10th Mountain Division Campaign Map

The 10th Mountain Division’s World War II route was short compared with other U.S. divisions, but it was defined by the kind of terrain the unit had been created to fight in. Activated at Camp Hale, Colorado, and trained for mountain warfare, the “Mountaineers” arrived in Italy in late 1944 and entered combat in January 1945 in the northern Apennines.

Its defining operation came in February, when elements of the division made a silent night ascent of Riva Ridge and surprised German positions overlooking the sector. The attack opened the way for the fight around Monte Belvedere and neighboring heights, where the division helped break a mountain barrier that had slowed Allied progress toward Bologna and the Po Valley.

When the final Allied offensive in Italy began in April 1945, the 10th Mountain pushed out of the Apennines and into the open country beyond. It crossed the Po River, reached Verona, and fought around Torbole and Nago near Lake Garda. In one of its final operations, elements crossed Lake Garda to secure positions along the western shore before German forces in Italy surrendered. The map presents a campaign shaped by specialized training, steep terrain, and the final breakthrough into northern Italy.

PAPER & PRINTING

Printed on archival-grade, acid-free matte fine-art paper with a natural surface for crisp detail, accurate color, and lasting display quality.