At the outbreak of World War II, the U.S. had no units specializing in winter and mountain warfare, lagging behind its allies and, more ominously, its enemies. The 10th Mountain Division aimed to correct this imbalance, and from February to May 1945, it battled the veteran German troops of Albert Kesselring in the Alpine mountains, valleys, and rivers of northern Italy. The boys of the 10th fought, skied, and climbed their way to victory--and into history as one of the most legendary units of all time.