The Last Ridge

The Last Ridge chronicles the formation and deployment of the 10th Mountain Division during World War II, following a group of elite American ski troops who trained in the Colorado Rockies. These soldiers combined their outdoor expertise and military training to create a specialized fighting force unlike any other in the U.S. military at that time. The narrative traces the division's intensive preparation at Camp Hale and their subsequent combat missions in Italy's Apennine Mountains. Jenkins reconstructs their experiences through extensive research, military documents, and first-hand accounts from veterans who served in this unique unit. The transformation of civilian mountaineers and skiers into combat soldiers provides insight into how innovation and specialized skills shaped military strategy during WWII. Their story represents the intersection of outdoor recreation culture and warfare, demonstrating how civilian expertise can be adapted for military purposes.

Readers praise the book's portrayal of the 10th Mountain Division's formation and combat history in WWII. Many note Jenkins' ability to blend personal stories with military tactics and highlight the unit's lasting influence on American skiing and outdoor recreation. Readers appreciate: - Detailed research and firsthand accounts - Focus on both combat and mountaineering aspects - Clear explanation of specialized mountain warfare training - Coverage of veterans' post-war achievements Common criticisms: - Narrative sometimes jumps between timeframes - Limited coverage of certain battles - Some readers wanted more maps and photos - Technical climbing details can be dense for general readers Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (322 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (157 reviews) One reader noted: "Jenkins strikes the right balance between military history and human interest." Another mentioned: "The book could have used more battlefield accounts from enlisted men rather than officers."

Soldiers on Skis by Charles J. Sanders The chronicle of the U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division's formation and training in Colorado parallels the story told in The Last Ridge.

The Winter Army by Maurice Isserman The book traces the recruitment of civilian skiers and mountaineers to create America's first alpine fighting force during World War II.

We Die Alone by David Armine Howarth This true account follows a Norwegian commando who survived in Arctic conditions while evading German troops during World War II.

Ghost Soldiers by Hampton Sides The narrative follows the U.S. Army Rangers' mission to rescue POWs in the Philippines, highlighting specialized military units operating in extreme conditions.

The Mountain Men by Stephen E. Ambrose The text examines the specialized training and combat operations of the 10th Mountain Division in Italy's Apennine Mountains during World War II.

🏔️ The 10th Mountain Division, featured in the book, trained at Camp Hale, Colorado, at an elevation of 9,200 feet - the highest-altitude military base in U.S. history. ⛷️ Many of the original recruits were world-class skiers, mountaineers, and Olympic athletes who helped revolutionize the American ski industry after World War II. 🎿 Author McKay Jenkins discovered this story while researching the history of his grandfather's Army skis, found in his grandmother's attic. 🏔️ The division's soldiers had to carry up to 90 pounds of gear while skiing and climbing, often in temperatures reaching 20 degrees below zero. 🎯 During their most famous battle at Riva Ridge in Italy, the soldiers scaled a 2,000-foot cliff face in darkness to surprise German forces who thought the position was impenetrable.