Episode 4 takes a deep dive into the US Army’s experimental ski patrols of 1940-1941, and the events that led to the activation of the 1st Battalion (Reinforced), 87th Mountain Infantry at Ft. Lewis, Washington—the unit that would eventually become the 10th Mountain Division.
The episode also explores John McCown’s 1941 expedition to British Columbia’s Coast Range, which he made before enlisting with the mountain troops, and features an interview with writer Will Holland, who has been working on a screenplay about McCown for over two decades.
For those who want more, an unabridged version of Episode 4 is available exclusively to our patrons.
The Unabridged version includes:
- Photos and historic images that illustrate the episode
- Complete chronology of events from the episode, leading up to the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the United States’ entry into World War II
- Detailed synopsis of the experimental ski patrols, including key dates and links to newspaper articles
- A complete transcription of the episode
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See here for an overview of the characters introduced in this episode.
I’m a 10th combat veteran. My father was one of the original members of 1/87 In at Lewis and participated in much of the unit’s mountain warfare mission on Mt Rainier before deploying to Kiska, then to Camp Hale. Also, he lived (and I was raised) in Upstate New York, and the Adirondacks is where I learned to love mountains. Interesting stuff you have here. Looking forward to seeing more.
Chris Chandler
Major, US Army (Ret)
Boise, Idaho
My father was one of the first volunteers to test equipment on .t. Rainier. I have been trying to find a roster of the Original volunteers which numbered 25-28.
I am sure that my father knew your father as he was also one of the first training on Mount Rainier. His name was Marvin E. Lovlein.
I served the Combat Support Company, 3/172nd Infantry Battalion (Mountain) from 1985 to 1987 in the NHARNG. At the time, the unit was in Lebanon, NH. Later, they moved to Manchester State Armory and still later to Milford State Armory. They call Milford home today, but it is currently a Rifle Company, still in 3/172nd. At the time a Combat Support Company, consisted of 1) Scout Platoon with a 4 soldier headquarters and 4) Scout Squads, a SHORAD/MANPADS Section with 5) Redeye Teams, 2) Platoons of Medium Anti-Armor Dragon M-47 Weapons, for a total of 18 MAW’s, and 1) Mortar Platoon with 6 M29A1 81MM Mortars. The MTOE was coded with about 50 plus percent of the slots coded Special Skill Identifier “E” Military Mountaineer. Rifle Companies had Machine Gun Platoons and Sniper Section. The Rifle Company in Maine, had a Light Engieer Platoon, organic to the Battalion The Skis were Dynastar Yeti 180MM Mountaineering skis, The bindings were Silveretta 400 Ski Mountaineering Bindings. The boots were Kastinger Peak Ice Climbing Boots. Ski Poles were standard G.I. Military Boots. Snow Shoes were standard G.I. Magnesium Maine/Michigan Snowshoes. Cold Weather Uniforms were standard M1950 Issue Cold Weather Gear, augmented by Gore Tex Woodland Camo Jackets and Pants and Poly P Expedition Weight, Underwear. White Cold Weather Mickey Mouse Boots and Chippewa Leather Military Mountaineering Boots were also used. Berghous Gore Tex Yeti Gators were also issued. Standard Over-Whites completed the specialized gear. everyone carried a 10MM Military Section of Rope for Swiss Seats and a Carbiner and knot tying was practiced regularly. I attended the winter phase of the Mountain School, prior to transferring to the USAR for better oppertunities. I enjoyed serving in the unit, but I found better opportunities in the USAR and I did not look back. I still speak to those who I served with and attend the state retiree reunion. We are all getting old now…