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A wreath is laid at the top of Pizzo di Campiano, known to the U.S. Army as “Riva Ridge” during a ceremony commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the historic battle near Bologna, Italy, Feb. 19, 2025. 10th Mountain Division (LI) Soldiers, accompanied by Col. Aimee Mowry, U.S. Army Attaché in Italy, Italian Army Capt. Stefano Meraviglia, commander of the 6th Alpini Regiment, and members of the local community climbed the same steps as past division Soldiers, honoring those who helped courageously break the Germans’ Gothic Line during World War II, creating an everlasting legacy in Northern Italy. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jaidon Novinska)

10th Mountain Division (LI) Soldiers give a round of applause during a ceremony at the summit of Pizzo di Campiano, known as “Riva Ridge,” commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the historic battle near Bologna, Italy, Feb. 19, 2025. 10th Mountain Division (LI) Soldiers, accompanied by Col. Aimee Mowry, U.S. Army Attaché in Italy, Italian Army Capt. Stefano Meraviglia, commander of the 6th Alpini Regiment, and members of the local community climbed the same steps as past division Soldiers, honoring those who helped courageously break the Germans’ Gothic Line during World War II, creating an everlasting legacy in Northern Italy. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jaidon Novinska)

Soldiers assigned to the 10th Mountain Division (LI), accompanied by Col. Aimee Mowry, U.S. Army Attaché in Italy, Italian army Capt. Stefano Meraviglia, commander of the 6th Alpini Regiment, and members of the local community pose for a photo after summiting Pizzo di Campiano, commonly known as “Riva Ridge” during the 80th Anniversary of the historic battle, near Bologna, Italy, Feb. 19, 2025. Between Feb. 18-19, 1945, 10th Mountain Division Soldiers (LI) executed a bold and lethal assault on Riva Ridge, overcoming impossible odds to seize crucial terrain and change the course of the war. The victory at Riva Ridge illustrates how continuous transformation in tactics and training ensures dominance on the battlefield, from World War II to today’s operational environments. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jaidon Novinska)

A wreath is laid on a stone marking the base of the first aerial tramway used in the Battle of Riva Ridge during World War II by Soldiers with Company D, 126th Mountain Engineer Battalion, 10th Mountain Division, near Bologna, Italy, Feb. 18, 2025. A ceremony was held in honor of the Soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division who executed a bold and lethal assault on Riva Ridge, overcoming impossible odds to seize crucial terrain and change the course of World War II. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jaidon Novinska)

The 10th Mountain Division (LI) patch is worn at the top of Pizzo di Campiano, commonly known as “Riva Ridge” during the 80th Anniversary of the historic battle, near Bologna, Italy, Feb. 19, 2025. Between Feb. 18-19, 1945, 10th Mountain Division Soldiers (LI) executed a bold and lethal assault on Riva Ridge, overcoming impossible odds to seize crucial terrain and change the course of the war. The victory at Riva Ridge illustrates how continuous transformation in tactics and training ensures dominance on the battlefield, from World War II to today’s operational environments. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jaidon Novinska)

Command Sgt. Maj. Alexander King, senior enlisted advisor of 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI), poses for a photo after summiting Pizzo di Campiano, known to the U.S. Army as “Riva Ridge” during the 80th Anniversary of the historic battle near Bologna, Italy, Feb. 19, 2025. 10th Mountain Division (LI) Soldiers, accompanied by Col. Aimee Mowry, U.S. Army Attaché in Italy, Italian Army Capt. Stefano Meraviglia, commander of the 6th Alpini Regiment, and members of the local community climbed the same steps as past division Soldiers, honoring those who helped courageously break the Germans’ Gothic Line during World War II, creating an everlasting legacy in Northern Italy. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jaidon Novinska)

