The 10th Mountain Division In World War II

Publication Details:

10th Mountain Division in World War II is a 160-page hardcover volume, measuring 7 by 10 inches, written by Charles C. Roberts, Jr. and published by Casemate Publishers as part of the Casemate Illustrated Series. The book is printed on glossy paper and features over 200 photographs, maps, and illustrations that vividly document the division's history and campaigns.

Contents and Organization:

The book follows a clear chronological structure, beginning with the U.S. Army's early mountain warfare efforts and the creation of the 10th Mountain Division at Camp Hale, Colorado. It then summarizes the unit's cold weather training and preparation for combat overseas.

Chapters cover the division's major campaigns in the Northern Apennines and Po Valley, emphasizing the harsh terrain, mule-based logistics, and the soldiers' determination in overcoming entrenched German defenses.

Throughout, photo sections and sidebars highlight unique equipment, uniforms, and weaponry of mountain troops. The high-quality printing enhances these visuals, making details such as insignia and field gear easy to study- ideal for both historians and modelers.

Overview:

Charles C. Roberts, Jr. delivers a definitive and visually engaging account of America's elite alpine soldiers in the 10th Mountain Division in World War II. This volume combines meticulous research, balanced narrative, and stunning visuals to honor the men who defined mountain warfare for the U.S. Army.

Roberts begins with the division's origins at Camp Hale, Colorado, where it was formed in 1943 from skilled mountaineers, skiers, and outdoorsmen. These soldiers endured intense cold-weather training to prepare for the brutal conditions of the Italian front. The author traces their combat journey from the slopes of Colorado to the snow-covered ridges of Italy, culminating in their pivotal assaults on Riva Ridge and Mount Belvedere-operations that cemented their legendary reputation.

The author presents a three-page summary of the timeline of events. See an example of page 7 below.

Illustrations and Images:

A major strength of this book is its rich visual content. While there is only one color map, readers get a generous mix of black-and-white and color photos that bring the story to life. Many pages show winter clothing, gear, and weapons, often paired with drawings that break down the parts.  There are also technical sketches of howitzers with specs, plus images of vehicles like the M28 Weasel and a great section on how Jeeps were used in the snow. 

For modelers, these visuals are gold-perfect for winter diorama scenes or alpine combat setups. The crisp images provide great detail for figures, vehicles, and terrain work.

Page 14 shows a detailed image of a mountain patrol scouting Riva-Ridge in Italy.

On page 25 and 29 color images of parkas, jackets, socks and suspenders are presented by the author.

On pages 35, 41, and 53, we see examples of the equipment, such as skis,  bindings, and crampon usage.

Moving on to pages 65, 76, and 83, we see examples of an M1A1 75mm Howitzer, a 105mm Howitzer along with its specifications in a table format, and on page 83, the iconic M1 Garand rifle all used by the 10th Mountain Division. Additionally, on page 93 an example of a M2 Browning mounted on a toboggan.

The author not only provides images as explained above, but he also provides photographs of vehicles used, including the M29 Weasel, the ever-so-present Jeep, and the Crosley mule prototype on pages 106, 131, and 133.

Conclusion:

Casemate's 10th Mountain Division in World War II stands out as both a visual reference and a concise historical overview of a remarkable American fighting unit. It is a compact volume that reflects Casemate's commitment to high-quality military publications.

• Mixes clear history with rich photography.
• Offers a great reference for modelers, historians, and reenactors.
• Compact size makes it a handy addition to any WWII library.
• Writing style is clear and easy to follow.
• Perfect for anyone interested in mountain warfare in the Italian Campaign.
• Great source of inspiration for modelers.

Highly Recommended for Beginner to Advanced builders.

Thanks goes out to Casemate Publishers for this review book.

Reviewed by Phillip Cavender, AMPS #3060

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