Climb to Conquer: The Untold Story of WWII's 10th Mountain Division

Key aspects of the book: • Subject: The 10th Mountain Division, the only U.S. Army division trained in mountain warfare, skiing, and rock climbing. 
• Narrative: Follows the division from its conception in the late 1930s to its combat in the Italian Apennines, where they scaled cliffs to surprise German forces. 
• Themes: Explores the "greatest generation" story, the elite nature of the troops (athletes, scholars), and the division's surprising legacy in shaping the American outdoor industry (e.g., Nike's Bill Bowerman, Sierra Club's David Brower). 
• Author: Peter Shelton, an adventure writer, uses extensive interviews and research to tell the story. 
• Significance: Highlights the division's high casualty rate and its pivotal role in the war, as well as its influence on post-war American culture and sports. 
 Climb to Conquer: The Untold Story of WWII's 10th Mountain Division Ski Troops by Peter Shelton is a history of the unique U.S. Army division, detailing their training in snow and rock, their crucial role in the Italian campaign, and their lasting impact on American outdoor recreation. The book covers the division's origins from civilian skiers and mountaineers, their intense training, and their combat experience, including the assault on Riva Ridge, and how survivors helped build the modern ski industry.