From the Barton County Historical Society...
The Barton County Historical Society will host a program in the Ray Schulz Research Library at the museum by John Sherman, Ellsworth, at 7 p.m. Monday, August 26.
Sherman will share the history and follow the battles of the 10th Mountain Division in the Apennine Mountains of northern Italy during World War II. The 10th Division was initially formed from collegiate skiers with the purpose of preparing “ski troops” for combat in the event of an invasion of the United States through Canada. Recently dedicated as a national monument, Camp Hale located in the Colorado Rockies West of Leadville, was the training site.
The Division was put to the test in Italy having been given the job of securing high ground held by the Germans in the Apennines. Involved in fierce combat with the Germans for only 114 days, the group suffered 992 killed in action, and an additional 4,154 wounded, including Kansan Bob Dole.
A member of the10th Mountain Division Descendants group, Sherman will present an interesting program relating his story of following the footsteps of his father, who he never knew, through Italy. Sherman will discuss the formation of the Division, their battles in Italy and subsequent significant contributions to American and Colorado culture.
Admission to the program is $5 and is free for society members and those under 16 years of age. Those wishing to become members may join the night of the program at the door. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served following the program. The museum is located at 85 S. Hwy. 281, Great Bend.