PUBLISHED BY AND FOR SOLDIERS OF THE 10TH MOUNTAIN DIVISION VOLUME 36 2007 NUMBER 2

A MOUNTAIN TROOPER’S SKETCHBOOK [Ed note. Following are excerpts from an ful stuff because Jacques was in the article by Flint Whitlock (Associate) about line. He was a gunner!” artist Jacques Parker (86-C), who “fought After the Germans surrendered, the war with a pencil, pen, brush, and Kappler arranged for Parker to sketch a machine gun.” The article appeared in portrait of Maj. General Hays, who Par- WWII History Magazine, March 2007. It ker describes as “wonderful to work with should be noted that Jacques contributed — a very regular, straightforward, simple his artwork to the masthead at the top of guy.” In the summer of 1945, the 10th the front page of the Blizzard, a regular held a ski race on Austria’s Gross Glock- feature since 1945]. ner mountain. Said Parker: “…We had As a sergeant in charge of a .30-cali- YOUR NATIONAL REUNION ber machine-gun squad, Jacques Parker Bob Carlson (86-L) took part in the famous February 19, 1945 night climb up the nearly sheer face IMPORTANT BULLETIN. The date of June 2 for the late Registration Fee as pub- of Riva Ridge — the 10th’s first major lished in the Registration Form will be moved to July 9. So sign up now at $250 per combat action. Since no photographers person! Don’t delay! July 9 the Registration Fee goes up to $300 per person. accompanied the 1,000-man assault, Parker’s drawings are the only visual Excitement is high in the Rocky Monday, August 6 at 11:00 AM as part record of the event. Mountain Chapter because of the Na- of the Camp Hale Tour. tional Reunion. We believe the necessary Those traveling in motor homes can bases are covered. You will have the op- park at the Hotel parking lot, free if reg- portunity to meet the new president-elect istered for the Reunion, but there are no of the 10th National Association. hook-ups. The nearest hook-up is at Registrants are advised that if they Cherry Creek State Park about 2 miles want their identity badges printed (a to the east on Belleview Avenue. Park- collector’s item) they must be registered ing for those staying at the Marriott will by July 2. After that time badges will be be free. Attendees not staying at the hand-written. Partial refunds after July Marriott must pick up a timed ticket and 15 may be available only under extraor- pay for parking when they leave. Maj. General George P. Hays dinary circumstances. The Commemorative Book on the The August 6 Camp Hale Tour is Tenth compiled by skiing legend John guys like Olympic skier Steve Knowlton, popular; as of May 11 there are 251 Litchfield includes many items never and Walter Prager, the Dartmouth ski signed up. There will be a caravan of published before. It can be ordered on team coach. Fritz Kaiser, a photographer buses and cars. The State Highway Pa- your registration form or can be ordered with the Blizzard, and I were assigned to trol will escort the buses. A Leadville later through the Quartermaster. cover the race. He took the photos and I company will provide ambulances to Individual dinner reservations for did the drawings. That was my last as- treat any urgent care cases because of special guests must be made at least one signment for the Blizzard.” the high altitude. We will visit the new week in advance so that enough food and As a civilian after the war, Parker John Compton Bridge over the Eagle seating space can be made available. opened his first commercial art studio River. We will load up at 7:30 AM and These meals will cost $50 each subject and worked as a freelance illustrator. depart promptly at 8:00 AM. to space and availability. The Riva Ridge Climb. He combined his artistic skills with his There may be 10th Light soldiers at- Prior to the Reunion, persons wish- To maintain some degree of calm, love of skiing and created over a dozen tending the reunion, depending on their ing to sell items at the Reunion must reg- Parker continued to draw and paint be- paintings of mountain and skiing scenes current assignment. Members of the ister with the National Quartermaster, tween battles. He carried a small water- that became covers for Ski magazine in famed 99th Norwegian Battalion plan to Frank Thornton or the Rocky Mountain color tablet, a pen, a brush, and a bottle the late 1940s and early 1950s. For the attend. Chapter Quartermaster, Denise Taylor. It of india ink. next 50 years, Parker worked for many The times for all Reunion banquets is essential that their items are entered in He said that “Sometimes I would of New York’s advertising agencies. He and events will be on a card in a bag given the QM computer system. have 5 or 10 minutes of quiet when I also served as director of design for you when you arrive. There will be two Dave Little’s Living History Group could draw something… I would either the City of New York under Mayor Ed Memorial Services, one at the Marriott will be set up in the Marriott hotel park- use spit or melted snow to wet the tab- Koch, and taught at the Parsons School on Sunday, August 5 at 11:00 AM and ing lot. The group has an amazing as- let.” Parker sent his best sketches back of Design. the second at the Tenth Mountain Divi- sortment of vintage WWII 10th Moun- to Blizzard editor Frank Kappler at divi- Still active as a designer, illustrator, sion Monument on Tennessee Pass on tain Division equipment. sion headquarters. He carried his draw- and painter, Parker looks back on his time ings in his mountain rucksack. To pro- spent with the mountain troops with deep tect the drawings, he rolled them up regard and appreciation. “The 10th gave AT NATIONAL REUNION, and sent them back to Kappler inside so many of us a profound sense of broth- empty mortar tubes. Kappler loved erhood and accomplishment. It was an- HELP IS CLOSE AT HAND Parker’s artwork, noting, “It was beauti- other dimension to our lives.” Given the advanced age of many of Emergency Care is nearby. Oxygen sup- us and the altitude of Denver, it is com- plies will be available if you have a pre- forting to know that Denise Taylor, who scription. Check with your doctor to de- is in charge of medical arrangements, termine whether you might need oxygen. VISIT THE 10TH WEBSITE reports that all hotel security staff are All events at the hotel will be held at www.10thmtndivassoc.org CPR certified, and Rocky Mountain wheelchair accessible sites. PAGE 2 BLIZZARD 2007 NUMBER 2

PRESIDENT’S REPORT John Duffy (86-HQ-2)

A reminder that the Hale and Fare- Italians and Americans. well National Reunion is right around the The Last Ridge documentary pre- Published by and for Members of the National Association corner. It will be great to meet and greet miered in April. After viewing Producer of the 10th Mountain Division, Inc. many of our veterans and families in Abbie Kealy’s film, we concluded it is 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 to Denver this August. I followed the ex- a splendid and accurate record of the Sally Fricke Oesterling, Blizzard Editor, 9700 Cottrell Terrace, Silver Spring, MD 20903. ample of a number of vets and extended 10th history. Abbie has accomplished Opinions expressed in this publication reflect those of the Magnificent Soldiers of the 10th and invitations to the Duffy clan’s second and a very difficult and complex task in do not necessarily conform to accepted journalistic standards. Editor reserves the right to rewrite, renegotiate or refuse materials submitted for publication. For consultation purposes, the editor third generations to tag along. Needless making the film a collector’s item and a may be reached at 301-434-3237; Fax 301-434-7722; or e-mail [email protected]. Members to say they accepted without hesitation. beautiful tribute to her uncle, Stuart should also feel free to contact National President John J. Duffy at 718-591-7775 or e-mail I am confident that if there is a contest Abbott (86-L) who was killed in action [email protected]. Subscription rate for nonmembers: $20.00 per year. for recognizing the oldest and youngest in Italy. BOARD OF DIRECTORS attendee, there will be many candidates A memorial service was conducted in the 90-plus age range. But I think my for the Association’s Public Relations The Board of Directors, National Association of the 10th Mountain Division, Inc., consists of the Chairman of the Board, National President, Senior Vice President, National Secretary, National 6-month old grand niece will win the Vice President Dick Wilson, who died Treasurer, all Chapter Presidents, the Blizzard editor, the Executive Director, the Quartermaster, youngest attendee prize. However, re- suddenly on April 12. Dick was very spe- the President of the 10th Mountain Division Foundation, and two members at large who may be gardless of age it promises to be an ex- cial to me and to this administration, just identified by the President. (Article IV, Section 2, National By-Laws, National Association of the 10th Mountain Division, Inc.). citing reunion for us and our heirs as they as he was to many in the prior adminis- learn (and continue to learn) about the trations of the National Association. NATIONAL OFFICERS events we experienced years ago. There- He will be sorely missed. I close with a Chairman of the Board Quartermaster Art Director fore, it behooves each one of us to re- tribute to Dick written by Bob Parker Nate Morrell Frank Thornton Charles D. Hunt fresh our memories with the wild tales (87-E, HQ). 13120 County Route 156 112 Maple Avenue 410 Redspire Drive about our army experiences. These sto- Watertown, NY 13601 Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 Greenville, SC 29617 ries will make this a real memorable President BLIZZARD Editor Membership Chair hometown gathering. In case you’re still John J. Duffy Sally Fricke Oesterling Nancy Bagshaw undecided, here are a couple of fatherly P.O. Box 750888 9700 Cottrell Terrace P.O. Box 683 Forest Hills, NY 11375 Silver Spring, MD 20903 Aquebogue, NY 11931 guidance tips for you. Get off the couch, Senior V.P. mail in your completed registration form, Historian Steve Coffey Webmaster and make your hotel reservations today! Howard Koch David Little 1630 York Hills Lane 12203-37 Santa Gertrudes Ave. If you misplaced the registration form Reston, VA 20194 1198 Thornbury Place La Mirada, CA 90638 Highlands Ranch, and don’t know who to contact for infor- Secretary CO 80129 mation, no problem — call me at 718- Film Librarian Paul C. Kitchen, Jr. 591-7775. 218 Terminal Avenue H. Newcomb Eldredge Executive Director Erdenheim, PA 19038 P.O. Box 539 Mike Plummer Following our Reunion, in Septem- Newport, NH 03773 121 Paddock Street ber you can continue the festivities with V.P.-Data Acquisition Watertown, NY 13601 and Analysis Chaplain two more events in Europe that involve John Imbrie Rev. Webster G. Barnett Chairmen Emeriti 10th Mountain Division veterans and 55 Pamden Lane 9303 Lafayette #3 Earl E. Clark their families. Join us at the International Seekonk, MA 02771 Bainbridge, WA 98110 M.N. “Mac” MacKenzie Federation of Mountain Soldiers (IFMS) Hugh Evans V.P. Programs Resource Center Liaison XXII Congress in Zawoja, Poland on Al Condo Hugh Evans Arthur F. Muschler* 3424 Ivy Lane 768 Rockway Place Paul J. Gunderman September 20, 2007, and then be part of Newtown Square, PA 19073 Boulder, CO 80303 Dean Carmichael our Italy visit for the Torbole 10th Moun- *Deceased Treasurer Fort Drum Liaison tain Division Exhibit on September 30, Daniel Murphy, CPA Pat Muir 2007. These two events conveniently 7 Gage Road 20104 Ball Road dovetail with each other, making for an Bedford, NH 03110 Black River, NY 13612 Dick Wilson interesting visit to WWII sites. An invi- tation is extended to all members to be “Not many 10th Mountain Division CHAPTER PRESIDENTS in our delegation at both or either of these veterans have had the impact on the two events. Our members should be legacy of the 10th as has Dick Wilson Arizona Midwest Sierra Nevada H. Philip Lieberman Jacon pollack Robert Yank pleased and honored that the town of (85-M). First as the editor of National 4519 W. Hayward Avenue 5260 Gulf Mexico Drive 406 19416 Marna Lane Torbole on Lake Garda is naming a 10th Skiing, then as editor of the Disabled Glendale, AZ 85301 Longboat Key, FL 34228 Sonoma, CA 95476 Mountain Division trail in the foothills American Veterans magazine, then co- Armadillo Mt. Rainier Southeast Chapter of their Italian Alps. For the Exhibit’s director of Riva Ridge Fifty in 1995, Steven Worley Karl Stingl Al Partridge opening ceremony, the town folks plan president of our New England chapter, 4618 Carleen Road 10301 242nd Place SW 504 Eppinger Drive to place wreaths at one of the five road editor of the Blizzard, spark plug for 10th Houston, TX 77092 Edmonds, WA 98020 Port Charlotte, FL 33953 tunnels that were the scenes of our final Mountain Division participation in the Big Sky New England Southern California battles in WWII. In addition, the Italians Hannes Schneider Meister event in North Jim Walsh John D. Barton Howard Koch have arranged to have an old Army Conway, active in the International Fed- P.O. Box 305 692 Hope Street 12203-37 Santa Gertrudes Stanford, MT 59479 DUKW afloat to place a wreath in the eration of Mountain Soldiers, and more Bristol, RI 02809 La Mirada, CA 90638 lake in memory of our 25 troopers who recently a passionate advocate for the Delaware River Valley North Central Upper Peninsula drowned the night of April 30, 1945. A Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, Patricia Thornton Louis F. Anderson Erwin O. Hollmann wreath will also be placed at the Darby held last winter in Snowmass, CO. Dick 112 Maple Avenue W 5632 Boat Landing Lane 3504 Valento Circle monument. If you recall, the then Colo- passed away in his sleep at home in Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 Vadnais Heights, MN 55127 Peshtigo, WI 54157 nel Darby was in second command of the Grantham, NH on the same date as Presi- Fort Drum Northwest Upstate New York Division after General Duff was wounded Mike Plummer dent Roosevelt in 1945. He was for many Ed Flabetich William A. Morrison 121 Paddock Street in the PO Valley. Darby and M. Sgt. John years crippled by various ailments, in- 6448 SW Loop Drive 341 Wormer Road Watertown, NY 13601 Portland, OR 97221 Voorheesville, NY 12186 T. Evans were killed in Torbole on April cluding his war wounds, but continued 30. Arrangements have been made that active to the end. He was a stalwart vet- Lower Michigan Roadrunner Utah we will march with the General Darby eran, a fine writer/editor, a compassion- Harrison Coleman Sandy Eldredge 43000 12 Oaks Crescent Sidney L. Foil Foundation representatives during the ate supporter of today’s mountain sol- 8524 Evangeline Avenue NE 3939 Hale Drive Unit 5033 Salt Lake City, UT 84124 ceremony. Thus the combined American diers, and a wonderful friend to every- Novi, MI 48377 Albuquerque, NM 87111 delegation will demonstrate the United one who shared with him his love of Washington, DC Metropolitan New York Rocky Mountain Hassell Vass States appreciation to Torbole town folks mountains and skiing. Jay Charles George Loudis 3707 Red Grove Road for their generosity in honoring our fallen His friends are legion, in the U.S., in 20 Stuyvesant Oval 1 Sutherland Court Apartment 4B Highlands Ranch, CO 80130 Baltimore, MD 21220 comrades. As we have said before it is Europe, and around the world. We shall New York, NY 10009 truly an enduring friendship between the all miss him.” 2007 NUMBER 2 BLIZZARD PAGE 3

EVENTS DENVER PUBLIC LIBRARY DATE ORGANIZATION EVENT LOCATION 10TH MOUNTAIN DIVISION Last Thursday Northwest Luncheon Milwaukie, OR RESOURCE CENTER REPORT of each month July 10 Mt. Rainier Luncheon Lake Cle Elum, WA “Hale and Farewell” plans continue Library will also honor the 10th Moun- to come together at the 10th Mountain tain Division with a large, public display July 12 New England Memorial Garden Lancaster, NH Division Resource Center. Recently, in the 5th floor gallery from July 20 July 15 Northwest Picnic Wieprecht’s there has been a frenzy of activity here. through October 31. You will want to see July 21 Northwest Pick & Plant Highway 26 We have just inventoried and cata- the more than 100 large photographs, cor- July 30 Rocky Mountain Luncheon Lone Tree, CO logued more than forty new collec- respondence and ephemera that tell the July 31 10th Mtn Div Found. Board Meeting Denver, CO tions, bringing our catalogued hol- 10th’s story. August 1 National Association Board Meeting Denver, CO dings to 122 manuscript collections If you are unable to join one of the and 49 oral histories. Reference re- formal tours, please plan to visit the Re- August 2-5 National Association Reunion Denver, CO quests continue to pour in from de- source Center section on site at the ho- August 15 Mt. Rainier Luncheon Rainier, WA scendants, news organizations and re- tel. We will be demonstrating our data- August 15 Northwest Luncheon Timberline, OR searchers, resulting in a lot of use of base and our on-line research capabili- August 22-23 New England Mt. Washington Climb Mt. Washington, NH our materials. ties, and displaying numerous represen- August 27 Rocky Mountain Luncheon Lone Tree, CO Make plans now to visit the 10th tative items from our collection. Natu- August 28 Rocky Mountain Trash Bash Highway 40 Mountain Division Resource Center dur- rally, we will also be prepared to receive ing your stay in Denver in August. Bus your donations. So, if you have 10th September 7-9 Big Sky Meeting Helena, MT tours from the reunion hotel will take you Mountain Division items you would like September 11 Mt. Rainier Dinner Leavenworth, WA “behind the scenes” to see where all this to see preserved, please bring them to the September 19-23 IFMS XXII Congress Zawoja, Poland activity takes place. The Denver Public reunion. September 30 Rocky Mountain Luncheon Lone Tree, CO Memorial Trail Darby Monument For documentary material, contact: September 30 ITALY Dedication Torbole, Italy Dennis Hagen, Archivist • 10th Mountain Division Resource Center October 9 Mt. Rainier Luncheon Seattle, WA The Denver Public Library Western History/Genealogy Department 10 West 14th Avenue Parkway, Denver, CO 80204-2731 • (720) 865-1812 October 27 New England Luncheon New London, NH Email: [email protected] October 27 Northwest Pick and Plant Highway 26 For artifacts, contact: October 29 Rocky Mountain Luncheon Lone Tree, CO October 30 Rocky Mountain Trash Bash Highway 40 Moya Hansen, Curator • 10th Mountain Division Resource Center Colorado Historical Society • 1300 Broadway • Denver, CO 80203-2137 November 13 Mt. Rainier Luncheon Seattle, WA (303) 866-4697 • Email: [email protected] November 26 Rocky Mountain Luncheon Lone Tree, CO December 11 Mt. Rainier Luncheon Seattle, WA February 16, 2008 Midwest Belvedere Day Springfield, IL PLATFORM AND SLATE: THE LAST RIDGE CANDIDATES FOR DOCUMENTARY RELEASED NATIONAL OFFICE ON PBS We firmly believe that this slate is 2. We will support the efforts of best suited to lead the National Associa- the descendants as they pick up The Last Ridge, my documentary website, so surf on over. tion at this critical point in its history. the responsibility for the historical about the 10th Mountain Division, has What makes The Last Ridge docu- Here is what this slate stands for: legacy of the WWII 10th Mountain been released nationally on public tele- mentary unique is its active history ap- 1. We will ensure the perpetuation Division. vision. Since PBS stations schedule proach. It weaves together re-enactments of the 10th Mountain Division 3. We will continue to be good locally, airing dates vary around the at the original training and battle loca- Association by: stewards of our financial resources. country. Many stations will air it in late tions, captured German film of forces op- September around Ken Burns’ new posing the 10th, animated 3-D maps, A. Providing an orderly evolution 4. We will continue to support the WWII epic, “The War,” or around newly discovered letters and diaries, and that capitalizes on the experi- valuable work done by the Denver ence of all members. Veteran’s Day in No- footage of the current Resource Center. vember. It has already 10th Mountain Division B. Expanding the general 5. We will continue to support aired in Chicago, Wash- (LT) on patrol in Afgha- membership. the Tenth Mountain Division ington DC, Milwaukee, nistan. The documentary C. Continuing to grow our future Foundation. Nashville, Cincinnati, is narrated by National leadership. 6. We will maintain our present Salt Lake City, among Public Radio’s Scott D. Continuing the implementation relationship with the International other cities. Information Simon, and was created of the National Association’s Federation of Mountain Soldiers on dates in your area is to be interesting for all Strategic Plan. (IFMS). located on the program’s age groups, particularly companion website, those far removed from OFFICERS www.lastridge.com. If the cataclysmic events President Mike Plummer 10th Mt. Div. (Lt.) Watertown, NY you missed the pro- of WWII. Vice President Steve Coffey Descendant Reston, VA gram’s airdate in your Thank you all for area, or can’t stand the your support and interest Secretary Gil Pearsall 10th Mt. Div. (Lt) Carthage, NY suspense, or if you want during the making of the Treasurer Dan Murphy Descendant Bedford, NH to buy the DVD version documentary. It’s been APPOINTED POSITIONS for someone special on Father’s Day, an honor and a pleasure to share the 10th Executive Director Craig Boss 10th Mt. Div. (Lt) Lowville, NY check the Last Ridge website for order- Mountain story with the world. Quartermaster Frank Thornton Descendant Bala Cynwyd, PA ing information. The DVD contains an Abbie Kealy, Desc. additional 45 minutes with 8 neat (Stuart Abbott, 86-L, KIA) Blizzard Editor Felicity Hallanan Friend of the 10th Sandy Creek, NY Bonus Tracks, so pace yourself! There Writer/Producer/Director Membership Chair Ken Lopez 10th Mt. Div. (Lt) Carthage, NY is more interesting information on the The Last Ridge Scholarship Mike Miller 10th Mt. Div. (Lt) Watertown, NY Commission Chair VISIT LAST RIDGE WEBSITE Webmaster David Little Honorary Denver, CO Ft. Drum Liaison Sgts. Major 10th Mt. Div. (Lt) Ft. Drum, NY www.lastridge.com Division Command PAGE 4 BLIZZARD 2007 NUMBER 2

