World War II at Camp Hale: Blazing a New Trail in the Rockies

by David R. Witte, Flint Whitlock (Foreword)

In April 1942, a little over two years before the Tenth Mountain Division officially obtained its name, the U.S. Army began the unprecedented construction of a training facility for its newly acquired ski and mountain troops. Located near Pando in Colorado's Sawatch Range, the site eventually known as Camp Hale sits at an elevation of 9,250 feet. Immense challenges in its creation and subsequent training included ongoing racial conflict, the high altitude and blustery winters. However, thanks to contributions from civilian workers and the Women's Army Corps and support from neighboring communities, the camp trained soldiers who helped defeat the Axis powers in World War II. Veteran David R. Witte brings to life this enduring story.

Genres: World War II

256 pages, Paperback

First published October 26, 2015

About the author

Chaplain (CPT) David R. Witte currently serves as the battalion chaplain for the 777th Aviation Support Battalion, Arkansas Army National Guard. Additionally, he is the military and veterans affairs representative for Congressman Bruce Westerman, AR-04. He holds an MA in public history from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and is an army chaplain endorsed by the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. David, his wife Megan and their three children reside in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Reviews

[Gwen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Driving past the former location of Camp Hale, it's hard to imagine a large Army base with thousands of soldiers, buildings, and vehicles on the lonely plain. Witte's book brings to life the decision to construct a camp for the training of ski and mountain troops in central Colorado. His extensive research reveals internal debates about the creation of Camp Hale and the best methods of training the mountain troops. Illustrated with abundant photographs, most from the author's collection and the Denver Public Library, the book is also chock full of detailed notes. While Witte is not the greatest writer and there are numerous errors, World War II at Camp Hale is valuable for its in-depth examination of the establishment of Camp Hale and the activities that took place there during the war.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprehensive and very thorough history of the construction of and training at Camp Hale. The Arthur thoroughly researched and details Camp Hale from the land acquisition from private owners through training and the eventual moving of Troops to Camp Swift, TX, then to War In Italy. completing this reading ads another book to the 10 plus history's I've read re the 10th Mountain Division.

[kelly kress · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where winter sports and war intersect

Worth reading of you have an interest in military history,Colorado and WWII. Make sure to click on footnotes or you will miss valuable information.

[Michael Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good history of Camp Hale near Leadville, Colorado. I picked up this book to help a small bookstore In Breckenridge never expecting to enjoy it. I was pleasantly surprised.

[Gregg Sapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good account of the development of the Colorado ski towns as a result of the military base of Camp Hale.

[Kenneth Barber · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book details the formation of the 10th Mountain Division and the training it received first in Washington at Mt Rainier and then at Camp Hale in Colorado. The author tells of the search for a place suitable to train mountain troops and the selection of the site in Colorado. He describes the conditions that made the site chosen as the ideal location. He then follows the construction of the camp and the challenges that were overcome. He the describes the training regimen that was put in place for this specialized unit. He also give an interesting look at the daily camp life and the interaction with the towns and people around the camp.