The 10th Mountain Division, America’s elite alpine and light infantry formation, was activated in 1943 and gained fame in World War II for scaling the Apennine Mountains of Italy and breaking German defenses at Riva Ridge and Mount Belvedere. Reactivated in 1985 at Fort Drum, New York, the “Climb to Glory” division has since deployed to Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the globe. Airborne Apparel Company is proud to offer reproductions and unique designs that celebrate the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division.
The 10th Mountain Division was activated on 15 July 1943 at Camp Hale, Colorado. Its Soldiers trained in alpine conditions—skiing, climbing, and operating in snow and high-altitude environments. Nicknamed the “Climb to Glory” division, its Soldiers became known as “ski troopers,” prepared to fight in terrain where conventional units could not.
In January 1945, the division deployed to Italy. There, the 10th Mountain achieved lasting fame by scaling the sheer cliffs of Riva Ridge under cover of darkness, surprising entrenched German defenders. Shortly after, the division assaulted and captured Mount Belvedere, opening the way for Allied forces to break through the Gothic Line. The 10th continued the offensive into the Po Valley, hastening the collapse of German forces in Italy. These victories gave the division a reputation as one of the Army’s toughest fighting formations.
Postwar and Cold War
The division was inactivated after World War II, then briefly reactivated as a training unit in the 1950s. Many of its veterans became leaders in the development of American skiing, outdoor recreation, and mountaineering, carrying the spirit of the 10th into civilian life.
Modern Reactivation
In 1985, the 10th Mountain Division was reactivated at Fort Drum, New York, as a light infantry division capable of rapid deployment to global hotspots. Since then, the division has been one of the Army’s most frequently deployed units.
Global Operations
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Somalia (1992–1994): 10th Mountain forces supported humanitarian relief and fought in Mogadishu, including during the events depicted in Black Hawk Down.
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Haiti (1994): The division deployed for Operation Uphold Democracy, assisting in the peaceful restoration of the Haitian government.
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Balkans (1990s): Conducted peacekeeping missions in Bosnia and Kosovo.
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Global War on Terror (2001–present): Deployed repeatedly to Afghanistan and Iraq, conducting counterinsurgency, security, and combat operations. The 10th has been among the most heavily deployed Army divisions since 2001.
Identity and Honors
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Motto: “Climb to Glory.”
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Insignia: Blue and white patch with crossed bayonets, symbolizing the infantry, and a mountain, symbolizing its alpine roots.
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Decorations: Presidential Unit Citation, Valorous Unit Awards, and campaign streamers from Italy to Afghanistan.
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Nicknames: Known simply as the “Mountain Division.”
Enduring Legacy
From scaling cliffs in Italy during World War II to conducting some of the Army’s toughest modern deployments, the 10th Mountain Division has embodied toughness, adaptability, and relentless spirit. It remains one of the Army’s most deployed and respected light infantry divisions.
Airborne Apparel Company is proud to offer reproductions and unique designs that celebrate the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division.