TENTH MOUNTAIN HUT SYSTEM DIVISION SKI-IN 25TH ANNIVERSARY Excerpted with permission from the full “The guys in front are probably the The 10th Mountain Division Hut Colorado. Hut visitors share the spe- article about the annual Ski-in at Cooper best older skiers in the world,” says Rob- Association celebrated its 25th Anni- cial spirit of these individuals, espe- Hill, by Andrew Wineke in the Colorado ert Parker, who, as one of the founders versary on January 20, 2007 at the Den- cially their pursuit of excellence, self- Springs Gazette, March 23, 2007. of Vail, would certainly know. Parker’s ver Museum of Nature and Science. The reliance, and love of the outdoors. Mem- Tears roll down Hugh Evan’s cheeks dedication to skiing is impressive. He 10th manages 29 backcountry huts in bers of the Rocky Mountain Chapter as he finishes a mission he began 12 now walks with a cane and uses an oxy- the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Con- who attended the celebration were years ago: reading all 1,002 names on the gen bottle in Ski Cooper’s thin air. It nected by 350 miles of designated routes, photographed (below) while singing 10th Mountain Division Memorial at doesn’t keep him off the slopes, though. the huts and trails are all accessible via “Ninety Pounds of Rucksack.” They are, the crest of Tennessee Pass. For decades, Stan Walker, 84, was on the mountain intermediate ski-touring trails. The (left to right): Earl Clark, Jacques veterans of the 10th have come to Ski trying out modern-shaped skis. “They’re name Hut System honors the men of Parker, Hugh Evans, Orville Tomky, Cooper for a day on the slopes at the spot better than those,” he says, pointing to the 10th Mountain Division who trained John Litchfield, Ralph Ball, and John where they trained during WWII. In years the original hickory skis worn by Chuck during WWII at Camp Hale in Central Tripp. past, as many as a thousand veterans hit Roberts, a re-enactor with the 10th the hill. At this year’s event the number Mountain Division Living History Dis- of skiers had dwindled to about 30. Don’t play Group. “I’m only a beginner,” think that means that WWII’s ski troops Walker quips, “I didn’t start until 1928.” are about to hang up their poles. The 10th Sgt. Dan Churchman drove up from Mountain may be legendary, but its Ft. Carson for the reunion, just to spend members aren’t ready to pass into leg- a day with the veterans. “I just want to end. “This isn’t the last for the skiing,” be with my heroes.” It’s Brian Kealy’s Evans says. “I think we’ll get another 5 third time at the ski reunion. He came all to 10 years.” Think that’s overly optimis- the way from England. “You just can’t tic? Consider John Woodward, 92. He ski with anyone better,” Kealy says. is still racing, spending seven weeks each “They’re the best in the world. Just hang- winter running away with his age group. ing around these guys is good fun.” Kealy At Cooper, he led a column of veterans is a member of the living-history group, down the mountain, holding aloft the dressed in an authentic 10th uniform of American flag as he skied. In 1942, the era, complete with the monster, Woodward was one of the first soldiers square-toed boots the soldiers wore on sent from Ft. Lewis, WA to Camp Hale, skis — although he swapped them for then under construction outside of Lead- modern ski boots before stepping on the ville, and given the plum assignment of lift. As Parker remembers, the boots finding suitable slopes on which to train weren’t that great. Or the poles, or the ski troops. “The Colonel said, ‘Wood- skis, although they were quickly up- ward! Take 150 ski instructors and go to graded. The sleeping bags were warm, SKI HALL OF FAME though. The important thing was the Colorado Springs.’ Woodward said, Dick Wilson (85-M) “Yessir!’” weapons, and they worked fine.” Tom West, President of the U.S. National Ski Hall of Fame, wrote a glow- ing tribute to veterans of the 10th Mountain Division who had been honored NATIONAL SKI TITLE as inductees into the ski hall of fame. The article appeared in the September 2006 issue of Skiing Heritage, official publication of the International Skiing At the age of 92, International Ski- History Association. Inadvertently, the article listed a couple of prominent ing History Association (ISHA) member skiers who had not served with the 10th Mountain Division. And on the other John Woodward (87-HQ-1, 10-Recon) hand, West had correctly included a couple of 10th Mountain Division veter- won the national championship in his age ans’ names that I had omitted in an inductee roster several years earlier. Through division at the NASTAR Finals in Steam- an exchange of messages, we succeeded in pulling together the complete ros- boat Springs in late March. John will un- ter of the 34 Tenth Mountain Division veterans whose names now appear in doubtedly win NASTAR’S other compe- the U.S. National Ski Hall of Fame. The list below includes the veterans’ unit tition — the low-handicap rankings con- and year of induction. test — for the 2006-07 season. Final re- 10TH MOUNTAIN DIVISION sults will be announced in late May. WWII VETERANS IN U.S. NATIONAL SKI The ISHA membership rolls contain HALL OF FAME, ISHPEMING, MICHIGAN many great ski racers: Andrea M. Law- Atwater, Monty, 1979 (87-HQ-2; Matt, Toni, 1967 (MTG) rence, Stein Eriksen, Billy Kidd, and 87-HQ-1; MTG) Penny Pitou, to name only a few. But their Maurin, Lawrence, 1966 (MTG) many championships are past history. Bennett, Nelson, 1986 (87-I) Mikkelsen, Roy, 1964 (87-E) Woodward is the only ISHA member who Broomhall. Wendall, 1981 (87-A) Parker, Robert W., 1985 (87-HQ) is currently reigning national ski cham- Brown, William R. “Sarge”, Pederson, Ernest O., 1968 (87-HQ) 1990 (86-L) pion. His racing career is on the rise! Perrault, Paul Joseph, 1971 Jim Fain, Editor and Publisher DesRoche, Ralph A. “Doc”, (126-ENG) 1977 (85-B) NASTAR (National Standard Race) Pfeifer, Friedl, 1980 (87-A) Elvrum, John, 1968 (86-HQ) Newsletter John Woodward Prager, Walter, 1977 (87-HQ-3) Engen, Sverre, 1971 (86-A) Schneider, Herbert, 1992 (86-HQ) Engl, Sigi, 1971 (87-G) Seibert, Pete, 1984 (86-F) Excerpts from “Camp Hale Skis” Foeger, Luggi, 1973 (86-HQ) Sorensen, Harald “Pop”, 1973 Janss, William C., 1979 by John Woodward, Blizzard 3rd Quarter 1995 (87-B) (10 Recon) Taylor, Clif, 1979 (86-C) In the summer of ‘42 skis were manufactured by three vendors. The skis were Jay, John, 1981 (MTG) hickory laminated, flat topped with steel edges and painted white. Several instruc- Tokle, Torger, 1959 (86-A), KIA tors tried out the new skis on Cooper Hill…In the soft snow they dived better than Jennings. H. Devereaux “Dev”, 1989 (85-I) 1945 a submarine. In a week we had 2 instructors with broken legs. I proposed to Gen. Teichner, Hans “Peppi”, 1967 (87-L) Rolfe that Groswold Ski Co. of Denver ridge-top the flat top of the skis so they Judson, David, Jr., 1992 (86-I) Torrissen, Birger, 1971 (87-HQ-3) would flex like normal skis. He approved. The skis came out with a perfect flex. Knowlton, Steve P., 1975 (86-HQ) After finishing the skis, Groswold burned his brand on top of the original Litchfield, John, 2002 (Div HQ) Townsend, Ralph 1975 (87-K) manufacturer’s name…This is how Groswold got credit for manufacturing most Livermore, Robert (87-HQ-2; Woodward, John 1998 (87-HQ-1) of the Army skis. The Colorado Historical Museum's 10th Mountain collection has MTG) Wren, Gordon, 1958 (87-E) several pairs but none of the original flat tops. 2007 NUMBER 2 BLIZZARD PAGE 5

CLIMBING THAT MOUNTAIN HOW I GOT Hugh W. Evans (85-A,C) INTO THE SKI TROOPS All of us have climbed mountains and Ass) and at the trailhead at 9:00 AM. The Gerry Cullinane’s episode is taken from his memoir: today have ‘mountains’ to climb. They ski-in took us, including lunch, about “From Student to Soldier: My War Years...1941-1945.” just take different forms. On March 19, four hours. I was greeted with birthday Gerry Cullinane (87-F). In the fall of 1942 Life Magazine featured on the 2007 I did climb Homestake Peak, (83) presents from Ted and Carol Bill- cover a photo of Walter Prager (87-HQ-3, 10 Recon), the former ski coach at 13,209 ft., for probably the last time. The ings (Tenth Mountain Hut managers) Dartmouth College and then a master sergeant in the mountain infantry. He occasion was part of my celebration of — a chocolate cake, two big bottles of was shown on a glacier at Mt. Rainier with crampons, ice axe and everything having trekked into Tenth Mountain Jim Beam and a case of beer all tied else. That got me excited. I thought, “Boy, this is for me!” I submitted my Division Huts with Tenth Veterans for together with balloons. Who could ask three letters of recommendation and received notification from the National 18 years. Newc Eldredge, 85-L, started for more? The young went out that after- Ski Patrol that I had been accepted for the mountain troops. Since voluntary me on these adventures in 1989. He noon for some ski adventures. It was enlistments had been shut down, the only way to enlist was to volunteer for had started hut tripping the year before. then dinner and bed about 9:00 PM. The induction through your local draft board. This I did on instructions from the This year Newc had some excuse about conversations were wild and free flow- Ski Patrol. After induction I would be sent to Camp Hale, Colorado. a heart valve replacement so could not ing. There was much discussion on ‘de- On January 19, 1943 I reported for induction into the U.S. Army. After a day make it. terministic’ (planned) versus ‘stochastic’ or two of Army orientation we received our orders sending us to wherever the Bob Thompson, 86-B, John Imbrie, (random) events. We decided these hut gods had deemed. In my case I knew where I was going: to the Ski Troops! With 85-C and I made up the Veterans’ Sec- trips were definitely stochastic. There is my letters of recommendation and notification of assignment, I could hardly tion of this 2007 trek into the Tenth nothing like the huts for solving the wait. Imagine the shock and surprise I had when I learned I was headed for Mountain Division Hut, 11, 370 ft. We world’s problems. Camp White, Medford, Oregon instead of Camp Hale, Colorado. I had failed to ski-packed (30- to 40-pound packs) 4.4 We were up with the sun on Monday make the minimum weight (for my height) for general service. I was thus clas- miles on March 18 along with 12 others: and all except Bob and John thought sified for “Limited Service,” which meant assignment to Base service units Dave and Jane Christie (Desc. 85-F), Tim they would go for Homestake Peak. The such as Military Police or hospital orderly or some such job. I became an MP at Davis, Andrew Hudson, Matt Sugar, young and not so young made it to the Camp White where I was destined to spend the next five months. Meanwhile, I Elizabeth Williams, LTC Marvin Meek top about noon, the old man about an determined to eat and eat and eat in an effort to gain weight and get reclassified. and four University of Colorado ROTC hour later, but he was very proud of him- I was given guard duty at the stockade. The little guardhouses were about as students — Ryan Swisher, Maron Kim, self. Dave Christie and Tim Davis found big as an outhouse. I had a midnight to 4:00 a.m. stretch, and in order to stay Peter Linsheid and Chris Campbell. their way back home via the Continental awake I began drawing on the wall of the guard shack. I drew a small picture of Doug Whitehead of CBS joined us to tell Divide around Slide Lake. The old man a soldier skier going downhill with rifle and pack. Above the skier I wrote our story on CBS, Channel 4, on April and those he was escorting got back “$50.00 reward” and under the skier “to anyone who can get me out of this 28, 2007. about 3:00 PM after being lost for awhile outfit and transferred to Camp Hale, Colorado.” And I signed my name. A day Of course we had to start the night in the woods at the base. The ROTC or two later when I had the same post during a day watch, the lieutenant in before at the Leadville Silver Dollar Sa- bunch built a ski jump off one of the charge of our unit came to inspect. He looked inside the guardhouse and guess loon. Homestake Peak couloirs and spent the what he saw! He turned to me and said, “Did you write that?” Since I had signed After being properly broken in, we rest of the afternoon playing around. That my name there was little I could say other than, “Yes Sir.” He asked me why I moved across Main Street to Quincy’s for night it was Evans’ cornpone pie for din- had written it and it gave me the opportunity to tell him the whole story of how a roast beef dinner. That was after the ner. Tuesday we were again up early and I was railroaded to Camp White instead of to the Mountain Training Center in Evans-Imbrie-Williams local Safeway out by noon. It was a great trip with great Colorado. I have been forever grateful to him because he immediately arranged shopping trip for the six meals for 15 per- company and beautiful weather. We are for me to appear at the hospital for reclassification. I could not believe my good sons. We did not have too many disagree- going to do it again on March 15, 2008. luck. Three Army doctors asked me a number of questions regarding my re- ments on what to buy. We will trek into the Fowler/Hilliard Hut, quest. I guess I had gained a couple of pounds. I answered their questions con- March 18 we were up early for break- 11,500 ft., up above Camp Hale near fidently and to their satisfaction because in a day or two I was called to our fast at the Golden Burro (really the Brass Ptarmigan Peak. Ya’ all come! company orderly room and told I was being transferred to Camp Hale. I have rarely been happier in my life than the day I broke out of Camp White. In June 1943 I took the train out of Camp White on my way to the Moun- tain Training Center of the U.S. Army. I arrived at Camp Hale with a couple of others I did not know and we were driven a mile or so into the camp proper. I was assigned to the 86th regiment, Co. H. Since I had been in the service about five months, I had already been promoted to Private First Class, which was a big deal to some of the others who had just arrived from civilian life. The camp struck me as beautiful! Bob Carlson (86-L). It all started in December of 1939 when I was turn- ing 15 years of age at Smiley Junior High School. A group of mostly East Denver High School students were gathering each Saturday of the winter for bus trips for kids who wanted to learn how to ski from local ski pioneer Frank Bulkley. I found a pair of skis in our basement left there by a cousin. Not knowing anything about ski equipment, I took the skis to the first bus trip of the season. The trouble was they were about 8 feet long, no edges and leather strap bindings. When I showed up the famed Frank Bulkley told me never to come back until I got some skis I could control. The next week at Gart Broth- ers I found a pair of Silver Streak ridge top skis with cable bindings and steel edges. As I used these skis, I did my best to become as good a skier as pos- sible. Into my second year of lessons, I took first aid lessons in order to join the Junior Ski Patrol and be trained to aid the Senior Patrollers. I continued in this effort until the winter of 42-43. As I turned 18 in December 1943, I re- ceived the inevitable draft notice. The 10th Mountain had achieved a lot of publicity by that time so I decided that nearby Camp Hale should be the first priority for my military service. I gathered the required letters of recommen- dation from 3 National Ski patrollers with whom I was well acquainted: Ed Climbers are, top row, l to r: Chris Campbell, LTC Marvin Meek, Ryan Swisher, Peter Taylor, Art Kidder Sr. and Fred Bellmar. Art Kidder was truly remarkable as a Linsheid, Maron Kim; bottom row, l to r: John Imbrie, Hugh Evans, Bob Thompson one-legged, super-strong patrolman who skied with ski pole baskets on crutches. His daughter Barbara was one of the very best female skiers in the country. In June 1943 I reported to the induction center at Fort Logan. I was indeed given IMPORTANT DATE! orders to ride the train to Camp Hale. Upon arrival, another inductee, Bob Mahony (86-L), and I were to report to Company L of the 86th. Imagine my surprise when entering the barracks, the soldier checking us in was Sam NATIONAL REUNION Bulkley (86-L, F, & A), brother of Frank. Sam and I had played on the same IN DENVER baseball team at East High School. The rest is history as I remained in that company the entire time until discharged in November 1945. AUGUST 2-5, 2007 PAGE 6 BLIZZARD 2007 NUMBER 2

