ-2, 86-HQ, 86-HQ-1), September 8,2006, Sunnyvale, CA. He is survived byhis wife Betty, a son, a daughter, 5 grand-children and 6 great grandchildren.

Hadley, James Birch (110 SIG, 87-G,87-K, 87-L, 87-SVC), December 31,2006, North Adams, MA. He is survivedby his wife Norma, a son, a daughter,2 grandchildren and 2 great grandchil-dren. He was a volunteer member of theNational Ski Patrol for 50 years.

Hames, Eugene S. (85-K, 85-HQ-3, 86-HQ-2, 86-B, 86-E), November 23, 2006,Englewood, CO. He is survived by hiswife Verna, a brother, 2 sons, a daughter,and 2 grandchildren. He was a trial law-yer in the firm of Wood, Ris and Hames.He loved fishing, and fished most ofColorado’s high country. He was co-di-rector, and later chairman, of the 10thMountain Division Foundation.

Harris, John R. (86-E), November 16,2006, Santa Fe, NM. He is survived byhis wife Pamela, 4 children, 2 stepsons,his dog Coco, and many friends.

Hawley, Sam (86-B), October 4, 2006,Twin Mountain, NH. He is survived byhis wife Beverley, 2 sons, a daughter,three stepchildren, 10 grandchildren, 7great grandchildren, and several niecesand nephews. He worked for the GreatMountain Forest in Norfolk, CT, and hada 46-year career as a Ski Patroller.

Helstrom, Donald E. Sr. (87-F), Octo-ber 28, 2006, Millinocket, ME. He is sur-vived by his wife Grace, 2 sons, a brother,4 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren,and his nieces and nephews. He retiredfrom the B&A Railroad after 38 years ofservice.

Hoffstetter, William Franklin (85-E),August 11, 2006, Portland, OR. He is sur-vived by his wife Barbara, 3 daughters,4 sons, a brother, 2 sisters, and 15 grand-children. His lifelong career was crimi-nal justice and counseling.

Hough, Thomas (605-B), December2005, Dayton, OH. He is survived by 4children, 8 grandchildren and 8 greatgrandchildren. He was the sole survivorof the sinking of the DUKW on LakeGarda.

Jaffee, Arthur H. (86-B, 10-Recon),2005, Tampa, FL.

Jensen, Chester E. (86-C), August 12,2006, Ogden, UT. He is survived by ason, 2 daughters, 7 grandchildren and 5great-grandchildren. He began his careerwith the U.S. Forestry Service in 1948,retiring in 1980.

Kazarian, Ralph (75-FA), May 10,2006, Portland, ME. He is survived byhis wife Jean, 4 daughters, 6 grandchil-dren, and his nieces and nephews. He hada 40-year career as a journalist, includ-ing 15 years as a senior science writerfor the National Science Foundation.

Kerekes, Carl D. (85-B), December 12,2006, Grand Rapids, MI. He is survivedby his wife Irene, a daughter, 6 stepchil-dren, his grandchildren, great grandchil-dren, nieces and nephews. He worked inlabor relations for Kelvinator, retiring in1986, and became the Cascade TownshipManager for 10 years.

Kuessow, William R. (604-HQ), May17, 2006, Kenosha, WI. He is survivedby his wife Betty, 7 children, and 18grandchildren.

Makela, Ray (85-HQ-3), October 27,2006, Waterford, MI.

Maynard, Ervil (Pete) (616-A, 605-HQ),November 8, 2006, Lake Placid, FL.

McGrody, Paul E. (605-C), September25, 2006, Dayton, OH. He is survived bya son, a brother, 6 nieces and a nephew.He retired from NCR.

Messier, James A. (85-F), October 18,2006, N. Attleboro, MA. He is survivedby his wife Ila Mae, 2 sons, 2 daughters,and 4 grandchildren. He worked for theU.S. Postal Service for 30 years.

