The 10th Mountain Division, activated in July 1943 at Camp Hale, Colorado, was a specialized formation built for mountain warfare. Its personnel included experienced skiers and mountaineers, and the division was equipped for operations in difficult terrain, including the use of pack artillery. After training, it arrived in Italy in December 1944 under Maj. Gen. George P. Hays and entered combat in January 1945 near Cutigliano and Orsigna.
Its principal early operation was Operation ENCORE in February–March 1945. On the night of February 18, elements of the division carried out a silent ascent of Riva Ridge, achieving surprise against German positions. The following day, the division attacked the Belvedere-Gorgolesco massif, securing Monte Belvedere and adjacent heights after heavy fighting. Monte della Torraccia fell on February 24, completing the capture of key terrain dominating the sector. In early March, the division extended its gains by seizing additional positions west of Highway 64, helping set conditions for the final offensive into the Po Valley.
When the Fifth Army offensive opened on April 14, 1945, the division led the attack in its sector, breaking through German defenses in the northern Apennines. It cleared successive ridge lines, crossed Route 9 near Ponte Samoggia on April 20, and advanced into the Po Valley. During this phase, Pfc. John D. Magrath earned the Medal of Honor.
The division continued its advance, seizing the Panaro River bridge at Bomporto, crossing the Po on April 23, and reaching Verona two days later. In one of its final operations, elements crossed Lake Garda to secure key positions along its western shore. German forces in Italy surrendered on May 2, 1945, ending the division’s combat operations.
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