The Last Ridge

McKay Jenkins delivers a compelling and meticulously researched account of the 10th Mountain Division in "The Last Ridge," chronicling the formation and combat experiences of America's elite mountain infantry during World War II. This narrative history focuses on the division's brutal assault on Riva Ridge and Mount Belvedere in Italy's Northern Apennines during the winter of 1945, operations that would prove both strategically significant and devastatingly costly.

The book opens with the origins of this unique military unit, tracing how the concept of specialized mountain troops emerged in American military planning. Jenkins explains how the division attracted an unusual collection of volunteers, including accomplished skiers, mountaineers, and outdoor enthusiasts who brought civilian expertise to military service. These men underwent rigorous training in Colorado's high country, preparing for warfare in terrain and conditions that conventional infantry units were ill-equipped to handle. The author effectively captures how this unit's composition set it apart from typical Army divisions of the era.

Jenkins structures the narrative around the experiences of specific soldiers, allowing readers to understand the human dimension of mountain warfare. Through letters, interviews, and military records, he reconstructs the daily realities faced by these troops as they trained in the Colorado Rockies and later fought in the Italian mountains. The personal stories ground the larger strategic and tactical discussions, making the military history accessible without sacrificing depth or accuracy. This approach helps convey the physical and psychological demands placed on soldiers fighting in extreme alpine conditions.

The central focus of the book is the February 1945 assault on German positions in the Northern Apennines. Jenkins provides detailed descriptions of the tactical challenges inherent in mountain warfare, from the difficulty of moving equipment up steep slopes to the complexities of coordinating attacks across vertical terrain. The narrative explains how the 10th Mountain Division executed a nighttime climb up the sheer face of Riva Ridge, achieving tactical surprise against entrenched German defenders. The subsequent assault on Mount Belvedere and the surrounding peaks involved weeks of brutal combat in harsh winter conditions.

The author does not shy away from the tremendous cost of these operations. Jenkins documents the heavy casualties suffered by the division during the Italian campaign, presenting the statistics alongside individual stories of soldiers killed or wounded in action. The book makes clear that while the 10th Mountain Division achieved its military objectives and helped break through German defensive lines in northern Italy, these victories came at a significant human price. The combat descriptions are vivid and unflinching, conveying the intensity of mountain warfare without sensationalizing the violence.

Jenkins also explores the aftermath of the war and the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division. Many veterans of the unit went on to play significant roles in developing the American ski industry, founding resorts and ski schools across the country. The book traces these post-war contributions, showing how military experience in mountain terrain translated into civilian pursuits. This dimension adds depth to the narrative, demonstrating how the division's impact extended well beyond its wartime service.

The research supporting this work is evident throughout. Jenkins draws on archival materials, official military histories, personal papers, and interviews with veterans and their families. The author consulted extensive documentary evidence to reconstruct both the tactical details of combat operations and the personal experiences of individual soldiers. This thorough research foundation gives the narrative authority and allows Jenkins to present a nuanced picture of both military operations and soldier experiences.

The book succeeds in balancing military history with human storytelling. Readers interested in World War II combat operations will find detailed tactical information about mountain warfare, while those drawn to personal narratives will encounter compelling individual stories. Jenkins maintains this balance throughout, neither getting lost in tactical minutiae nor sacrificing historical accuracy for emotional impact. The prose remains clear and engaging, making complex military operations understandable to general readers.

"The Last Ridge" serves as both a tribute to the soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division and a sobering examination of mountain combat during World War II. Jenkins has produced a work that honors the veterans while maintaining historical rigor, creating a narrative that is both informative and emotionally resonant. The book stands as a significant contribution to the literature on American military history and the Italian campaign, bringing deserved attention to a specialized unit whose story deserves wider recognition. For readers interested in World War II history, military operations in challenging terrain, or the human experience of combat, this book offers a thoroughly researched and well-told account of a remarkable chapter in American military history.