Moore, James A. (87-D), January 22,2007, Melbourne, FL. He is survivedby 2 sisters, 2 daughters, a son, 7 grand-children, his great grandchildren, andhis nieces and nephews. He worked atCushman’s Furniture and BenningtonCollege (VT) as a carpenter.

Moore, Russell M. (86-G, 86-C), Novem-ber 22, 2006, Laconia, NH. He is sur-vived by his wife Patricia, a daughter, 5sons, 9 grandchildren, a brother, a sis-ter, and his nephew and nieces. He wasan institutional fundraiser, employed byBoston University and Harvard BusinessSchool Alumni Fund.

Moos, Lyle W. (87-B), November 30,2006, Ainsworth, NE. He is survived bya daughter and 2 grandchildren. He wasa grocer and head of a dairy productsdelivery service.

Ralph, Joseph (87-K), April 22, 2006,Baltimore, MD. He is survived by hiswife Marie, 2 daughters, 3 sisters, abrother, and 3 grandchildren. He workedfor J.H. Williams for 42 years.

Bankhead, John U. (86-I, 86-E, 87-K),July 8, 2006, Culver City, CA. He is sur-vived by his wife Erma.

Boca, Angelo A. (87-L, 85-E, 85-SVC),November 16, 2006, Sharpsville, PA. Heis survived by his wife Theresa, a brother,a daughter, 3 sons, 10 grandchildren, and3 great grandchildren. Angelo retired in1982 after 34 years of service at theSharon Transformer Division of Wes-tinghouse Electric Corp.

Bohn, John W. (85-L), December 8,2005, Port Orange, FL. He is survivedby his wife Doris, a son, 2 daughters, 4grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren.He worked for the Veterans’ Administra-tion in the Bronx, NY, and was a licensedelectrical contractor.

Brogan, Kenneth (86-B), September 20,2006, O’Fallon, MO.

Christina, Joseph L. (85-E), February1, 2007, Stuart, FL. He is survived bya daughter, 2 sons, and several grand-children. He was an aircraft electricalinspector for 25 years with GrummanAircraft in Bethpage, NY, Cape Kennedyand Stuart, FL.

Cormier, Ralph A. (Lefty) (87-HQ-3,87-L), August 29, 2006, Denver, CO.He is survived by his wife Betty Lou, 4children, 8 grandchildren, a brother anda sister.

Cummings, Stanley L. (85-B, 86-A),August 10, 2006, Greenfield, MA. Heis survived by his wife Jean, 3 childrenand 7 grandchildren. He served as As-sistant District Attorney in Greenfieldand in many elective and volunteer ca-pacities. In the early 1980s, he wrote acolumn for the Blizzard, “Hang Over-tures,” featuring reminiscences of CampHale and Italy.

Dahl, Harold W. Jr. (86-E, 86-B), Sep-tember 9, 2006, Wheat Ridge, CO. Heis survived by his wife Ruby, a son and3 grandchildren. For 50 years he parti-cipated in the Roundup Riders of theRockies annual rides through the Colo-rado mountains. He ran a builders’ sup-ply business in Denver.

Day, Paul E. (10-AT-B), February 28,2006, Menahga, MN. He is survived byhis wife Minnie, 4 children, 9 grandchil-dren, and 11 great grandchildren.

Edmonds, Dana (86-D, 86-B), January19, 2007, Ohio Veterans Home, George-town, Ohio. He is survived by his wifeFlorence, 4 daughters, and 1 son.

Ekern, Halvor (87-HQ), March 9, 2006,Arlington, VA. He is survived by his wife,4 children and one grandchild.

Reaske, William (86-A, 85-G), Febru-ary 4, 2006, Clinton, CT. He is survivedby his wife Dena, a daughter, 2 sons, and2 grandchildren. His career involved thesale of industrial scales.

Roane, Paul M. Sr. (605-A), August 24,2006, Bath, ME. He is survived by 7 chil-dren and 5 grandchildren. He was a tirebroker before his retirement.

Sandy, Bobbie (616-B), November 15,2006, Clarksburg, WVA. He is survivedby his wife Willa Jean, and 4 children.

