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Grade Level 9th or 10th

Veteran Biography

Background: The WWII 10th Mtn. Div. consisted of approximately 14,000 soldiers. This included the three main Division Regiments (87th, 86th and 85th) along with numerous support units. Currently, there remain less than 200 WWII 10th veterans living throughout the U.S. and many reside in nursing homes or other health care facilities. It is hoped that their stories and time with their comrades in the 10th Mountain Division will pass from generation to generation. The purpose of this activity is to help you gain a better understanding and appreciation of your WWII 10th family member’s military service by interviewing one of their descendants/relatives. The storyof the 10th Mtn. Div. is one that must be remembered. It is the hope that by completing these activities, their legacy will continue.

Objectives: 1) To interview a 10th veteran or descendant/relative of a 10th veteran 2) to submit completed interview to the Denver Public Library

Directions: Please ask and discuss the following questions with a 10th veteran, or descendant/relative of your 10th Mountain Division family member. Answer the questions in narrative form. As an alternative to a written format you may video record the interview.

  1. a.    What is your name?
    1. What is the name of the person you are interviewing?
    1. What is the name and unit (if known) of the WWII 10th soldier? 
    1.  What is the relationship between the WWII 10th soldier and the person you are   interviewing (i.e., son, daughter, nephew, niece, granddaughter, grandson)?
    1. What is the relationship between you and the person you are interviewing (i.e., son, daughter, nephew, niece, granddaughter, grandson)?
  • Was the 10th soldier drafted or did he enlist? How did he get into the 10th Mtn. Div.?
  • Where was he living at the time of being drafted or enlistment?
  • What recollections did he have of his first days of service or with the 10th?
  • What did it feel like for him to be in the 10th Mtn. Div.?
  • Did he remember what it was like arriving in Italy and, if so, what were his memories?
  • What specific assignment(s) did he have (i.e., rifleman, machine gunner, medic)?
  • Was he able to share any of his experiences or feelings being in combat?
  • Were any of his friends KIA or wounded in combat? 
  • Did he receive any medals or citations? If yes, how did he earn them?
  • What were several of his most memorable experiences being with the 10th Mt. Div.?
  •  What has completing this activity meant to you? 


Upon completion, send your interview document or video to:

Val Rios at: vrios913@aol.com

In the subject line type: 10th Mtn. Div. Desc. – Interview

Include the following information with your submission:

       Name:

      Address:

      City:

      State:

      Zip:

      Home or Cell Phone:

      Email Address:

      Are you a descendant of a 10th Mountain Division soldier? If yes, what was his   name and what unit was he in?

We would also like to include a photo of each student who completes an activity in the next edition of the 10th Mountain Division digital newsletter, the Blizzard. If you would like your picture included, please scan and submit a photo of yourself.

Or, if you prefer you may mail your interview document/video and photo to:

Val Rios

6816 S. Maple

Fresno, CA 93725

Thank you! We hope that you enjoyed reading your book and encourage you to read additional books about the 10th. We also hope that you will complete next year’s activity!