Roberts Jr., Charles C. The 10th Mountain Division in World War II

Equipment and Vehicles

A volume from the Casemate Illustrated series. The creation of the US Army's 10th Mountain Division was inspired by Finland's success during the invasion of the Soviet Union in 1939, when Finnish ski troops effectively used the winter terrain to defeat Soviet tank divisions. Charles Minot Minnie Dole, founder of the National Ski Patrol, recognised the strategic value of such a unit and advocated for a similar division in the US Army. His efforts eventually led to the formation of specialised mountain combat troops. In 1941, the War Department approved the formation of experimental ski patrols, and in 1942, the 87th Mountain Infantry was established. This unit, recruited mainly from experienced skiers, was stationed at Camp Hale in Colorado. The 10th Light Division (Alpine) was formed in 1943. Later, in 1944, it was renamed the 10th Mountain Division and became an important part of American mountain and winter warfare. The division was involved in important operations, including the invasion of Kiska in the Aleutian Islands and fighting in Italy. Illustrated with over 200 photographs, the book documents the history of the 10th Mountain Division and the equipment it used for its unique mission, including skis, special winter clothing, and vehicles such as the M29 Weasel, which was designed for use in mountains and snow. The book also highlights the testing and deployment of various vehicles and artillery adapted for cold, mountainous environments, showcasing the division's special role in the US military during the Second World War.