Schmelzer, John Frederick (87-HQ),September 29, 2006, Falls Church, VA.He is survived by a son, 2 daughters, 10grandchildren and 5 great grandchil-dren. He was a graduate of West Point,class of 1933.

Shuler, Frederick Andrew (86-MED-C), September 6, 2006, Owego, NY. Heis survived by his wife Eudora, 2 sons,2 granddaughters, and his niece andnephew. Fred held 3 Bronze Stars. Heworked for the postal service for 10 years,then opened his own business, the K-9Country Club, a dog breeding, boardingand training center.

Smith, Harold Whitbeck (86-HQ, 86-SVC, 85-K, 86-F, 90-HQ, 87-K, 87-F),June 12, 2006, Tallahassee, FL. He issurvived by a son and a daughter, 8grandchildren and 15 great grandchil-dren. He was in the restaurant business,and a member of the International FoodService Executives Association.

Smith, John Milton (85-E), December4, 2006, Paragould, AR.

Stowell, Edgar Ronald (87-HQ-2, 616-C, 87-B), February 4, 2007, Portland,OR. He is survived by his wife Betty,a stepdaughter, a stepson, 4 grandchil-dren and 4 great grandchildren. After thewar, he was called up again to serve inthe Army during the Korean War.

Wagstaff, David G. (86-C), November3, 2006, Portland, OR. He is survived byhis wife Alice, a sister, 2 sons and 3grandchildren. He was a health physicistfor the Oregon State Health Division’sRadiation Control Section. He was in-volved in state oversight of radiationsources at local corporations, hospitals,and universities.

Walsh, John P. (“Knobby”) (85-A, 86-K, 86-HQ-1), November 10, 2006, Al-bany, NY. He is survived by many friends.For 60 years he was a member of thePlumbers & Steamfitters Union, Local#7 in Albany.

Webb, Charles W. (616-FA), August 12,2006, Dalton, GA. He is survived by hiswife and a daughter. Charlie was thehighest-ranking non-com in the 616th,and author of a book about the unit thatis available for purchase from his widow.

Zinke, Paul (Div-HQ), August 18, 2006,Oakland, CA. He is survived by his wifeMardell, 2 sons, 3 grandchildren, and abrother. He was professor emeritus ofenvironmental science at University ofCalifornia-Berkeley, and an authority onforest soils. He mapped and defined therelationships between soils and vegeta-tion in forest systems across the West,including California.

FIRST CLASSU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDWoodbridge, VA

Permit #534

National Association of the 10th Mountain Division, Inc.P.O. Box 750888Forest Hills, NY 11375-0888

2007 NUMBER 1

Mailing Address:133 South Van Gordon Street

Suite 200Lakewood, CO 80228Tel: (303) 756-8486

e-mail: [email protected]

Earl Clark, Chairman of the Board Thomas Hames, President

Gary Burton, Executive Vice PresidentHugh Evans, Senior Vice PresidentKate Raabe, Senior Vice President

Denise Taylor, Vice PresidentJennifer Neville, Secretary

Thomas Thompson, Treasurer

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Officers of the Foundation plus:

Jim BratskyTrux DoleJohn DuffyRobbi FarrowJanice FuglsangSue HagermanJohnLitchfieldDavid Little

ADVISORY BOARD

All Chapter Presidents

HONORARY BOARD

Stuart DodgeEugene Hames

Ralph NanningaFrank Romano

Toni NewbillRuso Donald PerkinsMax RaabeRichard SpottsPat ThorntonDelbert UtgaardSteve WilmotJohn P. Wright

TENTH MOUNTAINDIVISION

FOUNDATION, INC.

