Tenth Mountain Division-86th-Co. A&B-WW2

• Origins in Mountain Warfare: The 10th Mountain Division was created in 1943 as the U.S. Army's first unit specialized in mountain and winter warfare, inspired by Finnish, Norwegian, and Italian mountain troops in WWII. • Training at Camp Hale: The 86th Infantry Regiment, Companies A & B, trained at Camp Hale, Colorado, where soldiers learned mountaineering, skiing, and survival skills at elevations over 9,000 feet. • Norwegian-American Influence: Many early recruits, including members of the 86th, were experienced skiers, mountaineers, and outdoorsmen—several were of Norwegian descent or had trained in Norway. • First Combat in Italy: The 86th Regiment, as part of the 10th Mountain Division, saw its first combat in the Apennine Mountains of northern Italy in January 1945. • Assault on Riva Ridge: Soldiers from the 86th played a crucial role in the famous night climb and surprise attack on Riva Ridge on February 18–19, 1945, scaling steep cliffs under darkness to seize a key German position. • High Casualty Rate: The 10th Mountain Division suffered one of the highest casualty rates per day of combat of any U.S. division in Italy—over 4,000 casualties in just four months. • Capture of Po Valley: The division, including the 86th, broke through German defenses in the Po Valley, leading to the rapid collapse of German resistance in northern Italy. • Legacy in Outdoor Sports: After the war, many 10th Mountain veterans—especially from the 86th—helped found the U.S. ski industry, including ski resorts like Vail and Aspen, and promoted outdoor recreation. • Medal of Honor Recipient: Pfc. John D. Magrath, of Company G, 85th Infantry Regiment (in the same division), received the Medal of Honor for heroic actions in April 1945, and many 86th soldiers received high decorations. • Enduring Motto: The division’s motto, “Climb to Glory,” reflects the 86th’s unique heritage of overcoming daunting mountain terrain and enemy opposition during WWII.