NEW COMMANDING MRS. CAPPIELLO’S CLASS: GENERAL AT FT. DRUM HOME OF THE Major General Michael L. Oates is includes the Infantry Officer Basic and 10TH MOUNTAIN DIVISION now serving as Commanding General of Advanced Courses, U.S. Army Com- Andrea Cappiello (Desc. 85-L) the 10th Mountain Division mand and General Staff Col- (Light Infantry), Ft. Drum, lege, Armed Forces Staff I was listening to the nightly news board was overflowing with sayings like, New York. Maj. Gen. Oates College and the Naval War when I heard a name that immediately “Write to your soldier — it’s so easy, even graduated from the United College. Most recently, Maj. attracted my attention. “Members of the a caveman can do it.” States Military Academy in Gen. Oates served as Deputy 10th Mountain Division have had their When I approached my own classes 1979. He holds a Masters Commanding General (Op- tours of duty extended indefinitely, in of 8th graders, most were willing to write, Degree in National Secu- erations), 101st Airborne Afghanistan.” I thought about Charlie but some were skeptical. In fact, one par- rity and Strategic Studies Division (Air Assault), OP- Schwab. In 2003, Charlie, or Lt. Charles ticular class didn’t want anything to do from the Naval War Col- ERATION IRAQI FREE- Schwab as I first knew him, was 1Lt. of with this project, until one boy named lege. His military schooling DOM, Iraq. Charlie Company, the platoon that the Shawn said, “My brother is in Afghani- New England Chapter had adopted. stan.” I asked if he was in the 10th. He Major General Michael L. Oates He and his platoon, my class and I all thought so. Sure enough, there he was became year-long pen pals. It was a fa- on the list, Justin Dwyer, A Troop. The bulous experience for all of us, conclud- next day, Shawn brought in a picture of LETTER FROM AFGHANISTAN ing with a visit to the school from Lt. his brother in Afghanistan. Well, this Schwab. When I heard about the new- class soon became quite interested and Gentlemen of the 10th Mountain Division (Lt) Veterans Ski Team: est development in Afghanistan I had this picture became the center of my bul- I am sorry that I was unable to make it home for this year’s Hannes Schneider an instant urge to email him and find letin board. Soon newsletters and emails Cup Race at Cranmore. I am currently stationed in Herat, Afghanistan as a member out if he was OK. Within 5 minutes, from Charlie, along with lists of soldiers’ of an embedded training team with the Afghan National Army. Much like the advi- he had answered my email and the names joined it. sor programs of Vietnam, I am living, eating, training and conducting missions with second chapter of our correspondence Probably the best thing from this a mixture of Afghan and American Soldiers, in an effort to assist the Afghan gov- began. project has been Patriotism. These are ernment to become a functioning democracy in a region riddled by wars. There are We exchanged several emails within kids who we had to force to just face the a number of other former members of the 10th Mountain Div. (LT) alongside me on the next few days. He told me about how flag, let alone stand and say anything. this mission. low the morale within the troops was Now, even half asleep, they stand and We meet with our Afghan counterparts daily and help them plan, resource, man- because of their unforeseen extension. make the effort. The building Princi- age and execute their training as well as their combat missions throughout Afghani- He asked me if I would be willing to pal, Mr. Lorusso, proudly made an an- stan. We are experiencing great success in the western region of the country, which have my class write to his men again. I nouncement last week when the 439 sol- is evident by the number of women’s schools and the improvements in their infra- readily agreed. He told me that he had dier letters were sent. He thanked us structure since I was here nearly 3 years ago. been promoted to Captain and he pro- all, concluding with, “Mrs. Cappiello My current assignment is as the Corps G-5 (Civil Affairs) mentor. Most of my ceeded to send me 439 names of home- would like to remind you all to salute days are filled with village visits and humanitarian assistance projects through out sick soldiers! With only 130 eighth grad- the flag, for your soldier.” So this pro- our region, roughly the size of New England. We distribute donated school supplies ers, the challenge was on! I had changed ject continues until we get out in June and clothing from back home and assist the Afghan Army in contracting civilians to schools and teach in a public, urban or the troops come home, which ever build schools, wells, dams, bathrooms and other infrastructure needs in the area. middle school in Waterbury, Connecti- comes first. Charlie plans on coming We’ve had an enormous amount of support from schools, Cub Scout packs, the New cut in a building called the “Blue House,” to the school again, if they get home York Master’s ski racers, religious groups and various other organizations back home. with approximately 400 students — soon enough. My room won’t be hard Our gratitude cannot be expressed by simple words and thank you notes. For more perfect! The house principal thought it to find — it’s the one that has the pos- information about our mission and what we are doing here, please feel free to con- was a wonderful project. My fellow ter outside the door that reads, “Mrs. tact me by email at [email protected]. teachers were very supportive and eager Cappiello’s Class, Home of the 10th Mountain Division.” To John Woodward, Dick Calvert, Herbie Schneider and the rest of the ski to do what they could to help. Soon, I racers in the ranks, I look forward to seeing you again next season on the hill at was splitting platoons, passing out sol- Andrea Cappiello, daughter of Earl Cranmore and throughout the Masters Racing Circuit as a member of the 10th Moun- diers’ names, putting up posters and Norem (85-L), wrote an article for the tain Division (LT) veterans’ team, if you will have me. assigning different students and differ- Blizzard (2005, No.1) about Charlie ent classes with deadlines. As with the Schwab and the pen-pal project between Ski Fast and Play Hard. Climb to Glory. pen-pal project in 2003, this project was her class and Charlie Company, the New Ray S. Gilmore, CPT, EN, Team 9805; www.team9805.com taking on a life of its own. The bulletin England Chapter’s adopted platoon.

THE 10TH MOUNTAIN DIVISION (LIGHT) SCHOLARSHIP FUND Mike Plummer (10 Lt.) The Ft. Drum chapter has a new web during your estate planning reviews. site for the 10th Mountain Division Another way to support the scholar- Scholarship Fund: www.10mtndivscholar ship fund and preserve a place in the his- shipfund.org. With 110 Tenth Light sol- tory of the 10th for a fallen warrior, a diers killed in action, over 1,100 wounded mountain buddy, a family member, a in action, and almost 10,000 still in friend, or for you, is to purchase a brick harm’s way in Iraq and Afghanistan, the for the Memorial Walk at Ft. Drum near need is now and growing. Five $5,000 the Military Mountaineer statue. Bricks scholarships will be presented for this are 4” x 8” and can have up to three lines academic year, and five more are planned of text with 14 characters per line. The for next year. Your support today is greatly cost is $25.00, with all profits going to appreciated. Make checks payable to the the Scholarship Fund. To purchase a “10th Mt. Div. (Light) Scholarship Fund” brick, send details for lettering, along and mail to Mike Plummer, Ft. Drum with a check made out to the Ft. Drum Chapter, 121 paddock Street, Watertown, Chapter, to Craig Boss, 6880 Olmstead Student in Mrs. Cappiello’s class in front of bulletin board showing NY 13601. Also, please keep us in mind Road, Lowville, NY 13362. 10th Mountain Division logo and a sign saying “Write Your Soldier.” 2007 NUMBER 2 BLIZZARD PAGE 7

CHAPTERS VISIT 10TH LIGHT SOLDIERS 10TH LIGHT WOUNDED KILLED IN ACTION Mike Plummer (10 Lt) Operation Enduring Freedom VII SPC Wilford Flores Jr. The Ft. Drum, Metro New York, and ans) along with Metro NY Chapter’s Bob March-April 2007 2-14 INF • March 2007 Washington, DC chapters recently pre- O’Malley (85-L) visit our 10th wounded SPC Christopher M. Wilson SSG David A. Mejias sented 100 hotel-quality bathrobes to at Walter Reed and provide them with 1-32 Inf • March 2007 2 BSTB • April 2007 10th Mountain Division wounded war- items bearing 10th Mountain Division SSG Eric R. Vick riors at Landstuhl Regional Medical logo such as hats, t-shirts and sweatshirts. Sgt Jeremy R. Greene 2 BSTB • April 2007 Center (Germany), Walter Reed Army The chapters solicit contributions to pay 2-87 Inf • April 2007 Medical Center (Washington, DC) and for some of these items, and some are SGT William G. Bowling Brooke Army Medical Center (Ft. Sam donated by the National Quartermaster 2 BSTB • April 2007 Operation Iraqi Freedom Houston, TX). Each robe has a division and the Fort Drum Chapter. Bob September 2006-May 2007 SGT Robert M. McDowell patch on the left breast pocket and O’Malley also occasionally provides our 2 BSTB • April 2007 has become the “must have” item in warriors with tours of the historical sites SPC Bobby Callahan 4-31 Inf • September 2006 SSG Jason R. Arnette the wards. When MG Ben Freakley, of Washington DC. At Walter Reed 2-14 INF • April 2007 Commander of the 10th Mountain Divi- Hospital on March 21st, Maj. Gen. Lt. John Craver SPC Ryan A. Bishop sion, presented them to the recuperating Freakley presented Bob O’Malley with 4-31 Inf • October 2006 10th soldiers during a recent visit, one a Commander’s Award for Public Ser- 4-31 INF • April 2007 of them told him, “This is the best gift vice, along with a medal from the De- SGT Thomas Vandling CW2 Dwayne L. Moore I have ever received in my entire life.” partment of the Army for his 4-year sus- 1-89 CAV • January 2007 2-15 FA • April 2007 Another soldier told him that he liked it tained effort in caring for our wounded SPC Raymond N. Mitchell III SSG Steven R. Tudor so much that he wanted one for his 10th Light soldiers at Walter Reed Army 2-14 INF • January 2007 210 BSB • April 2007 mother. That kind of says it all. In the Medical Center. SGT Paul T. Sanchez CPL Ray M. Bevel pocket of each robe was a note with the Members of the Armadillo Chapter, 543 MP Co • January 2007 4-31 INF • April 2007 following message: with Steve Worley (Desc. 10-AT-A), have been visiting our wounded recuperat- SGT Mickel D. Garrigus Ryan A. Bishop This robe is presented by the National ing at Brooke Army Medical Center in 543 MP Co • January 2007 4-31 INF • April 2007 Association of the 10th Mountain Ft. Sam Houston, TX, and will begin SFC James D. Connell Division and the 10th Mountain CPT Kevin C. Landeck giving items with 10th logo to them. In 2-15 FA • February 2007 4-41 INF • May 2007 Division Foundation on behalf of addition, the Fort Drum Chapter has all Americans who understand that SSG Terrence D. Dunn PFC Daniel W. Courneya arranged through the 10th Mountain freedom isn’t free to one of America’s 210 BSB • February 2007 4-31 INF • May 2007 Division Command Group to send logo wounded warriors. Whether you were items to our soldiers in the three ma- SP4 Brian A. Browning PFC Christopher E. Murphy wounded by hostile action or in an 4-31 INF • May 2007 jor Army medical centers. The items are 4-31 INF • February 2007 accident in a hostile environment, you distributed by the Division point of PFC Joseph J. Anzack did so in the service of your Country. SGT Shawn M. Dunkin contact at each facility or by visitors 4-31 INF • May 2007 Thank you for your sacrifice and may 1-89 CAV • February 2007 such as Anna Marie Mattson (Desc. God speed your recovery. SP4 Matthew C. Bowe SGT Anthony J. Schober 110-SIG), at Landstuhl Medical Center 1-89 CAV • February 2007 4-31 INF • May 2007 These “Climb to Glory Robes” are in Germany. SGT Jason A. Schumann worn and given with pride. We will con- Funds for these efforts come from PFC Adare W. Cleveland 3-89 CAV • May 2007 tinue to provide them until the remain- donations from chapters, individuals, 1-89 CAV • February 2007 ing 400 are gone and then determine if and private organizations that just want SGT Justin D. Wisniewski SGT Richard A. Soukenka 2-15 ARTY • May 2007 we want to supply more. One of the goals to do something good for our wounded 2 BSTB • February 2007 of our Association is to continue the tra- men. If you want to make a donation SGT Steven M. Packer ditions and preserve the honorable legacy you can send it to: Frank Thornton, Na- SPC Jonathan D. Cadavero 2-14 INF • May 2007 of the “men of the 10th.” Taking care of tional Quartermaster, 112 Maple Avenue 2 BSTB • February 2007 today’s wounded is part of our effort to Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004; or Michael CPL Lorne E. Henry Jr. PVT Byron W. Fouty accomplish that goal. Plummer, President, Ft. Drum Chapter 2 BSTB • February 2007 4-31 INF • May 2007 MIA In support of this goal, the Washing- 121 Paddock Street, Watertown, NY SPC Tomas L. Latham SP4 Alex R. Jimenez ton DC chapters (descendents and veter- 13601. 2-14 INF • March 2007 4-31 INF • May 2007 MIA

Maj. Gen. Benjamin Freakley presents Bob O’Malley with a Commanders’ Award Soldiers recovering from wounds at Walter Reed Army Medical for Public Service and a medal from the Department of the Army for his efforts in Center proudly wear their 10th Mountain Division “Climb to Glory” Robes. caring for wounded soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. PAGE 8 BLIZZARD 2007 NUMBER 2

AN ARMY WIFE Jean Cummings Stanley Cummings (86-A, 85-B) to return under their own power. One sev- and I were married in the summer of ered foot and one dead soldier were 1940. In 1942, with Uncle Sam breath- brought to the hospital. I still remember ing down his neck, Stan completed the how I panicked when I thought it was requirements for his law degree by the Stan, but it was not. Stan returned on a time he was drafted. Having obtained his Friday night and had a furlough starting letters of recommendation for the ski Saturday. By noon we had embarked troops, he headed for Camp Hale in Janu- on a hitchhiking trip to the West Coast ary 1943. Six months later I joined him. and back. I spent six days at the Guest House We girls watched the blizzard from and three days in Leadville (the first night the warmth of our rooms, as we worried sleeping in the lobby at the Vendome about out husbands out on the “D” Se- Hotel because there were no rooms) ries. One night we heard that they were frantically hunting for a job so I could bivouacked near camp. Lucille Butler live in Camp. I met Jean and Jake drove us to the area. Much to my embar- Nunnemacher (87-B). Jean was hostess rassment, one of the boys shouted up the of the officers’ wives Guest House for mountain, “Stan Cummings, your wife is just a week when Jake was reassigned and here.” It worked. About 10 minutes later they left camp. I got Jean’s job, which he appeared and I was able to give him a meant that I could live there. Since the quick hug and a few goodies I’d brought officers’ wives were only there for week- from camp. end occasions, our husbands were al- In June, the 10th was transferred to lowed to stay overnight with us when they Camp Swift, Texas. Stan was assigned to were in camp. escort several officers’ wives in their cars In the fall a job in the hospital lab on the trip down and I was allowed to join On behalf of the 10th Mountain Division, Colonel Johnnie L. Knight (on right) became available. I had to hitch rides to them. By arriving early, I landed a job in presents the "Command Sergeant Major's Award of Excellence" to his father, the hospital but I continued to stay at the the hospital once again, thus qualifying Master Sergeant William M. Knight. Guest House. I loved my hospital job as for quarters. I ran into Jean and Jake a histopathologist making microscopic Nunnemacher and I was able to acquire TWO GENERATIONS OF THE slides of body parts from operations and a two-bedroom sparsely furnished apart- 10TH MOUNTAIN DIVISION from autopsies. It was a great group of ment. While I was working, Jean, who people to work with, never boring, and was pregnant, made it very livable and Johnnie L. Knight (Col, USAR) our husbands were able to stay with us the food was great. In the spring we had When Col. Johnnie L. Knight, a gen- On 13 October, 2006, an awards to take blood samples from about 300 many nights and weekends. In July, Stan reported to Ft. Benning, eral dentist, arrived in Bagram, Afghani- ceremony was held at the 198th MP German prisoners who had been brought stan on 4 August 2006, he naturally as- Battalion Headquarters in Bagram. into camp. They were mostly teenagers, GA for OCS, and, pregnant and with morning sickness, I joined him near the sumed he would be assigned to the 14th Col. Knight accepted, on behalf of his and I thought how lucky they were to be Combat Support Hospital (CSH). Instead father, the “Command Sergeant Ma- alive, out of the war and well cared for. end of August. He graduated just before Thanksgiving, which we spent with my he was transferred to the 198th MP Bat- jor’s Award of Excellence.” Sgt. Majors During the fall Stan taught me rock talion of the 10th Mountain Division. Be- Coffman and Hokkanen presented climbing. I took to it like a duck to water parents in Summit, NJ, the first I had been home in two and a half years. Stan was ing assigned to the 10th was a dream the award with the blessings of Bri- and loved rappelling down the cliffs. come true for the 25-year veteran reserv- gade Commander Col. Rose Miller, When ski season started it was a differ- ordered back to Texas, where he was as- signed to 85-B. I wouldn’t see him again ist. Col. Knight’s father, Master Sergeant Brig. General Tata, Maj. General Ben- ent story. I was given a seven-foot pair William M. Knight (605-A) was one of jamin Freakley, and the 10th Mountain of GI skis. I am 5’3” tall and had never for over 20 months. Stan was wounded on Mt. Della Spe on April 15th or 16th. the original 10th Mountain soldiers when Division. When Col. Knight returned been on a ski tow. At Cooper Hill Stan He could not rejoin his unit before the the 10th was formed at Camp Hale, CO from active duty, an awards ceremony kept telling me to just stand and let 10th came back to the states, and so ended in 1942. was held at VFW Post 1191 in Paducah, the T-bar pull me. “Don’t sit down” he up in the occupation troops with the 88th While serving his tour, Col. Knight Kentucky Col. Knight presented the kept saying. We finally reached the tow Division. In August 1946, I packed my spoke often about his father and the sto- Award to his father, Master Sergeant and guess what I did! I fell a lot but I trunk and my baby and went to Italy on ries his father had shared with him about William M. Knight, on behalf of the don’t think I ever fell off a tow again. I the Marine Shark. There Stan met his 16- the 10th and WWII. A friend and fellow 10th Mountain Division. A story book finally learned to ski and was 83 when I month-old son for the first time. A year soldier, Command Sergeant Major Coff- ending for both father and son. Pre- gave it up. later we went home to start our lives in man picked up on the stories and decided sentation of this award to his father was We went to dances, saw the most re- Greenfield, Massachusetts that the 10th should present Col. Knight’s the greatest moment of Col. Knight’s 25- cent movies and various celebrities such father with some type of award. year career. as Lowell Thomas, Jane Wyman and Joe Louis. We went to Glenwood Springs on weekends where we rode horseback, NEW BOOK hiked to Hanging Lake, danced at the USO, soaked in the hot springs and ate THE MEDITERRANEAN ater matured the Western Alliance, seri- big tender steaks. Shortly after arriving THEATER IN WORLD WAR II ously damaged and dispersed the for- at camp, I ran into Jean Barr from my midable Axis military machine, and [Excerpted from the book jacket]. dorm at college. We spent pleasant eve- forged the combined Anglo-American nings with Jean and Jim (85-HQ-3) at The Mediterranean theater in WWII effort that was to be unstoppable when Jean’s apartment in Denver and later in has long been overlooked by those who transferred to Northern Europe in June Glenwood Springs. After Christmas I believe it was of minor importance in 1944. moved into the new barracks built next Stan Cummings meets his 16-month- the war. But in this new book, Douglas The Middle Sea constituted a strate- to the hospital for wives working in old son for the first time. Porch, Military Historian, argues that the gic piece of a global war; it was a pas- camp. They were much pleasanter quar- I would never wish that war experi- Mediterranean was, in fact, the pivotal sage that linked far-flung theaters and ters but — we were back to dating. My ence on anyone. It was dreadful and I theater in WWII. provided an entry point into southern roommate was Eleanor Prager (wife of would not choose to go through it. How- In The Path to Victory: The Mediter- Germany for two Allied armies. Without Walter, 87-HQ-3, 10 RECON) who ever, as we were both fortunate enough ranean Theater in World War II, Porch a Mediterranean alternative, the Western worked in the lab office. I also met to have lived through it, I wouldn’t want examines the Mediterranean as an inte- Allies would probably have committed Lucille Butler and her husband Roger to give up the experience either. I learned grated arena that laid the foundation for to a premature Channel invasion in 1943 (85-I, 85-SVC) who took us to their home to be self-sufficient, to cope with the vi- victory in Europe. Although conven- that might well have cost them the war. in Steamboat Springs on occasion. cissitudes of life, and to accept the ups tional wisdom argues that Hitler could Brilliantly argued, this compelling ac- In February 1944 the boys were out and downs. I became a stronger person not have won WWII in the Mediterra- count of a little-known theater empha- on maneuvers on Cooper Hill with live and learned to travel light, which, as a nean, Porch believes that the Allies might sizes the importance of the Mediterra- ammunition. Stan and Torger Tokle life-long traveler, has been a convenient well have lost had they not elected to nean in the ultimate Allied victory in (86-A) were the only two from the squad lesson. fight there. Decisions made in this the- Europe during WWII. PUBLISHED BY AND FOR DESCENDANTS OF THE 10TH MOUNTAIN DIVISION VOLUME 9 2007 NUMBER 2