IN MEMORY OFLeonard D. Adams: 10th Mtn. Division

Assn. Mt. Rainier Chapter

Harold T. Barnes: Bobbie & Bob Emerson

Kurt Beam: Mt. Rainier Chapter

Edmund D. Bennett: Madi Kraus

Robert F. Boyer: Thomas B. Stewart

Giulio Brondoni: Gordon McWade

Lyle B. Bryner: James R. Elefante, WalterH. Stewart

T. Brian Carter: Walter R. Melford, Jean& Fred Vetter

Betty Clark: Loretta & John Engle,Howard R. Koch

Thomas J. Connors: Fay G. Brown, MarieC. Roberts

Richard J. Cooper: Norman J. Ehrgott

Ralph “Lefty” Cormier: Maxim Tech-nologies, Lynn & Ed Alexander, ShirleyE. Baker, Joan E. Ball, Patty & BruceBerends, Sue Black, Kenneth R. Blum,George P. Cahill, Jan & John Carpenter,John F. Carroll, Mr./Mrs. Thomas Cole,Jean L. Davenport, Judy & BobDavidson, Arthur C. Delaney, Norman J.Ehrgott, Loretta & John Engle, Debbie &Mike Fergione, Mary Lou Flater, NormaS. Heinschel, Abbey & Len Kapelovitz,Clarence E. Kentz, Susan & Al Lackner,Angela & James Leibold, Shirley & JimLevitt, George A. Loudis, Janice &George Mansfield, Virginia L. McGehee,Mr./Mrs. Neil McLagan, Mr./Mrs. Rob-ert D. Morrison, Nancy & John Nelson,Marita & Jack Nicoulin, Max H. Raabe,10th Mtn. Division Assn. Rocky Mtn.Chapter, Ralph L. Schwartz, Carol & JimShearon, Carol & Bill Shepard, Clairl C.Wayman, Richard M. Wilson, NealYorker

Valmore F. Cross: Donald A. Linscott, Jr.

Stanley B. Cummings: Janet Richardson

Nancy Delaney: George P. Cahill, Loretta& John Engle, John P. Litchfield, GeorgeA. Loudis, 10th Mtn. Division AssnRocky Mtn. Chapter, Richard M. Wilson,Neal C. Yorker

Francis J. Devaney, Jr.: James R. Elefante,Walter H. Stewart

Arthur G. Draper: Frederick J. Vetter

Theresa Elefante: James R. Elefante

John Eridon: Jaqueline H. Durant

John McKay: Thomas B. Stewart

Carroll F. McMahon: Norman Ehrgott

Donald C. McNeill: James R. Elefante

James H. Meadows: Walter H. Stewart

Warren H. Meredith: Harry Reinig

James C. Morehouse: Loretta & JohnEngle, Clairl C. Wayman

John A. Naess: 10th. Mtn. Division Assn.Mt. Rainier Chapter

Morlan Nelson: Thomas B. Stewart

Robert J. Oltmanns: Carole & Jim Kidd,Eva E. Strautins

Harry Penrose: Thomas B. Stewart

Stephen B. Preston: Thomas B. Stewart

Dick Rocker: Marion S. Rocker Estate

Elias Schultz: 10th Mtn. Division Assn.Mt. Rainier Chapter

Fred A. Shuler: Howard R. Koch, RobertL. Krause, William Morrison, Philip H.Stevens, Arthur Thompson, Jean & FredVetter

Frank S. Staples: Donald A. Linscott, Jr.

Richard D. Stard: Donald A. Linscott, Jr.

Clarence Swedberg: Thomas B. Stewart

Philip Thurston: Alden W. Robinson

Albertina Torri: Joanne Manchester

Eugene R. Verhamme: Joanne Manchester

David G. Wagstaff: Dana D. Atchison,Lloyd F. Athearn, Webster G. Barnett,John Benson, Helen M. Dalton, HarrisDusenbery, Bobbie & Bob Emerson,onnie & Ed Flabetich, Merrie & ArnieGagnet, Betty R. Hagan, Ron TonkinHonda, Thomas M. Hyndman, Jr.,Howard R. Koch, Russell McJury, 10thMtn. Division Assn. Mt. Rainier Chapter,Zara Pernyi, Mr. & Mrs. Robert C.Sabin, L. G. Squier, Philip H. Stevens,Evelyn M. Turner, Vernon P. Underwood,Ann-Marie and Richard Updegraff, Jean& Greg Witt

