10th Mountain Division Descendants
Section dedicated to the descendants of the soldiers who came to visit us in Castel d'Aiano.
Shane McDonough family
On June 21, 2024, Shane visited us with his large family.
Shane is the grandson of Herbert "Herb" Liebmann who arrived in Castel d'Aiano on the front line on March 13, 1945 and was assigned to Company A of the 86th Regiment, with which he took part in the Spring Offensive and the operations on the Po River, where he earned the Bronze Star Medal.
We accompanied them to the positions where his grandfather was deployed at the time.
An unforgettable day.
Rick e Jody Birkenstein
On Sunday, September 15, 2024, Rick and his wife Jody, along with some friends, gave us a pleasant surprise.
Rick is the son of Henry "Birk" Birkenstein, who was in Company F of the 86th Regiment, with which he took part in the Riva Ridge enterprise and the Battle of Mount Belvedere, where he earned a Bronze Star Medal.
A very pleasant surprise!
Judy e Jim Kennedy
On Thursday, October 17, 2024, Judy and her husband Jim were among the participants in a tour of Americans on the Gothic Line.
Judy is the daughter of Roy M. Pett, a veteran of Company I of the 86th Regiment with which he took part in the climb of Riva Ridge.
Judy told us that she will return to Italy with her grandchildren to visit the places where her father was.
We can't wait to hug her again.
Shirley Hunsberger & Larry Schindle
Tuesday 6th and Wednesday 7th May 2025 we spent two wonderful mornings with Shirley and her husband Larry.
Shirley was looking for the footsteps of her father Ernest, a soldier in Company H of the 85th Regiment who took part in the battles on Monte Belvedere and Monte della Spe.
In the Querciola area, our guide was Elio, an elderly local man who was truly passionate about history and who accompanied us to several significant places where Shirley's father passed, making the experience truly special!
Bruce Riley family
On Saturday, May 17, 2025, Bruce and his family accepted our invitation!
His father, Dalbert Riley of Company C of the 85th Regiment, ended the war on February 20, 1945 when he was wounded during the Battle of Mount Belvedere.
Bruce wanted to retrace a stage of the regiment his father was part of, before visiting the Museum!
Another meeting that we will always carry in our hearts.
Roy Katzman
Three days spent with the son of Heinz Katzman, a soldier in Company L of the 87th Regiment.
Roy retraced his father's steps starting from Monte Belvedere in the company of Elio Pasquali, continuing to Pietracolora and Castel d'Aiano in the exact places where his father's regiment fought or camped.
The final day, spent with Gilberto of the Associazione Linea Gotica Tolè and Luca Erioli, ended with a visit to the local exhibition and retracing the route taken by Company L... ending the journey where Heinz was photographed at the dressing station in April 1945.
Truly very very exciting days!