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Few U.S. Army units had
a greater variety of clothing and equipment during World War II than the 10th
Mountain Division. In addition to all the usual military gear, they used a
diverse array of mountain climbing equipment, ski and snowshoe gear, and cold
weather clothing. Over the past twenty years, I have assembled a large
collection of 10th Mountain Division memorabilia and have been studying the
evolution and usage of this equipment. This study includes multiple trips to
the National Archives, visiting numerous museums and other archives,
attending four 10th Mountain Division Association national reunions,
interviewing many mountain infantry veterans, and reading everything I can
find about the U.S. Army mountain troops. |
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My current project is to
put what I have learned into a book about the U.S. Army mountain troop's
clothing and equipment. In addition to a short
history of the mountain rucksack, I have added a second history page for the ski boot. This is still in
the development stage, but it will give you an overview of the ski boot's
evolution. Since there are now two history pages, I have added a menu page for them. It is a little sparse right
now, but over time I will be adding more web pages about other items of the
mountain soldier's clothing and equipment. |
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Another section is the
"Seen on the web." It highlights
some items purported to be mountain troop items that were recently offered on
the Internet. Hopefully these misidentifications can serve as learning tools
for collectors interested mountain troop gear. Fortunately, most internet
listings are accurate, but as other interesting candidates for this section
appear, I'll add them here. |
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This small web site
illustrates specific mountain items I am seeking for
my collection and book. It also includes photos
of original mountain troop equipment taken at three displays I have done
at local and national events. I hope you enjoy the photos. |
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