John P. Walsh: Robert L. Krause, WilliamA. Millette, William Morrison, LawrenceE. Stevens

Thomas Wheeler, Jr.: Robert L. Krause

Betty J. Wieprecht: Mary Barnett, Mr. &Mrs. Robert C. Sabin, Lois & JohnWoodward

Sewall Williams: Alden W. Robinson

Leon C. Wilmot: Loretta & John Engle

Ross J. Wilson: Thomas B. Stewart

John C. Wright: James R. Elefante, WalterH. Stewart

John Yanakakis: Loretta & John Engle

George Firman: Donald W. Kobelin,Joanne Manchester

David Fowler: Thomas B. Stewart

Thomas C. Geelan: B&B Sheet Metal &Roofing, Inc., Donna & DanielSchroeder, Mary Ellen & John Schulze,

William D. Hackett: Thomas B. Stewart

William A. Hagerman: Ethel A. Ackerson,Bert W. Anger, Irene Callaway, Dr. R.Jack Chase, Jane Cosand, Mary R.Davison, H. Newcomb Eldredge, Tho-mas C. Evert, Kay & Bill Farr, Doris G.Griffith, Virginia & John Hagerman,Shirley & Ken Hanson, Jon LynnKerchner, Dudley S. Merrill, Nancy &Bud Olsen, Kate Raabe, Jane & DaleRhoades, Norma & Bill Sprague, Dr. &Mrs. Ray E. Stevens, John E. Terhune,Robert J. Vos, Charles T. Zimmerman

Eugene S. Hames: The Denver AthleticClub, Ray Lego & Associates, ParticiaCarson Anderson, National Ski PatrolAttn: Mark Dorsey, Ralph W. Ball,Frankie J. Barr, Peter Burg and BurgSimpson, Eldredge Hersh & Jardine,P.C., George P. Cahill, Laird Campbell,John F. Carroll, Cathy & WalterChapman, Mr.& Mrs. Stephen E.Connor, Paul D. Cooper, Arthur C.Delaney, Joy & Dick Dirkes, Stuart P.Dodge, Mark N. Dorsey, Bonnie J. Dou-glas, Norman J. Ehrgott, Wilma &Howard Erickson, Shirley Frazer Norma& Paul Halttunen & Family, Thomas E.Hames, Verna J. Hames, Carrolee andClarence Hatch, Elaine & Ron Kaminen,Abbie Kealy, James A. Larson, Hover T.Lentz, John P. Litchfield, Terri & DaveLittle, 10th Mtn. Division Living HistoryDisplay Group, Joan C. McKenna, Jerry& Ralph Millie, Carolyn L. Nash,Donald H. Palmer, Mr. & Mrs. GeorgePetersen, Jr., A. Jean Pyle, Dr. & Mrs.M.H. Raabe, Kate Raabe, Susan G.Raymond, Robert P. Reece, Tom Reece,Richard W. Ryman, Kathrine & BobShaeffer & Family, John & WinifredShedd, Edwin S. Small, Agnes V.Vangen, Eleanor & Thomas N. Vincent,Jannet K. Williams, Richard M. Wilson,Manfred G. Wuerslin,

George P. Hays: Thomas B. Stewart

Herbert Howe: Thomas B. Stewart

John M. Huber: Howard R. Koch

Charles H. Johnson: Howard R. Koch

Hollister Kent: Thomas B. Stewart

H. D. Klemme: Thomas B. Stewart

Robert W. Knapp: Betsey B. Farrington

Clarence H. Lapworth: Jean & DickAnderson, Nancy & Bill Gannett, Bar-bara I. Hampson, Dudley S. Merrill,Sandra L. Sundin

IMPORTANT DATE!

NATIONALREUNION

IN DENVERAUGUST 2-5, 2007

published by and for soldiers of the 10th mountain … › blizzards › ... · nessee pass, the...

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