10th Mountain Division
The 10th Mountain Division was formed at Camp Hale in Colorado on July 10, 1943; after more than a year of specific training suitable for mountain warfare, it was transferred to Italy at the end of 1944 and was the last division to enter service for the American Army during the Second World War.
Famous will be the feat of Riva Ridge, the attacks on Mounts Belvedere and Torraccia, the counterattacks suffered on Monte delle Spe after the liberation of Castel d'Aiano and the final breakthrough of the Gothic Line begun on April 14, 1945, with the consequent rush towards the Po River and northern Italy.
At the end of the war and in just 114 days of combat, the division had to count 992 dead and 4154 wounded.
Several objects that we have recovered in recent years are linked to men in the 10th Mountain Division. A great research work carried out by our American friend Leslie Taylor, has allowed us to give a face to many of them whose personal objects we had found and which are now exhibited in the Museum.
This is dedicated to them, to always remember them and never forget them.
Winfred B. Barnes
Bonne Terre, Illinois August 1, 1918 - October 11, 1985
Company I - 87th Regiment
Awarded the Bronze Star Medal
His mess kit was found on September 3, 2022.
Lindsay W. Woolard
Beaufort, North Carolina August 6, 1921 - November 1, 2010
Company D - 86th Regiment
His dog tag was found on March 19, 2023.
Herman Parsons
Boles, Arkansas September 2, 1921 - May 3, 1985
Cook at 2nd HQ Battalion/85th Regiment
Decorated with Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart
Some of his papers were purchased on October 9, 2023.
Charles "Chuck" Jackson
Palmyra, Michigan 1920 - December 17, 2020
Company A - 86th Regiment
Son John presented us, on August 26, 2023, with some placemats that his father purchased in Florence during a rest from operations.
Eugene A. Bopp
Fresno, CaliforniaMay 26, 1924 - April 26, 2018
Company C - Medical Battalion
Awarded the Purple Heart
His bracelet was found on December 23, 2023.
Rudolph "Rudy" Stefancic
Menasha, Wisconsin - LIVING VETERAN
Headquarters - 604th Field Artillery
Decorated with Bronze Star Medal
His mess kit was found on January 24, 2024.
Richard "Dick" Harding
Glen Ellyn, Illinois July 23, 1925 - September 30, 2008
Company F - 85th Regiment
Awarded two Bronze Star Medals.
His raincoat was recovered on June 6, 2021.
Hans George
Germany March 4, 1911 - California November 30, 1965
Company B - Medical Battalion
His photo album was shared with us in October 2022 by Dana Miller, saved and preserved by his grandparents, dear friends of Hans.
Andrew Lopez
July 7, 1917 - Hill 762 Castel d'Aiano April 15, 1945
Company G - 85th Regiment
Decorated with the Silver Star Medal and fallen in action.
His descendants have been searching for over 20 years for the place where Andrew fell; we finally succeeded and met on July 31, 2023.