Packs On!: Memoirs of the 10th Mountain Division

by A.B. Feuer

This history of the 10th Mountain Division during World War II focuses on the personal experiences of the mountain troops who served in Alaska and Italy. Feuer conveys the opinions expressed by the veterans about the conduct of the campaigns―both the good and the bad, with no holds barred. Senator Bob Dole, who was seriously wounded during the campaign, provides a foreword. This fascinating account also reveals the differences in training and strategy from those employed by German ski troops of the same era.

A selection of personal photographs, useful maps, and a timeline allow the reader to follow the progress of the 10th in Italy. In addition to combat accounts, readers will find reference to the harsh realities of war, including friendly fire, dead American soldiers used for target practice, and the vengeful shooting of German prisoners.

Genres: World War II, History, War

200 pages, Hardcover

First published October 30, 2004

About the author

Bud Feuer is a retired journalist with 50 years experience in the newspaper, magazine and book business. After retiring in 1985, Bud moved to Roanoke, VA and began another venture into the publishing field. During the next 20 years, Bud published over a dozen books, and has written several hundred stories that have appeared in newsstand magazines.

Reviews

[JD · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is filled with some great short stories about the men of the 10th Mountain Division, mostly during the Italian Campaign. The stories is of men of all the combat arms within the 10th, and gives great insight of life in the Italian theater during the latter stages of World War 2. Also great additions to the book which makes the scope a little broader is Chapter 11: Diary of a German Soldier and Chapter 12: Italian Campaign - A German Retrospect. There is just one story I strongly disliked and that is the story of Lloyd Fitch who was a replacement in the 10th, and the book of great stories could have done without that one.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book from cover to cover. Filled with personal stories that were never published until this book. Great stories from Infantry to signalman.

[Iain · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good collection of anecdotes of life in the 10th Mountain Division.