SEARCHING FOR SNUFFY DESCENDANT ARTIST Devon O’Neil DONATES RIVA RIDGE Excerpted with permission from the full grandfather (and myself) than I ever PAINTING FOR NATIONAL article in the December 2006 issue of would’ve believed was lost. 5280: Denver’s Mile-High Magazine. I introduced myself and began to ex- REUNION plain my mission — but before I’d fin- Interview of Casey Klahn By Tyler Tollman (87-B, Desc) THE ELDERLY MAN approached ished my sentence, Nelson “Nellie” me and asked if I would mind taking a Bennett (87-I, MTG), took over. “The Q. Casey, what connection do you “read” immediately to the viewer — some- picture. He signaled his three friends to last time I saw Snuffy he fell 80 feet off have to the 10th Mountain thing that is instantly understood for what come over and handed me his camera, a rock cliff and didn’t even have a scratch Division and how did you get it is and also for what it symbolizes. Riva The men looked a bit old to be skiing on him!” I carried with me one of the involved with the Foundation Ridge wasn’t the only action to take place way up there. Then I noticed the 10th only photographs my brother and I have and Descendants? for the division, but it symbolizes the dra- Mountain Division logo at the tip of each of our grandfather, taken just before that matic and unambiguous offensive energy A. of their skis. I knew that logo — it was fall. He has his hemp climbing rope My late father, Pfc. Kenneth Klahn that the 10th Mountain Division intro- the mark of Colorado legends, men to coiled across his shoulder and is stand- was in the Division. He served at Camp duced into the Italian Campaign. If the respect. Most important for me, though, ing below the C Street Cliffs at Camp Hale, Colorado, overseas in North Italy, Allies were a little sleepy after the win- and all the way to the deactivation of it might be a key to my past. I blurted Hale. I showed the photo to Bennett, who ter months in a static front, I think ev- the division. I remember that we came out the same question I’d asked every explained that he had been standing di- eryone was wide awake — Germans and across the Association together in the other 10th veteran I’ve ever met. “Does rectly above my grandfather when he fell. Allies alike — after the Riva Ridge As- 1970s, and my Dad became a member the name Robert ‘Snuffy’ O’Neil ring a “That’s Snuffy all right.” he said. Bennett sault. The Riva Ridge battle has that kind for one year, 1974, I think, but nothing bell to any of you?” One of the men told me he and my grandfather were both of history-making power as an event. swung his head around like he’d heard a climbers, and he told me about Snuffy’s ever came of it. ghost. “Snuffy O’Neil, did you say?” art, explaining that his work used to run Q. How did you come to the Q. What unit was your father in? Before I could answer, another man re- in the Blizzard. Another veteran, retired decision to donate a painting for peated the name. “Snuffy O’Neil…why, Lt. Col. Earl Clark (87-HQ-1), also A. 1st Gun Section, C Battery, 605th the 10th Reunion in August 2007? I haven’t heard that name since before brought up my grandfather’s cartoons, Field Artillery Battalion (Pack). He was the war ended.” A. I like to try to make a donation some- which had been displayed on the wall of a muleskinner, and he was a .50 caliber Robert “Snuffy” O’Neil (87-K) was where with my art every year. I’ve had the officer’s club at Hale. “They had great machine gunner. My Dad was in the Field my grandfather. He died of a heart at- the passion, as the Italians say, to do this humor,” said Clark. “He took the hard- Artillery, which had him in action behind tack six months before my twin brother very artwork for some time. I have more ships and made fun out of them for ev- our infantry, but he also supported the and I were born. It devastated our mother. erybody. You couldn’t look at what he’d of an interest in doing something for the For as long as I remember, I had been on riflemen by being up on the front lines done without getting a smile on your firing his .50 heavy machine gun. Descendants organization than I do for the hunt for more information about face.” opening a new market by putting it up the patriarch I never knew but always But more than just a funny guy, it Q. When you think of the 10th for sale. heard about. I constantly dropped his turns out my grandfather was a damn Mountain Division, what is the name, just in case someone out there Q. good mountaineer, too. Dick Over (110- first thing that comes to mind? Will prints/copies of the donated might remember him. Until that day at SIG) told me about my grandfather’s painting be available as well? Vail, I’d never had any luck. These men role in the Mountain Training Group. A. Excellence. Originality. Super Fit- A. I don’t make prints of my current were my first Snuffy connection. They “The MTG was a very special core group ness. The Tenth didn’t define soldier fit- stuff. But the Riva Ridge drawing will were in town for a 10th Mountain Divi- of skiers, rock climbers, and outdoors ness in WW II — they were in a category sion reunion tour through Colorado high people — they trained other troops. They way beyond that. I think about leadership, be a different sort of thing. I guess I’ll country. I immediately joined the tour. tested equipment, they tested systems and initiative. Like one narrator has said, have to do a study of that, and see if I can make it work. I’ll try and figure it In so doing I found out more about my continued on page 4 there never was another organization like the Tenth Mountain Division. out before I send the original to Colo- rado in August, though. Q. How was it that you became a professional painter? Q. What is your next 10th Mountain inspiration we can A. I guess I had an early mid-life crisis look forward to? about ten years ago, and decided that I had to go full-time as an artist as a “now- A. I kind of alluded to the series of G.I.s or-never” thing. I have been an artist before. When I was in the service, we all since I began drawing at age four. Of had that picture of the G.I. in the back of course, every little kid is an artist, but our minds. Tough; easy-going; able; lib- when my parents gave me a brush and erator — these words all come to mind. I some paints, and I painted an Army tank want to draw those narrative images that in profile, the result was the start of a we can all recognize in the image of lifetime of drawing with a pencil for the G.I. And, I want to start with the hours a day, nonstop, for years. Now, I’ve Mountaineers — the Ski troopers, who been in some nice galleries, and have (you won’t be surprised when I tell you) been juried into some very strictly vetted I think were the greatest of the greatest art fairs. I recently have been juried- generation. in to the prestigious Pastel Society of You can see examples of Casey’s America work at these sites: http://thecolorist. blogspot.com/2007/02/italian-land- Q. What inspired you to paint scape-sketches.html and http://100 Riva Ridge? italianpaintings.blogspot.com/2007/03/ L to R: Nelson Bennett, Earl Clark and Dick Over with photo of Snuffy O’Neil. A. I wanted to choose a scene that will drawing-today.html. PAGE 2 DESCENDANT BLIZZARD 2007 NUMBER 2

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: bryanpullen @cableone.net. 10th MOUNTAIN DIVISION DESCENDANTS OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS (* denotes Executive Committee) PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Arizona Chapter Metro New York Chapter Sierra Nevada Chapter Val Rios (Desc. 87-K) Mary (Bockelmann) Donald Perkins, Treasurer* Val Rios Broughton PO Box 20011 6816 S. Maple PO Box 25964 New York, NY 10017 Fresno, CA 93725 ALL ROADS LEAD TO DENVER! Prescott Valley, Arizona [email protected] [email protected] As the “Hale and Farewell” reunion rapidly approaches I wish to urge all 86312-5964 Midwest Chapter Southeast Chapter descendants to attend this special event. It may very well be the final opportu- [email protected] Patricia LaRocca Larry Fields, Chaplain nity to be with so many of our WWII 10th veterans. The reality is harsh. We 6300 Deane Hill Drive 1151 Parkside Court are losing so many of our dear 10th friends and this is likely to be the last event Armadillo Chapter Knoxville, Tennessee 37919 Carol Stream, IL 60188 in which so many of the 10th veterans will be gathered in one place. Please Steven T. Worley [email protected] 731 Kreutzberg [email protected] join us in saluting and honoring them! Southern California Boerne, TX 78006 Knowing the Legacy. Many descendants have been fortunate to know the Mt. Rainier Chapter Chapter [email protected] Richard Morse Mary Roddick Ghan story of their father, uncle, or grandfather who served with the 10th. But there 4812 NE 40th Street 25642 La Cima are others who were not as fortunate. Some never knew their fathers because Big Sky Chapter they were killed in action. Others never had the opportunity to learn about James Walsh Seattle, Washington Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 their 10th history because many of our WWII 10th veterans returned home PO Box 305 96826-9164 [email protected] [email protected] and never wished to speak about that period of their lives again. So for many Stanford, MT 594579 Upper Peninsula Chapter descendants there remains a void in knowing the history of the 10th and the [email protected] New England Chapter Marilyn Kahl stories of our veterans. Susan Hagerman 1738 Wilkinson Avenue Delaware River Valley PO Box 60 Marquette, MI 49855 The Hale and Farewell reunion will provide an opportunity to be in the Chapter Enfield Center, NH 03749 [email protected] OR midst of our esteemed veterans; to listen to their stories, to hear once again or Patricia Finn Thornton [email protected] [email protected] for the first time, that time in their lives when they were once young and went 112 Maple Avenue Upstate New York Chapter to war. There will be regimental and unit dinners where we will be able to be North Central Chapter Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 To be assigned with other men who served alongside our 10th veteran. The Living History [email protected] Nikki Fahey group will display gear and equipment used by our 10th veterans during WWII. Utah Chapter Fort Drum Chapter Northwest Chapter Ron Sawdey Tours of the 10th Mountain Division Resource Center will be available and a Mike Plummer Marney Raddock 2016 Emerson Ave special trip to Camp Hale is planned on Monday, August 6th. Yes, “Hale and 121 Paddock Street Box 7661 Salt Lake City, UT 84108 Farewell” will provide opportunities for descendants to better know the legacy Watertown, NY 13601 Salem, OR 93703 [email protected] of the 10th. This is an event you won’t want to miss! [email protected] [email protected] Washington, DC Chapter Preserving the Legacy. Since its inception, Descendants Inc. has contin- Lower Michigan Chapter Roadrunner Chapter Pamela Pikla ued to increase in membership. To date we have close to 1,000 members and To be assigned To be assigned 3707 Red Grove Road many more contacts are in our database. Kate Raabe and Pat Thornton, my two Baltimore, MD 21220 predecessors, worked diligently to organize Descendants Inc., and develop its Rocky Mountain Chapter [email protected] membership into a very special and unique organization. I believe we are the To be assigned only national organization of descendants of WWII veterans. The task at hand is both immediate and challenging. As we witness the transition of the 10th AT LARGE BOARD Larry Wilson ON BELAY Mountain Division Association, it will be of extreme importance that we re- MEMBERS VP-Chapter Coordinator PROJECT main faithful to our mission and vision statement: PO Box 3 Pam Pikla Val Rios Columbia Falls, MT 59912 Mission Statement: The 10th Mountain Division Descendants Inc., 3707 Red Grove Rd. President [email protected] is an organization made up of the children, grandchildren, brothers, 6816 S. Maple Baltimore, MD 21220 sisters, nieces, nephews, etc. of the WWII 10th Mountain Division Fresno, CA 93725 Sandy Eldredge* [email protected] Soldiers. We have come together with the goal of preserving the legacy [email protected] VP- Publicity of the 10th Mountain Division and to give our support to the veterans 3939 Hale Drive GOLD STAR and their wives and widows of the 10th Mountain Division National Martha J. Hays,* Salt Lake City, UT 84124 10TH MOUNTAIN Association. Legal Counsel [email protected] DESCENDANTS Ballard Spahr Andrews Norman Burkey Vision Statement: The enduring significance of the war and peace- & Ingersoll, LLP MEMBERSHIP 308 Colgate Dr. time contribution of the men of the WWII 10th Mountain Division 1735 Market St. 51st Street COMMITTEE Forest Hill, MD 21050 depends upon their descendants’ knowledge of the events, values and Philadelphia, PA 19103 actions that shaped their lives. The challenge to successive generations [email protected] Susan Hagerman [email protected] New England Chapter of the 10th Descendants is to celebrate this legacy by establishing Patricia Finn Thornton* ORAL HISTORY commonalities with the experiences of their 10th ancestors and forging Denise Taylor Past President PROJECT links to the historical past. Quartermaster 112 Maple Avenue Myrna Hampton As a means to meet this challenge, Descendants Inc. is in the process of Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 Sharon Ahrrens 4803 Monterey St. finalizing our Action Plan. Last summer at our annual Descendant Board meet- [email protected] Secretary Carmel, CA 93923 ing held in Silver Spring, MD, we completed two-thirds of our Action Plan. Denise Taylor Pamela Pikla [email protected] It is anticipated that the Action Plan will be completed and ratified at our Quartermaster Washington, DC Chapter 10TH MOUNTAIN August 2nd Board meeting this summer in Denver. It is hoped that through 4075 Depew Street RESOURCE DESCENDANT this Action Plan, the legacy of the WWII 10th Mountain Division soldiers Wheatridge, CO 80212 will live in perpetuity! [email protected] COMMITTEE MERIT DENVER LIBRARY SCHOLARSHIP The Action Plan will be available as part of the registration material at the Sharon Ahrens* Hale and Farewell Reunion this summer. Following the reunion it will be posted Secretary Abbie Kealy Val Rios on the Descendants’ website at www.10thmtndivdesc.org 34 Johnny Cake Lane 5316 Glen Falls Rd. 6816 S. Maple New Hartford, CT 06057 Reistertown, MD 21136 Fresno, CA 93725 VIRES MONTESQUE VINCIMUS [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 2007 NUMBER 2 DESCENDANT BLIZZARD PAGE 3

