Reflecting on the 10th Mountain Division’s 78th Anniversary of the Battle of Riva Ridge
February 18, 2023, marks the 78th anniversary of the Battle of Riva Ridge, fiercely fought by the 10th Mountain Division of World War II. In honoring this anniversary, the Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame wants to pay tribute to this historic battle and share artifacts from our collection that speak to this history and the story of the brave men of the 10th Mountain Division.
The 10th Mountain Division was equipped with climbing gear like these crampons, rope, and pitons - shown above, on display at the Colorado Snowsports Museum. Crampons were used for traction on ice and when climbing. Nylon climbing ropes were used to scale Riva Ridge. This was the first large scale use of nylon climbing ropes. Before this, climbers used ropes made of natural materials. Furthermore, pitons (pee-tohns) are soft, iron spikes that are hammered into rock cracks in order to hold the rope, which is attached to the mountain climber or equipment. They provide security in operations involving steep rock ascents.
At the end of 1944, the Allies’ 16-month war struggle had left Italy in shambles, and the Germans were prepared with artillery batteries around the country. The Allies were unable to break the German Gothic line across the top of Italy’s boot, measuring eight miles deep by 108 miles wide. From atop a series of high ridges, the Germans controlled all the high ground, could see attacks coming, prepare defenses, and prevent the Allies from moving into the rest of Europe.
By mid-January of 1945, the 14,000 men of the 10th Mountain Division had quietly moved into small villages surrounding these ridges in the northern Apennines area and began planning possible routes up Riva Ridge. This ridge held the German observatory post and was therefore crucial to defeating the rest of the Germans in the area and breaking their Gothic line.
The men assigned to the Riva Ridge operation found five routes up the 2,000-foot vertical cliff, the most difficult of which required ropes and pitons. Ironically, the specialized equipment that the 10th had developed and tested was back in the United States. But then how exactly were the 10th Mountain Division equipped to take on this battle - lacking some of the most critical gear?
When asking David Little, Education Program Specialist & Military Historian with the Broomfield Veterans Museum and President of the Tenth Mountain Division Living History Display Group, about this part of history, he explains that he believes the bulk of the equipment was left behind, but ropes, pitons, hammers, snap links, and tramway gear was available in Italy in small quantities - some packed by individual soldiers who “forgot” to turn in all their equipment. David goes on to think this was part of the reason the sixth route up Riva Ridge wasn’t used - there was simply not enough gear.
The Germans believed that the steep slopes and cliffs of Riva Ridge could not be climbed, and the ridge was unassailable. The men of the 10th would prove the Germans wrong.
Vital to this operation was completing it at night, without artillery fire and as quickly as possible. As the sun set on February 18, 1945, 700 men congregated on Riva Ridge, while the rest of the division waited to take Mount Belvedere the next night. Carrying weapons, ammunition, climbing gear, and provisions, the 10th scaled the snow- and ice-covered slopes of Riva Ridge. As the soldiers worked their way up, a fog set in, concealing their positions.
This Purple Heart was awarded to Sergeant Rex J.L. Heymann, Company E, 85th Infantry, on June 1945. He was wounded at Riva Ridge. This medal and others can be seen on display at the Colorado Snowsports Museum.
When the men pushed up over the ridge and began their attack, “the Germans were back in dugouts sleeping and our troops took the guns over, turned them around and went down and threw hand grenades in their sleeping quarters and that’s the way they woke up,” Lt. General John Hay states. The Germans were awfully surprised at the American soldiers ascending from a side that had been declared “unclimbable.”
German counterattacks were to be anticipated, so Allied engineers designed a tramway system to evacuate wounded soldiers and transport supplies and ammunition to the troops. For five long days, the 10th held off counterattacks that killed seventeen and wounded 51 Americans. Finally, the critical observation post was in Allied hands and the battle continued for Mount Belvedere, Mount Gorgolesco, and Mount Della Torraccia.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Riva Ridge, Honoring the 10th Mountain Division at the Colorado Snowsports Museum - February 18th, 2023
Visit the Colorado Snowsports Museum - 11am to 6pm
On Saturday, February 18, the Colorado Snowsports Museum will be open from 11am to 6pm. Stop by and see our 10th Mountain Division exhibition - “Climb to Glory.” This exhibit tells the story of the 10th Mountain Division, including the Battle of Riva Ridge, and touches on their enduring legacy.
Riva Ridge Anniversary - “Through the Lens” - led by speaker Tom Hames at 5:30pm
Join us on Saturday February 18, on the day of the 10th Mountain Division’s Battle of Riva Ridge, for a special “Through the Lens” led by Tom Hames, Descendant. Hear Tom’s lecture on the 10th Mountain Division ski troops through the special lens of his father, Eugene S. Hames (Company K, 85th Mountain Infantry), Platoon Leader, 2nd Lieutenant. This program will start at 5:30pm.
Tickets are $20 for Museum Members with reserved seats and $25 for non-museum members. Ticket includes: beer, wine, and light appetizers.
Other Upcoming 10th Mountain Division Events
Final Tales of the 10th and Legacy Day Events
Our final Tales of the 10th for this snow sports season, in honor of 10th veteran and Hall of Famer Sandy Treat, is Sunday, February 26th at 4pm at the Colorado Snowsports Museum.
Learn about the famed 10th Mountain Division prior to the Legacy Day parades from various speakers. Our final talk of the series will be presented by Flint Whitlock (author and historian).
A suggested $5 donation to the Colorado Snowsports Museum is appreciated by all attendees.
Following Tales of the 10th, Vail Resorts and the Town of Vail celebrate the legacy of the mountain soldiers with a torchlight ski down and parade. Parade begins at 6pm at Gondola One at Vail.
The Museum is open until 8pm, following the parade.
10th Mountain Division Descendants Ski-In Days
An annual tradition hosted by the 10th Mountain Division Descendants since 1976, this week-long event highlighting skiing, snowsports and history is set for the end of February in Colorado ski country. RSVP by Feb. 16. Get more information HERE.
Here’s the schedule:
Feb. 23: 10th Mountain Division presentation by the third grade class at the Leadville High School
Feb. 24: Ski at Copper Mountain and an evening showing of “Mission Mt. Mangart” at Leadville High School
Feb. 25: Cooper Hill Daze with a great day of celebrating the 10th, skiing the Serpentine with everyone, a Memorial at the 10th Mountain Monument, and dinner
Feb. 26: Ski Cooper
Feb. 27: Free Day
Feb. 28: Ski Vail — Stop by the Colorado Snowsports Museum and say hi!!!
March 1: Ski Breckenridge
