The Tenth Mountain Division

What became the 10^th Mountain Division
In July 1943, came into being
They trained in part at Camp Hale in Colorado
Ultimately shipped in 1945 to fight in Italy, experts in both climbing and skiing

The Tenth Mountain initially fought in February 1945
And significantly contributed to several German defeats
The last battle for the Tenth Mountain occurred in late April 1945
And on May 2^nd, 1945 German resistance in Italy ceased

May 8^th marked V-E Day, the end of the war in Europe,
The 10^th Mountain was scheduled to be sent to the Pacific, but that was not their fate
Following two atomic bombings, the Japanese surrendered in August, 1945
And the 10^th Mountain returned to the United States

In 114 days of combat in the fighting in Europe
The 10^th Mountain suffered nearly 1000 deaths and wounds were inflicted on over 4000 members
It’s hard to say in view of such losses, that the 10^th was lucky
But their losses would have greatly increased, but for the timely Japanese surrender

After the war, ex-soldiers from the 10^th
Constituted the modern ski-industry core
They founded Vail, Aspen, Sugar Bush, White face Mountain
And many more

Not only did they found numerous resorts
But frequently employed ex Tenth Division veterans as principal aides
Thus brothers in arms became brothers in business
And this is how their road to prosperity was paved

For using their mountain skills to hasten the end of the European war
The 10^th Mountain vets merit much loud applause
And many showed excellent financial sense
To become millionaires by founding a post war ski resort