THE LIFE OF THE USS WEST POINT Bryan Pullen (Desc. 85-M) Not unlike many young men of the Lines and once again named America, the time, the SS America was recruited into ship was restored to her previous speci- United States military service and like fications and finally took her long- many of these young men it was labeled awaited maiden voyage to Europe as a with a new moniker. It wasn’t that of luxury liner. She continued her service Private, Corporal or Sergeant but that of as the America until 1964 when Chandris USS West Point. Lines purchased her for use to transport As the SS America, it was the premier immigrants from England to Australia cruise ship of the day. The nation’s First under the name RHMS-Australis. Lady Eleanor Roosevelt christened it The Australis transported over before a crowd of 30,000 cheering spec- 300,000 immigrants to their new home The U.S.S. West Point in 1944. Note how the camouflage paint job blends into the wake. tators. The following day Hitler invaded prior to being sold to an American com- Poland and set forth events that would pany in 1978. This was a failed business shorten the SS America’s reign as “Queen venture that offered cruises to Halifax SOLDIER’S DIARY of the luxury liners”. and Nassau, again sailing under the name The SS America reported for military America. Interestingly, Chandris Lines Karen Woodard (Desc. 616-FA-A) service in June 1941 by returning imme- re-purchased the liner in 1979 and the Following are excerpts from the di- we’ll see the Alps! The faster we move diately to the shipyards where she was name was changed to Italis. During this ary of my father, Charles J. McCarthy the shorter the war. I’ll be seeing you born. It took just eleven days to convert time the ship offered Mediterranean (616-FA-A), April to August 1945. ‘Nette. her to the Navy’s largest troop carrier. The cruises from Genoa and Barcelona but • April 14. The division attacked this • April 26. We didn’t get to Verona. We Navy officially commissioned the ship by the end of the year the ship was out of morning. What a day! Still out on the bivouacked on the outskirts. The Alps as the USS West Point but she was affec- service and was anchored in Greece. O.P [observation point] — may be re- look plenty formidable. The plan is to tionately nicknamed “The Gray Ghost” During this time the ship changed own- lieved tomorrow; I hope so. Saw Jinks go the Brenner Pass. Tonight we were by its crew. ership several times. In 1980 its new today. He was a worried lad. supposed to go to Fornace, but had “The Gray Ghost” nickname derived owners named it Noga. Then in 1984 it • April 15. My first wedding anniver- to go into position south of the river. from two features of the renovated ship. was sold again and named Alferdoss. Af- sary. This morning I laid in a foxhole Rain set in. Wrote to Jeannette and First, it was a reference to the fresh gray ter a botched business deal to sell the ship wondering what next year will be like. mom and dad. and blue camouflage paint job it received. for scrap, it was sold to a Thai company • April 16. Had a little peace last night • April 28. Received orders to report to Second, it was homage to the capabili- in 1994. They intended to anchor the ship after being relieved from the O.P., but Division as Traffic Control Officer — ties of the ship’s speed and elusiveness. off the coast of Phuket and convert it into that didn’t last long — at 2315 a call G2. We are now on Lake Garda — it is However, the strength of the ship’s speed a hotel. came in for one officer to go out as beautiful. The villa is new and plenty presented a weakness. Too fast for any The American Star was being towed F.O. [forward observer]. I’m it. I’m spacious. accompanying ships, the West Point of- to Thailand and as the ship approached sweating it out. I’m now waiting to at- • April 30. Have been pretty busy for ten traveled unescorted, which did not the Canary Islands, inclement weather tack. p.s. I received the greatest piece the past day or so. I like this job quite afford it any protection. settled in causing rough seas. The tow- of advice today of my life. “Stay with well but I don’t think it will last long. The USS West Point was given orders lines snapped under the stress of the ship the Company Commander and keep Biggins got me a Russian 30 cal. au- to transport members of the 10th Moun- being tossed side to side. In the early low.” Lt. Hansen. tomatic today and is going to see about tain Division’s 85th and 87th regiments morning of January 18, the American • April 17. Attack, attack! All day long! a P38. Finished the letter to Jeanette. to Italy. On January 4, 1945 the soldiers Star ran aground on the west coast of It’s rough going but all is OK up to Pretty tired tonight. who had endured the three-day train ride the island Fuerteventura. The ship broke now. • May 2. Was relieved of my job with from Camp Swift were assigned bunks in two forty-eight hours after it beached. division HQ. It was a good job well and herded aboard the ship. Upon board- Declared a total loss, it was abandoned • April 21. We’ve been moving pretty fast all day and everyone is about to done, so says Col. Irvin. PFC Earl Mills, ing ships, the soldiers’ pay increased to the elements. Worked by the tides, drop. A few firefights but nothing ASN 37559810, (616-FA-C), pulled by twenty percent. For example a Pri- the stern section eventually succumbed much. Front was bombed by a Heinkle the lanyard on the last round fired in vate’s monthly pay increased from $54 to the ocean and submerged completely, 109. Cpl. Ritter was hit by artillery. the Italian Theater at 1845 today. The to $64.80. For many of the soldiers of but not before locals looted the ship of war in Italy is officially finished! the 10th Mountain Division this was their all its brass, wood and remaining artwork. • April 23. Moved about 25 mi. or more to the banks of the Po River. The en- • May 9. Today is VE day! All German introduction to sea travel. The crowded The bow section for years has defi- armies surrendered and will not fight living conditions, rhythmic bobbing of antly stood against the elements but as emy is close. Tonight a series of bomb- ings by two Jerry planes. Despite the again. Now let’s get Japan! We had the the waves and continual zigzagging of recently as April 2007 the starboard side fact, I wrote two letters tonight by day off. Bought ‘Nette and mom some the ship made it very difficult for many collapsed. The remainder of the ship is candle light in a foxhole. Jerry is surely stuff today. soldiers to keep down a meal. PFC Bud slowly sinking and falling into the At- on the run. • August 2. We boarded the boat today Sutton recalled, “I guess the fear and lantic. Despite the towing disaster, the at noon. We sail at 1500. General dread of where we were going had a lot ship may have been given an extension • April 24. Sgt. Mannefeld was killed early last night by 30 mm. A.A. [anti- McNarney gave us a farewell speech. to do with people getting sick on the way of life. No one will ever know if the This 10th Mtn. Div. is surely a hot out- over.” This uncertainty of what was to American Star would have survived the aircraft] coming from across the Po. This morning another of our men was fit. We (the WO’s and 2nd Lts) have come surely wore hard on the hearts, devastating tsunami off the coast of killed. This is the first I’ve heard of quarters in the hold! A lovely voyage minds and subsequently on the stomachs Phuket on December 26, 2004 where it using small A.A. on personnel. Box this is going to be. Farewell to Italy. of the soldiers. was to be anchored. While some may see from mom and plenty of letters. Can’t • August 11. Sighted land at 0950. It The USS West Point was decommis- this as an ignoble end to a great ship, oth- answer tonight. surely looked good. Got off the boat sioned in early 1946 and despite rumors ers may find comfort knowing the fine • April 25. Today we drove to within 20 at 1800. Went to Camp Pat. Henry for of being sunk seven times, returned safely ship that was once the USS West Point a good meal with lots of milk. Sent to harbor. Overall, the ship completed 145 avoided the scrap yards and rests at home km of Verona. The faster we go the better I’ll like it. Tomorrow morning ‘Nette a telegram. missions, made 41 Atlantic crossings and in waters where she performed her most 15 across the Pacific and carried 505,020 important missions, quietly living out her passengers. Returned to United States final days. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR REUNION ACTIVITIES IMPORTANT DATE! There are still some National Reunion events that could use some volunteers. If you NATIONAL REUNION can offer your services to any of these events please send an email to the following: • Oral History volunteers: [email protected] or IN DENVER [email protected] AUGUST 2-5, 2007 • Descendant Program volunteers: [email protected] (Colorado) • Reunion Job volunteers: [email protected] (Colorado) PAGE 4 DESCENDANT BLIZZARD 2007 NUMBER 2

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER 2007 TENTH MOUNTAIN Kate Raabe (Desc. 86-MED) DIVISION BIATHLON 10th Mountain Division Descen- night, including multiple restaurant and Val Rios (Desc. 87-K) dants, Rocky Mountain Chapter, would entertainment options and a trip on our On Sunday, March 24, 2007, appro- say where he placed out of the 63 con- like to encourage you to give serious con- new light rail rapid transit system. Other ximately 80 people gathered at Boreal testants, I can tell you that he hit all his sideration to attending the Hale and Fare- tours can be arranged as well. Ridge for the annual 10th Mountain targets in the shooting portion of the well reunion, to be held in our backyard Bring your family and make this part Division Biathlon sponsored by the Biathlon. during the first week of August. We of your summer vacation! There is a fabu- Sierra Nevada Chapter. The day was Special thanks go to Chelton would love to be your hosts and tour lous children’s registration price of only absolutely beautiful. This year there Leonard (86-E) who is the event coor- guides! The veterans have said this is the $90! Spend some additional time in col- were 63 contestants in the various divi- dinator. Thanks go also to the Auburn Ski last reunion they are planning. If you orful Colorado either before or after the sions. There was even one descendant Club. Members of their club take care of have been to a 10th reunion before, you reunion to appreciate the Rocky Moun- who participated in the event, Conrad all the management details for the event. know how special they are, and you won’t tains and explore the many sightseeing Rios (Desc. 87-K), and while I won’t They are an awesome group! want to miss this one! If you haven’t been opportunities available for visitors to our to one before, this is the last chance you tourist-friendly state. The nightly room and your children will have to be part of rate at the headquarters hotel is only $59 such a unique experience. plus tax! And, although you will note that In addition to honoring and spend- the registration materials states that the ing time with our remaining 10th veter- reunion registration cost jumps after June ans, traveling to Camp Hale and the Ten- 2, we have been able to extend the base nessee Pass memorial, viewing exhibits rate up until July 2nd. There is still time from the Resource Center, rubbing shoul- to send in your registration at either price! ders with the 10th Mountain Division re- Do it now! Please join us for this not-to- enactors, and having a room full of quar- be missed opportunity. termaster items to purchase, we have also For a copy of the registration form, made a special effort this year to do some go to the News and Events section of additional planning for descendants in at- the 10th Mountain Division website, at tendance. There will be a golf outing, an www.10thmtndivassoc.org. If you need “after party” for adult descendants fol- additional information, contact Don lowing the welcome banquet, a dance Palmer at 303-847-6747, dhpalmer@ following the regimental dinners, and an aol.com; or Debbie Gemar at 303-513- evening in downtown Denver Saturday 0093, [email protected]. L to R: Chuck Hardesty, Cruz Rios, Val Rios, Dominic Rios, Jacob Rios SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CHAPTER SIERRA NEVADA CHAPTER Val Rios (Desc. 87-K) Descendants at Sierra Nevada Annual Picnic The annual Riva Ridge/Belvedere vacancy, and with the support of des- Day Luncheon was held Saturday, Feb- cendants present, Mary Roddick Ghan ruary 24th, in Laguna Hills, CA. It was (Desc. 85-K), was elected Chapter Di- a nice day for veterans, descendants, and rector. Descendant President Val Rios guests in attendance. The luncheon was shared information regarding the De- preceded by a meeting of the Southern scendant Action Plan and how this plan California Association Chapter veterans. will focus on preserving the legacy of the Howard Harvey (86-I, 86-M), filled in 10th Mountain Division WWII veterans. as MC for SC President Howard Koch Everyone was encouraged to attend the (86-C). A special thank you was given upcoming Denver Reunion. to Diane (Desc. 85-C), Milt and Jason In attendance were descendants, Fisher for design and publication of Greta and Cade Meyerhof, Cyndi Ripley the Southern California Chapter “Ruck- True, Diane, Jason and Milt Fisher, sack.” It is a very nice newsletter! Pamela Mason Wagner, Kathleen Finn Following the luncheon a discussion Jones, Mark Wenger, Mary Roddick was held regarding the Chapter Director Ghan, and Val Rios.

L to r: Paul and Diane Harpainter, Samantha Gruys, Ellen Davison, Myrna Hampton, Dave Burdick, Val Rios, Matt Harpainter.

Searching for Snuffy, from page 1 of climbing, they tested all sorts of reservation about their past, too. It’s an things.” “He’s one of the few guys I re- unspoken authenticity that would be no member,” said Andre Benoit (86-B). more obvious if they wore a badge on As for Snuffy, he taught skiing in As- their forehead. I’d like to think Snuffy pen after getting out of the service was just like them, a man among legends. and eventually moved to New England, As I watched those graying men make where he raised two daughters in the their graceful turns down the mountain house he and my grandmother built in front of me, I saw my grandfather for with their own hands. Growing up, I pic- the first time. It’s good to know Snuffy. tured him almost like a character in And it’s good to know that, through him, one of his cartoons. He had that silly I’ve begun to know myself. name, and in his pictures, the hulking, Devon O’Neil is the sports editor of strong body and dimpled smile. But I the Summit Daily News (Colorado). never knew much else about the man Devon asks that anyone who knew his Front row, l to r: Val Rios, Greta and Cade Meyerhof, Cyndi Ripley True, Diane behind that grin. grandfather Snuffy O’Neil please contact Fisher, Pamela Mason Wagner, Kathleen Finn Jones. Back row: Jason & Milt Fisher, After talking to the 10th veterans that him at: P.O. Box 1357, Breckenridge, CO Rick Clark, Mark Wenger, Mary Roddick Ghan. week, I realized they have a humility and 80424. Email: [email protected]. 2007 NUMBER 2 BLIZZARD PAGE 9

NO SOLDIER SHOULD BE LEFT BEHIND Jacob Pollack (85-HQ -2) We were loaded on trucks at the re- at one end of each rail car. When we placement depot outside of Pisa just af- awoke, every duffle bag had been stolen. ter President Roosevelt died. I recognized The only thing I owned was the filthy Quartermaster – Frank Thornton (Descendant) the 10th Mountain I.D. on the bumper, uniform I had on. I was issued new un- so I knew I wouldn’t be an orphan any- derwear and a clean uniform — that was FOR THE 10TH REUNION YOU more. The trucks took the switch-back it. WILL NOT WANT TO BE WITHOUT: roads with engineers’ tape just beyond I was taken to an airfield to board a Blazer patches for your Class A’s: $10.00 the wheels and signs indicating mines B-17 bomber. There were 20 GIs to a 10th Mountain Division Neckties: $45.00 beyond the tape. We were dropped off bomber. The bomb racks were removed near a small mountain. The first sergeant and canvas benches were installed on Short-sleeved Golf Shirts with 10th logo: $25.00 told the eight of us “Dig in and be quiet each side of the fuselage. I could go to Golf Caps with 10th logo: $15.00 because the Germans are very close to the plexiglas nose cone. The feeling was us.” Digging in was four inches of dirt like floating on air with an unobstructed VISIT THE QUARTERMASTER SUITE AT THE NATIONAL REUNION and 400 feet of rock. We ended up sleep- view. We flew to Port Lyautey in North ing near a parked vehicle. We were with Africa and were assigned to tents for a Pick up your copy of the DVD of “The Last Ridge,” Abbie Kealy’s 85-HQ-2 in a heavy weapons platoon few days. One or two GI’s had to take superb documentary on the 10th Mountain Division now showing on with 37 mm and 50 caliber guns. I never turns staying in the tents because the na- PBS stations. DVD: $20.00 saw either in basic training. The men in tives would take anything that wasn’t the platoon were underwhelmed to see being watched. Place your orders with your 10th Quartermaster Frank Thornton. us and said, “Here are our replacements My turn came to fly to Dakar. We kept Email: [email protected] • Phone: 610-667-2911 and they are going to get us killed.” What circling the field at Dakar, and finally 12 Maple Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 a greeting! Our platoon was attached to landed and coasted to the other end of a different line company almost every the runway. We knew there was a prob- See QM CATALOGUE on 10th website: www.10thmtndivassoc.org day. I was ammo bearer to both machine lem because crash trucks lined the run- gun and cannon. The men saw that they way. The hydraulic system on the C-54 didn’t die so we were OK. was out. The plane was repaired and we RETURN TO ITALY 2009 We raced through the Po Valley. We flew across the Atlantic to Natal, Brazil. ended our advance in Malcesine just be- At Natal I was issued a new uniform. Following is a letter to John Duffy from Fabrizio Giannozzi of the Florence U.S. Consu- fore the Nazis blew up the tunnels. There We next flew in C-47s along the coast of late, who is involved in Political and Economic matters for our Consul General. Among we stayed until the war ended in Italy on Brazil to British Guinea and then island Fabrizio’s duties are to organize and arrange the Memorial Day ceremony at the Flo- May 2nd. We then moved to occupation hopped through the Caribbean. At a stop rence American cemetery. His kind offer to encourage Italian Youth groups to join and duty on the Yugoslavian border. I became we were given a sheet saying that a big participate in our 2009 Return-to-Italy ceremony is a wonderful step toward enhancing a clerk-typist for our platoon leader be- bomb was dropped — so many thousand the enduring friendships we have achieved with the Italians. cause I was the only person to raise my tons of TNT. On the last leg I told the Thank you so much for thinking of us and sharing the Blizzard with us. It was an hand when he asked if anyone knew how pilot that my brother was a C-47 pilot. It honor to be a part of your visit to Italy, to meet some of the members of your distin- to type. I had this job until we were turned out that he and my brother gradu- guished organization and to exchange thoughts and experiences with you all. loaded on trucks to go somewhere — we ated together. We landed in Miami and I have to confess that the dedication the 10th Mountain Division has shown to didn’t know where. I was on the last of all the ice cream and donuts we could the United States and to my country, then and now, truly moves me. the trucks, the dustiest place to be. We eat were waiting for us. It is wonderful to know that you plan to return to Italy in 2009. We are already stopped in a mountain village with a vino A troop train took us to Camp Blan- looking forward to seeing you. In fact, I was thinking we could give your next visit joint in the town square. Needless to ding, FL. After some physicals and a new meaning if we organized a meeting occasion with Italian youth groups. If you say, every bottle of vino came off the showers, we boarded another troop train like the idea, let us discuss it when you come on the advance tour. As you said, we shelves. At Florence a group of us were to Ft. Sheridan. The second bomb was do this mainly for the young ones nowadays. sent out on a detail. When we returned, dropped and we all waited near radios Sincerely and with affection, everyone else was gone, cleared out. We in anticipation of the war ending. I got were left behind. my furlough papers on V-J Day. My Fabrizio Giannozzi, Florence USA Consulate A few days later we were put aboard girl friend, now my wife of almost 60 a troop train headed south. As the train years joined me. At Ft. Sheridan I was a came to a high hill we had to disembark, clerk-typist writing discharge papers for help push the train to the top of the many of the men from the 10th Moun- hill, and then reboard. This went on for tain Division. a couple of days and everyone was filthy That is the story of my exodus from dirty and very tired. In a rail yard in Italy. It is still very vivid even after all Naples, all of our duffle bags were piled these years.

COMPLETE ASSOCIATION ROSTER FOR SALE AT NATIONAL REUNION Association Roster 1955 to 2007, by Barbara and John Imbrie (85-C), and John Engle (87-L, 86-G), lists over 8,000 men who joined the National Association of the 10th Mountain Division at any time, and the principal units in which they served.

BLIZZARD SCHEDULE Issue No. Period covered Articles deadline 1 September 06-January 07 January 1 American and Italian students meet during the 2006 Sempre Italia tour. 2 February-June May 1 3 July-December October 15 JOIN THE 10TH MOUNTAIN DIVISION DESCENDANTS SEND MATERIALS TO: It’s easy. Go to the web site, www.10thmtndivdesc.org, and click on Sally Fricke Oesterling, Editor • 9700 Cottrell Terrace, Silver Spring, MD 20903 Descendant Application Form. Fax: (301) 434-7722 • email: [email protected] PAGE 10 BLIZZARD 2007 NUMBER 2

SIERRA NEVADA Val Rios (Desc. 87-K) On Saturday, May 12th, the Sierra Platoon” project and how much the 10th Nevada Chapter held its annual picnic on Light soldiers have appreciated their the grounds of Sebastiani Vineyards and gift packages. Mention was also made SOUTHEAST CHAPTER Winery located in Sonoma, California. of the recent passing of Vice President Ray Zelina (605-A) The event was hosted by Chapter Presi- Tom Curtis (87-A). Descendant Presi- dent Bob Yank (85-K) and his lovely dent Val Rios gave an update of the 2007 Belvedere Day is celebrated on both right sleeve and was mobbed by the vet- wife Grace. Those in attendance brought Biathlon held at Boreal Ridge. He also Coasts of Florida. On the West Coast, Bill erans. Chris Yankow had two tours in snacks to share and there were plenty of briefly spoke about the Descendant Ac- Dyer (87-E ) moved the annual boat ride Afghanistan with the 10th and was at- good eats to go around. Bob Yank shared tion Plan, which will help ensure the at Sarasota to dry land due to the un- tending Furman University on his way information regarding the upcoming legacy of the WWII 10th Mountain Di- steady sea legs of some guests. On the to a commission. He was invited to our Denver Reunion, encouraging everyone vision veterans. Despite a mild chilling East Coast, Caroline and George Rosen- final banquet. Supper that evening was to attend if at all possible. Bob and Grace wind it was a beautiful day and everyone field’s (85-E) open house in Melbourne like old times with “Speed” Murphy also spoke about the Chapter “Adopt-A- had a good time! has become a tradition. They were as- (85-G) telling jokes and Harry Coleman sisted by son Andy (Desc) and grandson (86-B) trying to top him. Lorraine Jared. Temperatures around 50 degrees Coleman, as she has always done, just drove everyone inside. (Yeah! That’s cold rolls her eyes. in Florida.) Helen and Bud Wiley (85- Chapter President Al Partridge (86-A) C) and Pat and John Benson (87-G) took a fall on Friday and bruised his ribs, came to enjoy the camaraderie and bar- but like a good trooper, he reported for duty becue. Don Montgomery (85-F) brought on Saturday and with the help of Cindy John Lapak to listen to 10th Mountain presided at the meeting. The members war stories. Art Brodeur (87-M) and voted to hold only one major meeting a Vince Staknis (86-E) told tales of the year. Officers for the new fiscal year are 10th in Italy, Bill Stewart (10th Infan- Ed Van Romer-President; Ray Zelina-Vice try) regaled them with stories of life in President and Charlie Hunt-Treasurer. Sam Germany during the Cold War. Sam Morrison (87-HQ-3) from the Metropoli- Somers (10th Light) entertained with tan New York Chapter donated two toy accounts of the division at Fort Drum bears for a raffle won by Louise Conway from 1998 to 2002. Aniceta Staknis, and Mary Weber. Harry Coleman reported Christina Somers and Carol Zelina lis- that Ed Van Romer has purchased over tened tolerantly: they heard it all before. 3,500 bathrobes and 10th Mountain patches Southern hospitality was upheld at with his own funds for wounded veterans Greenville, South Carolina for spring in military hospitals. Contributions to help break on April 27th and 28th. Ed Van defray Ed’s expenses should be sent to Mike Sierra Nevada Annual Picnic. Front row, l to r: Bob Yank, Ted Lewis, Bill Cullen. Romer (87-I) usually hosts the reunion, Plummer, 121 Paddock Street, Watertown, Back row, l to r: Cruz Rios, Gerry Cullinane, Andrew Kadie, Bruno Ghiringhelli, Ted Harpainter, Clyde Carbonneau, Meryl Baxter, Art Schimke. but he was hospitalized. Coness Gillespie NY 13601. “Robe Donation” must be replaced Ed, and did a superb job assisted noted on the check. by Jewel and Charlie Hunt (86-C). Swelling the ranks at the final ban- MIDWEST Charlie displayed his ski trooper carv- quet were Patty and Gerald Coleman ings and 10th Mountain notebooks. (Desc). Jack Conway (85-A) brought Ken Hanson (85-MED-2) Barbara and Wally Moore (86-H) Clay Conway (Desc) and Brent Conway The Midwest chapter celebrated Mt. (87-SVC, 87-HQ-3) came with their have missed the last few spring breaks, (Desc) with his fiancee Hollye. Ruben Belvedere Day on February 17 for the daughter and son-in-law Shirley and but happily they were able to come this Mobley (87-G) brought Harold and Chicago area at Bloomingdale Golf Club Steve Shields. The group plans to meet year. Barbara’s sister Teddie DeLony Eugenia Everrett. Ed Van Romer’s ab- and for the Southeast at General Butler again, same time, same place, on Febru- and husband John joined them. Dick sence was noted with an American flag State Park in Carrolton, KY. Fifty people ary 16, 2008. Hawkins’ (85-L) wife Billie passed away and an MIA patch at his place setting. attended at Bloomingdale. Descendants The annual spring luncheon in the in December and is remembered fondly George Rosenfield received the Distin- John and Patty LaRocca (Dick Soutar, Chicago area May 6 was held at Diplo- by the chapter members. Dick and Billie guished Service Award and Carolyn the 616-HQ) made the arrangements for mat West Banquets in Elmhurst, IL, were very active in the chapter and at- Meritorious Service Award for hosting the luncheon. The Chicago meeting was with preparations made by Desc. Janice tended several national reunions. Belvedere Day Celebrations at their conducted by descendants Carl Nawrot Fuglsang. Desc. Chapter President The hospitality room draws the mem- home for many years. For their memo- and Jerry Jurina. An Elvis impersonator Patty LaRocca reported on our Adopt- bers like an ice cream parlor draws kids. rable Belvedere Day Celebrations in New provided entertainment at the Chicago a-Platoon, 642nd En CO group from Chairman Emeritus Paul Gunderman Port Richey, Bill Weber was awarded the meeting. Ft. Drum, and displayed photos re- (605-Med) was there with Dolores. Mary Distinguished Service Award and Mary Members were saddened by the re- ceived from the platoon. There were 45 and Bill Weber (616-HQ) came from the Meritorious Service Award. Jack cent death of Martin Bockelmann (126- Midwest family in attendance. Planners New Port Richey, Florida. While Bill has Conway received the Distinguished Ser- A) who had been very active over the for the 2007 Midwest Reunion, Desc. slowed a bit, Mary is as lively as ever. vice Award for his many years of loyal years. Sharon Green and her dad Jake Pollack Caroline and George Rosenfield (85-E) chapter support. Bernice Detwiler (W) Ten attended in Carollton, Ky where (85-HQ-2) reported on the final reunion drove from Melbourne, Florida. En route, and Joann Shahan (Desc) drive from 12 had to cancel due to severe weather plans for June 11-14 in Springfield, Carol and I met them in Georgia for sup- Ohio to attend the chapter functions conditions. Don Steffen (604-A) coor- IL. Highlights of the reunion will be per. Chatting with the group was Joe Ann and deserve their Meritorious Service dinated the Kentucky meeting. Dolores visits to the Abraham Lincoln Mu- and “Mo” Hallgren (85-C). They had re- Awards. Cadet Chris Yankow was ap- Kuper, wife of Maurice (616-HQ) at- seum, Lincoln’s home, tomb and war located to Texas, but their hearts are with plauded for his service in Afghanistan tended with daughter Julie Fuhs and memorial, and to Salem, where he lived the Southeast Chapter. Mary and Glen with the 10th. Mary Weber was so taken grandson Grant. Clara and Ken Speedy in earlier years. Robinson(87-M) discovered the Asso- by the handsome young cadet that she ciation a few years ago while watching a told him her age. She never tells that to PBS special on the 10th. They plan to anyone. A very special thanks to Coness 10th COLD WAR VETERANS attend every chapter and national func- for her able handling of the reunion. She’s The Association seeks to expand its membership to include veterans who tion they possibly can. Gerd and George a real 10th trooper. served in the 10th Infantry Division during the Cold War (1948-58). This De Salvio (85-E) enjoyed the chapter’s Eileen Joy writes that Eben (87- will enable them to meet with their Cold War comrades, with WWII veterans Southern hospitality. B&D) is 94 years old, but still tries to of the 10th Mountain Division, and with members of the modern 10th Moun- During one of the nightly Happy keep up with the 10th. They live in New tain Division (Lt). Please contact: National Association of the 10th Mountain Hours in the lobby, some lovely young Philadelphia, Ohio. In my files, I have a Division, Attn: John Duffy, P.O. Box 750888, Forest Hills, NY 11375-0888; women in evening gowns escorted by picture of Eileen, with Billie Hawkins e-mail: [email protected]. Send articles, photographs and notices to ROTC cadets passed through. One of the and Carol taken at Sun Valley. Enjoy the the Editor for publication in the Blizzard. cadets had a 10th Mountain patch on his summer and see you in Denver. 2007 NUMBER 2 BLIZZARD PAGE 11

NORTHWEST LIGHTER MOMENTS Sarah Wickenhagen ON KISKA Our own Ed Flabetich (86-A) was February 3, the day started out wet and Fred Cowan (87-G) recently featured in the spring edition cold, but 29 stalwarts were undaunted. Very few accounts of the lighter mo- phone poles that had been set up. The of The University of Portland Maga- The gang filled 25 litterbags with dis- ments of the “Kiska Campaign” have ravens also played at bombing others, zine. Ed’s wife Connie was also recog- carded McDonald’s cups, beer cans, and appeared in the Blizzard. There were carrying rocks or seashells up into the nized in the article as the first woman nuts and bolts from passing trucks and such moments. Perhaps some who were air to drop on others on the ground. enrolled when the University went coed. cars. The second job was planting the there can pass on their stories to those of I’ll bet you didn’t know that for a brief Ed is one of a group of men who have “Giant Sequoia” for Betty Wieprecht, the 10th who missed out on that trip. My time there was a wind-powered electric connections to the University who meet wife of Harvey (86-F). Betty died in stay on the island was short; after just a generator operating on Kiska. It was lo- each month to talk about the school and December. few weeks I was transferred out of 87-G cated at an outpost near the northwest- what used to be the old section of Port- The Oregon Department of Trans- and sent back on a slow boat to join the erly corner of the island. Someone had land in their boyhood. portation has awarded our partici- Mountain Training Group forming at driven one of the weasels over some sort Our chapter recently sent two more pation in the Clean-Highway Program Camp Hale. of small mine. The explosion had ruined large boxes containing candy, soap, and with a Certificate of Appreciation As most will remember, the 87th the tracks and about everything else. reading materials to our Adopted pla- award. Thanks again to our partici- found no Japs on Kiska. The rest of the Somehow, the driver had escaped with- toon, serving in Afghanistan. pants. Jim Bray (87-K), Pick and Plant Task Force, unneeded there, sailed back out serious injury, but the machine ap- Quarterly Pick and Plant Party. On Coordinator. to the States, taking most of the grocery peared to have been abandoned. With provisions with them. We were left with little else to amuse ourselves, we looked our K Rations but not much else. How- over the ruins and discovered that the ever, the little pools, scattered along generator seemed to be intact as was one SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA streams that flowed down into the ocean, of the headlights. There was also a small contained a goodly quantity of salmon. kit of tools inside. We gathered up a stout Bruce Campbell (86-I, 86-M), editor Salmon are good to eat, but first one has wooden post, some boards, and other with notes from Cyndi True (Desc.) to catch them. Several methods were odds and ends and mostly using our employed in the fishing that took place. Bowie knives, fashioned it all into a small We had a great turnout of veterans, Val Rios (Desc. 87-K), President of If a salmon was close to the surface, the windmill. We removed the generator, the descendants, and guests for our annual Descendants, Inc., spoke about the De- impact of a bullet or two on the water headlight, the fan belt, some pulleys, and Riva Ridge/Belvedere Day on February scendant Action Plan that is focussed on sometimes stunned the fish for a few a quantity of wire from the weasel. The 24th. Our thanks to Warren Asa (86-G) preserving the Legacy of the 10th Moun- moments. A Bowie knife tied to a stick generator was mounted where it could be for an inspirational invocation preceding tain Division. Before closing the meet- or pole — if you could find one as there turned by the fan belt from the windmill. our lunch at the Holiday Inn. Two of our ing I called on Kathy Loewy to announce are no trees or large bushes on Kiska - The salvaged wires led to the headlight, regulars were missed — Erich Wittig a surprise gift to our chapter — a won- made a spear. But a spear of this sort had now located within our shelter. (86-B) was suffering from too much Ha- derful painting created by our former no barbs to help retrieve the fish if your All we needed now was a breeze. waii, although Janet was present assist- member, Don Forker (86-B), which aim was good. A concussion grenade What we got was one of those famous ing with registration, and Eric Cromie Kathy had won at a luncheon raffle years tossed into the water near the fish often Aleutian willa-waws, a gust of wind of (85-C) was hospitalized after a bad fall. ago. The painting is of Camp Hale, Win- put a good supply of salmon on the menu. perhaps seventy or eighty miles per hour. Howard also mentioned the recent pass- ter ’43 (without the smoke!). This paint- There was quite a bit of wildlife Our light came on. It shone brightly for ing of associate Milan Kutin. ing will be donated to the 10th Mountain around that helped keep things interest- a couple of minutes, then a bright flash Acknowledgement and thanks were Division Resource Center in the name of ing between the frequent violent wind was followed by darkness. We had not given to descendants Diane, Milt, and the Southern California Chapter. gusts, the “willa-waws”. The blue foxes salvaged the voltage regulator, which Jason Fisher for their design and publi- Following the meeting, copies of the that had been brought to Kiska and raised might have handled the current devel- cation of our new “Rucksack” and also “Songs of the 10th Mountain Division,” for fur by the Aleuts or Russians earlier oped by that gust of wind. The trip back were sometimes very tame and would to Seattle began the next day with the to Kathy Loewy (spouse 86-B) for act- originally generated at the 30th Anniver- ing as our Secretary and Treasurer (in often come up close, looking for a treat. bunch that was to be the MTG, and I sary reunion in 1972, were handed out. The ravens were also fun to watch as they never found out if anyone else had wind- Erich’s absence). For our entertainment, Howard Harvey played King-of-the Mountain on the tele- powered lights on Kiska. The By-Laws were discussed, with (87-HQ) presented two videos. The first a proposed conclusion by the majority was the spot from NBC during the Win- that would allow descendants and 10th ter Olympics highlighting the 10th Light members to hold office and vote. Mountain Division with commentary KISKA, 50 YEARS LATER Associates and Friends of the 10th could from several veterans including Howard As reported in the Syracuse, NY Post Stan- former enemies came to share experi- join the Chapter, but would be unable to Koch (86-C). The second video was dard, August, 1993. ences and honor their dead. They re- vote or hold office. The matter would an amusing John Jay vintage ski film claimed their old foxholes, examined probably be resolved at the National Re- complete with John Jay’s trademark witty On August 13, 1993, ten 10th veter- rusty shore guns and a mini-subma- union in Denver. narration. ans and 2 Japanese veterans landed on the beach that Allied troops had rine, skirted around stacks of live, un- stormed 50 years earlier. They ranged stable ammunition, and held a joint in age from 70 to 80 years and carried memorial ceremony to honor the dead cameras rather than rifles. This time, on both sides.

Southern California Belvedere Day luncheon. Left to right: Warren Asa, Julius Kiska comrades. L. to R. Back row: Karl Stingl, Karl Kasukabe, Jim Belcher, Eugene Wenger, Keith McKinney, Jim Fetzer, Howard Harvey, Bob Greider, Bruce Winters, John McLellan, Art Delaney, Tom Stewart, Sherman Smith. Kneeling in Campbell, Cruz Rios, Robert Meyerhof. front, l to r: Alan Orler, George Earle, Dick Powers. Not pictured, Toyotaro Sugano. PAGE 12 BLIZZARD 2007 NUMBER 2

XXI IFMS CONGRESS REPORT By John Duffy (86-HQ-2) Eighty Delegates from 9 nations gath- started with a tutorial and slide presen- ered in Thun, Switzerland on September tation on how the Swiss were prepared 19 for the four-day Congress hosted by to defend their four borders from inva- the Switzerland International Federation sion during WWII. Following this lecture of Mountain Soldiers (IFMS) organiza- we toured an area in the nearby moun- tion. The delegation from the United tains where the country had set up anti- States consisted of Sally and Newc El- tank defenses. Our guide pointed out dredge (85-M), Bert Anger (86-A) and various cement casings remaining in the Irene and myself. I am pleased that each woods. The afternoon program was more delegation has only one vote as we were tours and lectures on the region. outnumbered by the Spanish delegation The following morning we visited a numbering 20 delegates. We presented Swiss Army camp for a very interesting The Spanish Delegation to the XXI IFMS Congress. and discussed the papers that each del- demonstration of a rescue exercise fol- egation submitted on the topic “Lessons lowing a simulated helicopter crash in Learned from Experiences in Fighting mountainous terrain. Once the site was Battles in Mountainous Regions.” The located, the medical evacuation team Congress elected a new Secretary Gen- demonstrated their ground and air efforts eral from Spain, Brig. General Jaime Coll to care for the injured personnel. Joining Benejam, succeeding Switzerland’s Hans us was the U.S. Military Attaché, US Peter Walker who served two three-year Army Col. Dorothea Erickson, stationed terms. Next year’s Congress will take in Bern Switzerland. She was given a place in September and will be hosted 10-minute briefing about the 10th Moun- by the Polish delegation. tain Division during WWII. Our group Upon arrival, the delegates met for lunched at the Swiss Army barracks. three hours of discussions in the four The final day of the Congress con- approved languages: German, French, sisted of more meetings, speeches, clos- Spanish and English. I was able to get ing ceremonies and a final dinner. Our the gist of the translations. The group Swiss hosts were marvelous and I appre- acknowledged the United States hosting ciated the assistance they afforded the of last year’s XX Congress in Stowe VT visitors from the USA. A tour of Switzerland’s World War II mountain defense line, showing the concrete triangular barriers erected on the four borders of Switzerland to avoid motorized with a round of applause. The next day Sempre Avanti. armor invasions during the European conflict.

Opening ceremony of XXI Congress of the International Federation of Mountain Soldiers (IFMS) at Gwatt, Switzerland. Delegates of the eight member nations dis- played their flags as a band played each country’s national anthem. Memorial Service at the WWI and WWII cemetery in Thun, Switzerland, the country’s oldest church yard. Attendees observed the formal wreath laying from the church’s front entrance. Seated L to R are members of the U.S. delegation: Newc and Sally Eldredge and Irene Duffy.

Succession ceremony. Switzerland Gen. Christian Josi presents the IFMS plaque to the newly-elected Secretary General of the IFMS, Brig. General Jaime Coll Farewell Banquet and exchange of gifts ceremony. Gen. Christian Josi presents a Benejam of Spain. Retiring Secretary General Dr. Hans–Peter Walker of member of each country’s delegation with a Swiss Lantern on behalf of the host Switzerland (far right) looks on. country. At far left is U.S. delegate John Duffy. 2007 NUMBER 2 BLIZZARD PAGE 13

LIKE BEING THERE AGAIN Hal (Harry) Willits (86-F) The Sempre Italia tour pictures in the we arrived. At the south end of Lake special edition of the Blizzard brought Garda approaching tunnel No.1 we were back many memories. I fortunately trav- pinned down by a machine gun firing eled (fought) from our first line assign- from the ridge above the tunnel. After MORE ON THE “PIN” ment (86-F) in January 1945, until push- the area was secured we were transported ing through the last tunnel to the north up the lake by DUKWS to the last tun- Ed. note. In the Blizzard 2006 No. 1, a Mail Call item from William Kohn (86-F) asked for identification of this pin. There were responses from Max Womack, Rod Vitty and end of Lake Garda and the end of the war nel where we waited until our planes Mike Myers in recent Blizzards. Below is another letter about the pin. in Europe. On the way, F. Co. was as- forced the Germans back into the hills signed the last German outpost on Riva north of Lake Garda. When the war Concerning the pin. I believe it would have been Ridge. A group of us motored to the top ended, 86-F was trucked to Udine. A purchased from a store on the Company grounds in of the Ridge during the 1988 tour. group of us were sent to Glocknerhaus Germany, not the PX. This type of store was run I remember the Club Trianon ball- in Austria to lay out ice climbing courses. and operated by local merchants, as a private con- room in Montecatini on R & R. The most I made several climbs, but was called cession, with no connection to the 10th. I have a tie fun was watching the newcomers drop back to Udine to participate in a musical clasp with the 10th on it. I also was issued a patch to the floor from the popping of cham- variety show to entertain the troops pass- similar to the pin. The patch would have come from pagne corks. ing through. This was also cut short. Soon the 10th. Best of luck. We crossed the Po on a DUKW and we were ordered back to the states. I was Armand Arsenault, 127 Avenue Ambassador, moved into Verona on a tank to secure a passing through Denver on a train when Pointe-Claire (Quebec) H9R 1S7 bridge. The Germans destroyed it before the war ended.

“SOLDIERS ON SKIS” EXHIBIT LETTERS FROM ITALY Following are some notes from visitors to the Colorado Historical Society’s Soldiers on Skis Exhibit. To Irene and John Duffy I was in the 10th Mountain Division (Light) from 1994 to 1996. I would just I just received your special edition of the SEMPRE ITALIA TOUR. What a like to say thank you to the 10th Mountain Division WWII veterans for all that magnificent product, and what a treasure of memories for you all. I will put it into they did. I am very proud to have followed in their footsteps. “Climb to Glory.” the TAA archive section at the office. I am delighted to have been able to meet you SPC Gregory Long. and hope that we’ll do it all once again on the next time around for your trip. Thank you for giving us the freedom in WWII. Grazie. P.S. My grandmother Fondly, used to iron the shirts for the U.S. Army, in Italy. My mom was cured from an infection by a U.S. doctor. Maria Giulio,Venice, Italy. Lynn Wiechmann Tuscany-American Association (TAA), Florence, Italy As a Colorado Mountain pilot, been flying over Camp Hale for over 33 years. The low route between Leadville and Eagle. Every time passing over Camp Hale I think about the 10th Mountain Division, what they did for this country dur- Excerpts from a Letter to Bryan Pullen and John Duffy ing WWII. Our many thanks to these men in winning the war to keep us free. We are Federica and Ennio Cavaletti. We had the lucky chance to run into Unsigned your group last June in Gargnano. When we met you we had the chance to talk In 2001, our family and 3 other veterans, engineers who built the tramway, about your tour, Italian lakes and Italian beauties in general, and WWII. Every- went to Italy and placed a bronze commemorative plaque on the tramway’s anchor thing was very interesting, and for us, unusual. We remember with joy those rock. Thank you for including a photo of this engineering feat in the exhibit. nice moments and happened to recall them just a couple of weeks ago. So you Brenda Bailey Little. can imagine how amazed we were when yesterday we received your wonder- My son is a member of the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), stationed at ful publication on the tour! We looked at the pictures trying to figure out the Ft. Carson. He recently completed cold weather training. He was able to meet persons we talked with, then we read some lines to better understand how the members of the original 10th at a respite in Breckenridge. He is greatly impressed tour was organized and which of the mentioned places were known by us. We by the toughness and resilience of those troopers, especially after having weathered thank you very much for your gift and really feel and appreciate your spirit multiple nights with “modern” equipment. He could only imagine what it was and sense of friendships, also mentioned in the cover article, and nice words like for those rugged men in the 1940s. He is proud to be following the 10th’s tra- on Italy scattered in many pages. We really do hope you will have further dition. Unsigned. occasions — and not only the occasion of your already-planned 2009 tour — to visit Italy. Thanks a lot again. Cheers. Ennio e Federica, Monza, Italy IT’S BOB To John J. Duffy MEYERHOF! Thank you very much for your kind letter of January 23rd, and the enclosed Re: Blizzard 2007 (1), special edition of the Blizzard. I was very pleased that you remembered me. I page 14. The man receiving read the report with large interest and admiration for the great success of your his commemorative cap from Italia tour. I was very astonished about the great number of descendant partici- Mayor Polmonari in Lizzano pants. This is a proof that the famous 10th Mountain Division will survive. Regard- during the Sempre Italia Tour ing my situation, I live since four and one half years together with my wife in is actually Bob Meyerhof a home for senior people in the vicinity of Salzburg. I am 92, my wife 90. (86-MED-I). Cordially, Werner Daumiller, Salzburg, Germany Ed. note: German General Werner Daumiller is a founding member of the International U.S.S. WEST POINT Federation of Mountain Soldiers (IFMS).

Re: Photo of the U.S.S. West Point in the Descendant Blizzard, 2007 No. 1, page To John Duffy 3. Good to see a picture of the “Old Lady.” I was First Sergeant of 85-F and sailed I have received your letter of December18, 2006. It is a pleasure to hear from overseas on the West Point. 85-F and 87-F drew MP duty on the trip. We were on the you and the 10th Mountain Division. I thank you very much for the 2007 Tenth first deck above water level, about 8 to a room. I got very seasick, as it was a very calendar, and I wish you and your wife and all the members of the Association all rough trip, so I would put on an MP Band and I’d be able to go anywhere. The sun the best of the current year. Looking forward to meeting you and all the friends felt good, as the whole trip was a complete blackout. again in 2009. There were so many on the ship that we got only two meals a day. The kitchen never closed. Our biggest problem was keeping the G.I.s and nurses apart! Sergio Polmonari William Ballek (85-F) Mayor, Lizzano in Belvedere, Italy PAGE 14 BLIZZARD 2007 NUMBER 2

WALTER W. (BROWNIE) BROWN PFC. Walter W. Brown (“Brownie”), (87-HQ-2), a ski jumper from Michigan, now 90 years old, served with the 10th Moun- BUDDY HUNTER tain Division from May 1942 to November 1945 at Fort Lewis, Camp Hale and Camp Wolters and with F Co. for a short time at Camp Hale. He served in Kiska and Italy. He drove ammunition to the front lines to H Co. while in the ETO. He speaks of bud- dies Frank Krall, “Red” Williams, Tommie Thompson, Sgt. Sweet, Arthur Bliss, to name a few. I have pictures of “BOB”, ROY KEVIN ANDREWS “LUKE,” “LARSONS” and a guy called “Willie” Wilson (from Oklahoma), but not much information. I’d love to hear from anyone with any information about my I am writing a book about PFC Roy Kevin Andrews (ASN 32807003), born in father or these other men. Thank you. 1924 in China. I would be interested in hearing from any veterans who knew him A proud daughter, Susan Brown Johnson, 1700 Cobblestone Lane, Oxford, and details of the action at Abetaia on February 28, 1945. Michigan 48371 • Email: [email protected] He was inducted on February 16, 1943 at the New York City Army induction center. He served with 86-C, 10 Recon, 86-G, 87-K, and 87-HQ. He was awarded the Bronze Star for participation in combat at Abetaia on February 28, 1945. After the war Kevin went to Harvard, then to Greece during the Civil War there, as a PER STOEN historian. He wrote Castles of Morea, a beautiful book on Byzantine castles in the I write this is on behalf of my friend Tiny McWade Peloponnese. Later he wrote perhaps the best travel book ever, The Flight of Ikaros. (87-HQ-3). Tiny served with Per Stoen at Ft. Lewis, This covers his walks in the mountains among the people in war-torn Greece. He but lost contact with him. Per is Norwegian and lived in often said that he had learned in Italy “never to gain unnecessary height.” Kevin Brooklyn, NY. He was married, and Tiny believes he died in 1989. had one son. Per (at right) was an excellent mountain- His mother was Yvette Borup, sister of George Borup, the Arctic explorer. His eer. Anyone who knew Per, please contact Tiny or me. father is a mystery but could have been Roy Chapman Andrews, also an explorer. Terry Ploot, 118 E. 8th Street, Leadville, CO 80461 Roger Jinkinson, 55 Warwick Road, London, UK N112SD From USA Phone: 00442083500168 Tiny McWade, 79 Schoolhouse Road, Groton, Email: [email protected] MA 01450 • Phone: 978-448-5779 Tiny and Per

Devine, William D. (Associate), March Kehr, George W. (602-C, 126-HQ), Snow, Bruce R. (10-HQ, MTC-HQ, 10- 27, 2007, Louisville, KY. He is survived Hillsdale, NJ. He is survived by his wife QM, 87-F), May 1, 2007, Spokane, WA. by his wife Mary, a daughter and two Phyllis. He is survived by a sister, 6 daughters, grandchildren. He and his brother Mat- 10 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchil- thew (85-E) were active members of the Lauer, Paul E. (Nick) (605-A), August dren. He was a Survival Training Spe- Allen, Robert E. (85-MED), Decem- Midwest Chapter. He was a retired cap- 31, 2006, Hamilton, OH. He is survived cialist and was instrumental in develop- ber 22, 2006, Portland, OR. He is sur- tain of the Louisville Fire Department. by 3 daughters, 2 sons, 12 grandchildren, ing curriculum and training materials vived by his wife Jeanne, a son, and a 3 sister, 2 brothers and his nieces and for the USAF’s Survival School. daughter. Farley, Glenn R. (87-K, 90-K, 86-F), nephews. He was a union bricklayer for April 11, 2007, West Linn, OR. He is sur- over 40 years and later owned his own Solari, Joseph James (604-MED, 604- Becker, Bernard L.(Barney), (86-HQ, vived by 2 sons and 4 grandchildren. company. VET), December 1, 2006, San Francisco, 86-G, 90-HQ, 90-K), May 5, 2007, Port- Glenn was a former president of the CA. He is survived by his friend Geor- McKinstry, Neal P. (10-AT-A, 10-AT- gina Wearing, a brother, a sister, 4 nieces, land, OR. He is survived by his wife Northwest Chapter of the National As- HQ, 727-A), April 30, 2007, Grand Junc- Marge, 3 sons, a sister, and 1 grandchild. sociation of the 10th Mountain Division. a nephew, 10 grand nephews and 4 grand tion, CO. He is survived by his sister, a nieces. He was an accountant for Specialty son, two grandchildren and a great- Woodworking Co, and a ski instructor at Fox, Grover H. (86-I, 86-K, 86-HQ-3, grandson. He worked for the Soil Con- Thorn, Walter C. (85-K, MTG, 87-C), Lewis and Clark College. 86-SVC), March 9, 2007, San Marcos, servation Service in a number of Colo- April 2, 2007, Gilford, VT. He is survived CA. He is survived by his wife Doris, a rado locations. Upon retirement, he and by his wife Katherine, 2 sons and 1 Berg, Russell W. (Spike) (87-L, 87-G, son, and 3 daughters. He worked in the his wife raised Arabian horses. granddaughter. 86-C, 90-L, 86-A), February 28, 2007, printing industry for R. R. Donnelley & Wausau, WI. He is survived by his wife Sons, Chicago. Merritt, Theodore C. (87-HQ-3, 87-K, Weber, Frederick J. (86-L), May 11, Katie, a son, a grandson, 2 sisters, and 86-B, 86-E, 90-HQ-3), March 15, 2007, 2007, Helena, MT. He is survived by his his nieces and nephews. Graham, Roy D. (86-HQ, 86-HQ-1, Sarasota, FL. He is survived by 3 sons, a wife Phyllis, a daughter, 2 sons, and 6 86-L, 10-HQ, 86-M, 86-G, 86-E), daughter, a brother, a sister, 7 grandchil- grandchildren. He practiced law in Havre Bockelmann, Martin (126-A), February February 15, 2007, Ft. Bragg, CA. He is dren, 4 great-grandchildren, and many for 31 years, and in 1980 he was elected 1, 2007, Addison, IL. He is survived by survived by his wife Faith. nieces and nephews. He established a to the Montana Supreme Court where he his wife Luella, a son, 3 daughters, 6 brick distributorship in Flemington, NJ, served for 15 years. grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchil- Halverson, Gerald O. (87-F, 87-HQ-2), and contributed important innovations to Wilson, Richard M. (85-M, 85-HQ-3, dren. He was with Elmhurst Chicago Lakewood, CA. He is survived by his the brick industry. 86-H, 86-K, 86-A), April 12, 2007, Stone Co. until his retirement. He at- wife Faith and a daughter. He was a cabi- Eastman, NH. He is survived by a daugh- tended all National reunions beginning net maker. Nagle, Kenneth T. (85-M), March 26, 2007, Clarksville, VA. He is survived ter, a sister, and his nieces and neph- in 1977, and 3 return-to-Italy trips. He ews. He worked in the ski and pu- was an active VFW member at Post 2048, Hanzl, Emerick J. (85-L), Clifton, NJ. by his wife Rita, a son, a niece, and a nephew. He was Treasurer, James Talcott, blishing industries, and public relations. Elmhurst, IL. He was a faithful and supportive mem- He was assistant national adjutant- ber of the New York Chapter and an avid New York, NY; CEO U.S. Industries, New York, NY; Assoceates, South Bend, public relations for the Disabled Ame- Cowan, Caspar F. (87-G, E). December collector of Association pins. rican Veterans organization from 1972 23, 2006, Seattle, WA. He is survived by IN; Albuquerque Federal Bank, NM; and Concord Group, Norwalk, CT. to 1986. He held officer positions in the 2 daughters, a son, a brother, a sister, and Irwin, Robert (Bob) (85-C,), May 16, Rocky Mountain, Midwest, and New six grandchildren. An expert in Maine 2007, Rio Verde, AZ. He is survived by Reynolds, Robert S. (87-HQ, 87-L), England chapters of the National Asso- real estate law, he authored Maine Real a son and a daughter. March 1, 2006, Hendersonville, NC. He ciation, and had been an editor of the Estate Law and Practice, which became is survived by his wife Rita. Blizzard. the standard text for Maine Real Estate Jack, Robert B. (86-B, 86-A), May 15, Practitioners. 2007, Iowa City, IA. He is survived by Schenck, Aaron J. (86-B), April 22, Zimmerman, Harold C. (Zim) (86-G), his wife Clara, 2 sons, a daughter, 7 2007, Missoula, MT. He is survived by 4 March 27, 2007, Lewisburg, PA. He is Curtis, Thomas A. (87-A), February 17, grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, sons, a daughter, a brother, two sisters, 9 survived by his wife Joanne, a daughter, 2007, Orinda, CA. Survived by his wife and a brother. He owned and operated grandchildren, and 3 great grand chil- a son, and a brother. He served as senior Leota (Sis), 3 sons, a daughter, a sister, Jack Insurance Agency. With 9 fellow dren. He taught high school for 29 years merchandise manager at Allied Stores and 10 grandchildren. After a distin- veterans, he helped complete a book in Missoula. He is a former president of Corp., President of the Allied Builders guished career in dentistry, he retired in titled, A Full Measure, by Norman Rudi, the Big Sky chapter of the National As- Club, and retired in 1985 as General 1991 as a full professor at UCSF Dental which described his experiences during sociation, and created and edited the Sales Manager of Butter-Krust Baking School. WWII. newsletter “Mini-Blizzard.” Co. in Sudbury. 2007 NUMBER 2 BLIZZARD PAGE 15

CONTRIBUTORS TO THE 10TH MOUNTAIN DIVISION FOUNDATION GENERAL OPERATING FUND, 2006

— A — W. Harold Childress A. Gardner Finn — J — Lloyd T. Mattson Jacob Pollack James Stewart Frank M. Chuk David M. Fisher Wayne H. Alberight III Inge Jahn Harold J. McAfee Bing T. Poon Thomas B. Stewart Robert Cieri Eugene N. Fisk Philip Alford, Jr. Marina Jenkins Edward B. McAllister Sylvia Potash Walter H. Stewart John J. Ciluzzi William D. Fletcher Claudia Allan Sherman C. Jensen Coleen McCarthy Dick Powers Richard M. Stickrod Bill Clark Robert J. Folger Leo D. Ames Ruth Jobert H. J. McGee, Jr. Victor Presutti Albert T. Stoddard Nicholas B. Clinch Martin J. Ford Louis F. Anderson James Johnson Brian D. McLaren Bernard J. Pustz Kenneth A. Stone Thornton S. Cody Ted Forman Marion Meier Donald W. Stuart John E. Andrews Marilyn Johnson — R — Seymour Cohen Merle G. Forney Tom O. Andrews Norma Johnson Michael G. Melas Lloyd Swedhin Andy D. Coletti George M. French Walter R. Melford Max H. Raabe Dale C. Anthenien Shirley M. Johnson — T — Brent Conway Janice Fuglsang Stephen Raabe Pearl C. Anthenien Robert L. Johnston Marcia A. Merritt Casper F. Cowan David W. Rabak Kenneth S. Templeton, Jr. Merrill H. Archard — G — Edward R. Jones John F. Messina Charles M. Craig Thornton C. Race Edrick J. Thibodeau David A. Ayoub, Jr. Robert E. Jones Hans Meves Ralph Crawshaw, MD Lawson Gagnet Susan Grant Raymond Sam T. Thomas Richard D. Jordan Tina Meyerhof-Miller — B — Francis J. Crowley William O. Gall Elmo J. Miller Robert H. Reed David Thompson Barbara Gandy Fayth Jorgensen Joseph F. Badamo William H. Cruickshank Lafi (Cullen L.) Miller Wallace Reid Hans A. Thompson James R. Garrett Raymond C. Jorgensen Terry G. Baird William E. Cullen William C. Miller John H. Reinertsen Robert T. Tidwell, Jr. Mrs. Thomas C. Geelan Raymond C. Josephson Christine M. Baker Stanley Cummings James T. Mills Harry J. Reinig Raymond H. Tiger Joan Geronimo E. James Judd Wallace I. Barkeen Donald A. Curtis Stephen Mindock Jack T. Rese Orville Tomky Donald J. Geurtze Melvin R. Barrow Thomas A. Curtis — K — John W. Minturn Carole Rexford Samuel G. Torrice Lewis Curtis, Jr. Raymond A. Giana Arthur Bartell John Jurkiewicz Harvey S. Mizel Lucia Reynolds Albert H. Tozloski Henry J. Glanzman Fernand Baruch Elsa Kaim John Montagne Edwin Richardson Gordon B. Tracewell — D — Frederick M. Golomb Allan F. Beck Melchior A. Moor Janet A. Richardson Robert J. Traynor M. Leonard D’Ooge John R. Gordon Tom Kamps George B. Becker Dorothy Moore Frank M. Rinella Allan J. Treuer Gerald O. Dahlke Richard K. Gorski Penny M. Keaton Shirley Beckish James A. Moore Conrad Rios Martha E. Turek Arthur E. Damiani Amy Goyer James Keck James J. Belcher Rosemarie Moore Cruz F. Rios Phillip N. Twombly Marty Daneman Lauralee F. Grabe William J. Kehres Sandra Bellitto James C. Morehouse Charles K. Rittenhouse Edmund S. Tyksinski Elma Davis Christopher J. Grahek Earl Kelley Edith-Adele Bellmer Robert J. Morelli, Jr. Mary Ritter John L. Tyler Ernest J. Davis Edward X. Greene John W. Kennedy Robin Bence Jill A. Morgensen Glen E. Robinson Leslie B. Davis Richard Greene C. E. Bud Kentz — U — Nelsen A. Bennett Mary Morissette Donald Rockenbach The Roland Davis Family Allen W. Greer Everett L. Kenworthy Andre E. Benoit Samuel J. Morrison Frank C. Roda Bardulf Ueland Foundation c/o D. N. Gregg George P. Kief Alfred C. Bergren William Morrison James Richard Rogers Stan Ulick Quintile Wealth Mgmt. Bob Greider William J. Kieman Kurt J. Bergstrom Duryea Morton Theodore Rosen Delbert D. Utgaard Joyce Davison John B. Griffiths Mrs. J. H. King Robert F. Berner George E. Motzenbecker Harold Rosenberg — V — Phebe Davol Naomi N. Gundell Edward J. Kirches Anthony T. Bianca, Sr. Ralph L. Mowbray G. Perry Ross Horace J. De Podwin Joel Z. Kirschner Edwin H. Vale, Sr. Robert C. Bilek — H — Delbert Muehleip Barbara Ruh Susan A. Dechant Paul C. Kitchen, Jr. Ted C. Van Emery A. Bilodeau John Muenzinger Elizabeth Russell Pietro Degli Esposti Pete Hackett Donald W. Kobelin Frank C. Van Thiel, Jr. Peter H. Binzen Daniel J. Muffoletto David L. Dennison Carroll Hadsell Howard R. Koch — S — Colin F. Bircumshaw Allen V. Mundt — W — Daniel A. Denny Lauretta E. Haffner Richard R. Koeck Lloyd Black Larry D. Murdock, Sr. Robert C. Sabin Gregory Diamond William A. Hagerman Conrad L. Kohler David G. Wagstaff Dan Blanusa Charles A. Murphy John Sachs Gordon W. Dick James M. Haining Susan Krcmarik Ronald Walkenback John Boddington Maurice Murphy Robert R. Sadler Peter Dobrovolski Mogens F. Hallgren H. Robert Krear Stanley T. Walker Carolyn Bohm George Muschler, MD Eldred M. Sale Stuart P. Dodge Bruce K. Hamilton Donald R. Kresse Irvin Wall Reamer Bolz Betty Samuelson Donald D. Dodge, Jr. Kenneth H. Hamilton Paul D. Krippner Stan J. Walsh Evelyn Bonan — N — Joseph L. Sarri Frank J. L. Dolinsek Helen Handwerk William R. Kuessow Robert M. Ware James W. Bormann, Jr. William Naden, Jr. Ralph Schau Robert W. Doman John L. Handy, Jr. Murl J. Waterman Herbert S. Borsting — L — Fred A. Nagel Arthur O. Schimke Nancy Thompson Domm Harold V. Hansen Charles W. Webb Karl H. Bottger Ralph E. Nanninga Herbert Schneider Howard C. Donnelly Robert D. Hansen Eileen M. Lally Morton M. Weiss William C. Bradley James J. Nassar, Jr. Patricia J. Schuster Christopher Doucette Charles E. Hardesty Carl R. Landman Richard B. Wellington Karen Bravo Rita Nerney Peter Schwetz Albert Dowden Michael J. Harford Jay S. Larmon Crosby Wells Olga Brodecky Peg Newall Gennaro Sciancalepore John Drew James P. Harrang Richard J. Lass Reed Wells Irving Brodesky David Nicholson Carlos Scuria Francis J. Duffin Phillip E. Harris Cyril J. Lehnhardt Norman Brooks Thomas K. Nicoll Howard G. Sebald Oliver F. Werst H. Benjamin Duke III Norma Harter L. Earl Lehrer Rev. Jeddie P. Brooks Brian Nilsson Robert C. Seelhorst Alfred F. Wertheimer Bil Dunaway Michael J. Hartford Richard W. Leo, Jr. Thomas R. Brooks John C. Ninfo Jesse B. Shapiro Jim Western William J. Duncan Howard R. Harvey Otis R. Levanway Mary Broughton Earl H. Norem John J. Shivnen Kenneth E. Wharton, Jr. Jean Dunne Clifford A. Havner Richard P. Lewis Roger W. Brown, Jr. Edmund Normantowicz Walter Shmerier Wheatleigh Wheelock Jeff Durkota Glenn M. Hawkins Duane R. Lind Glenn G. Brubaker Alfred Nunan Rocco C. Siciliano Violet Whitmore Harris Dusenbery Stanley C. Heidenreich Norman C. Lindhjem Christian Brun Robert B. Sidmore Betty Wick George B. Heller Robert A. Linscott — O — Martin Brusse — E — Victor Sievers Steven N. Wickstrom Helen & Rolf F. Hempel Donald A. Linscott, Jr. Robert W. Buck Robert J. O’Malley Anthony J. Silva Albert A. Wiedorn A. Scott Earle Walter N. Herold Edward J. Little Henry J. Burick Thomas P. O’Neil, Jr. Sidney Simon Harvey A. Wieprecht Alice Eastman William M. Herring Theodore Lockwood Norman Burkey David D. Ogden Aarre Sinisalo Adna G. Wilde, Jr. Eric Eaton Harold W. Hertel Einar Loftesnes Gabrielle A. Burkham Kenneth W. Oja George S. Sisneros Ann Williams Allen H. Eby John A. Hill John A. Lopez Gary Burton Robert F. Hillenbrand David B. Osborn Dale E. Smith James A. Williams Lawrence L. Eckstein F. Warren Lovell James A. Butler Christie Hoff Charles “Jim” Owen, Jr. Donald F. Smith Catherine H. Williamson Kenneth T. Eldridge Juan C. Luarca Charles Butzberger John Holzwarth Harry Owens Duane N. Smith Harold E. Willits Stuart S. Elkind Gary C. Lucas Bruce A. Eller Alfred J. Honer, Jr. Frank W. Smith Kathleen Wilson — C — Robert A. Lukas — P — U. Berkley Ellis John Hook Gordon W. Smith Michael R. Wilson George P. Cahill Albin Lukowski Howard J. Pachasa Tustin Ellison William C. Hoople John M. Smith Rayburn H. Wilson Patricia C. Calora Philip A. Lunday Cecil A. Page Don L. Engebretson Robert Hopewell Steven Smith Leslie A. Wilson-Surma Bruce K. Campbell Philip J. Lunsford M. Gilbert Engen Hans E. Hopf Don Palmer Royal D. Snyder Marlin H. Wineberg Richard E. Lutz Celia G. Campbell James L. Ericksom James J. Horan Ruth M. Palmer Will Soderberg Eugene P. Winters Thomas T. Campbell Gilbert R. Erickson Douglas R. Horth — M — Robert W. Parker Richard D. Soutar Erich A. Wittig Claire D. Canning Roger B. Erickson Pauline V. Hosking Calvin F. Paynter Russell Spalding Bonnie Wolfe Domenic MacCarone Phyllis A. Canon John Eridon Deulah E. Howard Gerald L. Pellegrini David E. Spaulding John B. Woodward Kenneth A. MacDonald Charles Bob Carlberg Hugh W. Evans Ralph F. Hug Howard C. Perkin Raymond C. Spence Theodore F. Woytowicz Robert Macdonald Lester E. Carlson Margaret Evans John W. Hussey Ruso H. Perkins Lee Squier Polly Wright Kenneth P. MacPherson Henry J. Carlyle Melvin J. Evans, Jr. Walter A. Hyry Joseph J. Perry Francis St. Onge Sylvia Wright Richard J. Carmer Richard H. Maier Audrey N. Pertl St. Paul Travelers Foun- — I — John F. Carroll — F — Eric B. Maine Sidney C. Peterman dation — Y — Laura A. Cassiday Edwin C. Fancher Kenneth E. Ibach Hugh A. Majors Dr. Dennis Petrosky Leon V. St. Pierre Betty Yanakakis Mark R. Caulifield Raymond F. Farley Clyde Idell Frances E. Martin Clyde D. Pfeffer James W. Stanley Jack R. Young Laurie Chalmers Robbi L. Farrow John Imbrie James G. Martin Jocelyn Phillips Norman Steadman Stan Young Henry C. Chase Robert Fellner International Union of Robert S. Martin Gareth Pickard Wendy Sternberger — Z — Wendell H. Cheney Robert Ferara Elevator Constructors Arthur A. Marton Raymond J. Plys Ken Stevens Patricia H. Chicoine Albert G. Field James J. Iverson Gladys Masonheimer Donald R. Poeschi Caleb Stewart Paul J. Zinke National Association of the 10th Mountain Division, Inc. FIRST CLASS P.O. Box 750888 U.S. POSTAGE Forest Hills, NY 11375-0888 PAID Woodbridge, VA Permit #534

WINTER SPORTS CLINIC FOR VETERANS WITH DISABILITIES Dorinda Cruickshank: Barbara & Mac Thomas E. Hames (Desc. 85-K) TENTH MOUNTAIN MacKenzie DIVISION Thomas A. Curtis: Bob Johnston When spring invades the mountains wounded warriors to become as active FOUNDATION, INC. Nancy Delaney: Mike, Debbie, & George of Colorado, there is no better time to as possible, as early as possible, in this Fergione, Dorothy & Paul Kitchen, invite a large group of disabled veterans type of program. The commitment and Mailing Address: Thomas B. Stewart to Snowmass to participate in the Winter enthusiasm of these soldiers was remark- 133 South Van Gordon Street Peggy Dennison: George P. Cahill, Gordon Sports Clinic that took place April 1-6, able. After time spent in Veterans hospi- Suite 200 McWade 2007. This is the largest winter sports tals around the country, these veterans are Lakewood, CO 80228 William Devine: Shirley & Kenneth clinic of its kind in the United States for probably the most appreciative guests in Tel: (303) 756-8486 Hanson veterans with significant disabilities. the Snowmass area all season. What bet- e-mail: [email protected] Halvor Ekern: Joanne Manchester, This year over 440 veterans from many ter way to readjust their mind set, than a Thomas B. Stewart different conflicts participated in a trip to the Mountains of Colorado to en- Earl Clark, Chairman of the Board Stephen Gilman: Dorothy & Paul Kitchen Thomas Hames, President myriad of sporting activities. This unique gage in a variety of sporting events. James B. Hadley: Gordon McWade, Philip Gary Burton, Executive Vice President H. Stevens clinic is sponsored by the Department of I met veterans from all over the coun- Hugh Evans, Senior Vice President Veterans Affairs and the VA Rocky try including those from Ft. Drum. Some Kate Raabe, Senior Vice President Eugene S. Hames: Joseph Berry, Jordan Hames Mountain Network, directed by Sandy traveled independently, some with hosts Denise Taylor, Vice President Samuel S. Hawley: Philip H. Stevens Trombetta. The clinic allows veterans or supporters (spouses or friends). All Jennifer Neville, Secretary with physical or mental disabilities the were committed to get the most out of Thomas Thompson, Treasurer Alexander J. Hilles: 10th Mtn. Division Mt. Rainier Chapter opportunity to challenge themselves to the various sporting events and received BOARD OF DIRECTORS William F. Hoffstetter: Richard Mansfield do their best in mountain conditions. an incredible boost from the clinic and Officers of the Foundation plus: Chet Jenson: Philip H. Stevens The 10th Mountain Division Foun- all associated activities. dation, Inc. participated in the past by Winter sports available to the woun- Jim Bratsky Toni Newbill Charles H. Johnson: John Benson, Philip Trux Dole Ruso Donald Perkins H. Stevens sponsoring this event. In 2007, at the ded veterans ranged from skiing, hockey, John Duffy Max Raabe Carl D. Kerekes: Joseph Berry insistence of one of the event founders, rock climbing, fencing, and scuba div- Robbi Farrow Richard Spotts Robert W. Manchester: Joanne Richard Wilson (85-M), the Foundation ing to the more pedestrian activities of Janice Fuglsang Pat Thornton Manchester renewed our participation by sponsoring going to Glenwood Springs Hot Springs Sue Hagerman Delbert Utgaard Robert W. Nielsen: Delbert Muehleip soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division or Aspen for a day of relaxation or shop- JohnLitchfield Steve Wilmot Patricia Romano: Frankie J. Barr, George (Light) who have significant disabilities ping. But make no mistake, for the sport- David Little John P. Wright P. Cahill, Arthur C. Delaney, Dr. Max & to participate in the Winter Sports Clinic. ing events it was a furious battle among Mary Jane Raabe, Neal C. Yorker The Clinic tests and challenges the vet- the individuals to perform at their best, ADVISORY BOARD Aaron J. Schenck: D. H. Andrew, Flathead erans to overcome their disabilities in to overcome the odds. I was touched by All Chapter Presidents Lake Biological Station, United Brother- winter sports, in a supportive environ- the resilience and character of each par- hood of Carpenters LPIW Local #30 c/o HONORARY BOARD ment. It is the largest therapeutic sport- ticipant. Disabled veterans could pick M. O. Woodworth, William K. Dinsmore, ing clinic of its kind in the United States, and choose their activities after being Stuart Dodge Golda & Frank Hendzel, Joanne Man- Ralph Nanninga chester, Harry Reinig, Ellen F. Weiss, perhaps in the world. divided into teams. Of note were several Frank Romano Eddie Westerman, Sharon & Dean Yould I was fortunate to meet three of the of the volunteer instructors in the vari- Fred A. Shuler: John Benson four 10th light veterans sponsored by the ous sports who paid their own way to this Bruce R. Snow: 10th Mtn. Division Assn. Foundation. Each had his own unique clinic from all parts of the country. IN MEMORY OF Mt. Rainier Chapter story about combat, his injuries and his Based upon the individuals I met and Bernard L. Becker: Edward and Frank S. Staples: Andre E. Benoit long road back. What impressed me is their participation in this program, it is Constance Flabetich, Jeri & Joe Edgar Stowell: Joanne Manchester that each was not so far removed from certainly worthy of the Foundation’s fu- Haley, Luella A. Nissl, Carolyne & Paul Townsend: Thomas B. Stewart the combat injuries. The Veterans Depart- ture support and funding on a continu- Philip Savory David G. Wagstaff: The Wagstaff Familiy ment is apparently encouraging these ing basis. Edmund D. Bennett: N. Bennett Thomas Wheeler, Jr.: Thomas B. Stewart Martin Bockelmann: Richard Soutar Betty J. Wieprecht: Marelle Sanderson & Lloyd G. Bowler: 10th. Mtn. Division Sons IMPORTANT DATE! Mt. Rainier Chapter Richard M. Wilson: N. Bennett, Andre E. T. Brian Carter: Dorothy & Paul Kitchen Benoit, Estate of Richard Wilson c/o NATIONAL REUNION Betty Clark: Dorothy & Paul Kitchen Leslie Wilson-Surma, Arthur C. Delaney, Southwest La Sertoma c/o Pat Collotn, Joy and Dick Dirkes, Anna P. Hagerman, IN DENVER Thomas B. Stewart Shirley & Kenneth Hanson, Barbara & Thomas J. Connors: Dorothy & Paul Mac MacKenzie, Louise & Stan Malnati, AUGUST 2-5, 2007 Kitchen Richard Mansfield, Gordon McWade, Ralph “Lefty” Cormier: Joy and Dick Gwen & Ed Raswyck, H. Hallock Dirkes, Joanne Manchester Richards 2007 NUMBER 2