Staff Sgt. Kayden Isom, assigned to Mountain Training Group, 10th Mountain Division (LI) ascends Pizzo di Campiano, known to the U.S. Army as “Riva Ridge” during the 80th Anniversary of the historic battle near Bologna, Italy, Feb. 19, 2025. 10th Mountain Division (LI) Soldiers, accompanied by Col. Aimee Mowry, U.S. Army Attaché in Italy, Italian Army Capt. Stefano Meraviglia, commander of the 6th Alpini Regiment, and members of the local community climbed the same steps as past division Soldiers, honoring those who helped courageously break the Germans’ Gothic Line during World War II, creating an everlasting legacy in Northern Italy. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jaidon Novinska)

Italian army Capt. Stefano Meraviglia, commander of the 6th Alpini Regiment, speaks to 10th Mountain Division Soldiers about the significance of the cappello alpino, a hat worn by the Italian army Alpini soldiers near Bologna, Italy, Feb. 20, 2025. Meraviglia joined 10th Mountain Division (LI) Soldiers, Col. Aimee Mowry, U.S. Army Attaché in Italy, and members of the local community to climb Pizzo di Campiano, known as “Riva Ridge” during the 80th Anniversary of the famous battle. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jaidon Novinska)

Italian army Capt. Stefano Meraviglia, center, commander of the 6th Alpini Regiment, and Soldiers assigned to the Mountain Training Group, 10th Mountain Division (LI), ascend Pizzo di Campiano, commonly known as “Riva Ridge” during the 80th Anniversary of the historic battle, near Bologna, Italy, Feb. 19, 2025. Between Feb. 18-19, 1945, 10th Mountain Division Soldiers (LI) executed a bold and lethal assault on Riva Ridge, overcoming impossible odds to seize crucial terrain and change the course of the war. The victory at Riva Ridge illustrates how continuous transformation in tactics and training ensures dominance on the battlefield, from World War II to today’s operational environments. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jaidon Novinska)

Col. Anthony Gore, commander of 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI), gives a speech during a ceremony at the summit of Pizzo di Campiano, known as “Riva Ridge,” commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the historic battle near Bologna, Italy, Feb. 19, 2025. 10th Mountain Division (LI) Soldiers, accompanied by Col. Aimee Mowry, U.S. Army Attaché in Italy, Italian Army Capt. Stefano Meraviglia, commander of the 6th Alpini Regiment, and members of the local community climbed the same steps as past division Soldiers, honoring those who helped courageously break the Germans’ Gothic Line during World War II, creating an everlasting legacy in Northern Italy. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jaidon Novinska)

Soldiers assigned to Mountain Training Group, 10th Mountain Division (LI), proudly display the division flag after summiting Pizzo di Campiano, known to the U.S. Army as “Riva Ridge” during the 80th Anniversary of the historic battle near Bologna, Italy, Feb. 19, 2025. 10th Mountain Division (LI) Soldiers, accompanied by Col. Aimee Mowry, U.S. Army Attaché in Italy, Italian Army Capt. Stefano Meraviglia, commander of the 6th Alpini Regiment, and members of the local community climbed the same steps as past division Soldiers, honoring those who helped courageously break the Germans’ Gothic Line during World War II, creating an everlasting legacy in Northern Italy. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jaidon Novinska)

BOLOGNA, Italy (Feb. 18-19, 2025) – It was 80 years ago that the Soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division courageously climbed Riva Ridge, a set of steep, prominent peaks in the Northern Apennine Mountain Range. It was a pivotal moment in World War II, forever etching itself into the history of the division.

The infamous Gothic Line – a defense of fortifications across the top of Italy’s ‘boot’ – was held with a strong and tight grip by the Germans, which allowed them to control the high ground and keep the Allies at bay.

The Allies needed a way to take Riva Ridge, which held the German’s observation post, a position used to watch for enemies, direct fire, and warn of approaching soldiers. Defeating this observation post was a critical piece in breaking the Gothic Line, and would enable the Allies to advance further toward Germany and end the Axis’ presence in Italy.

During the night of Feb. 18, 1945, Soldiers with the 10th Mountain Division quietly ascended the icy, rigged slopes and cliffs.

“The [Germans] held all the high ground, and one felt like he was in the bottom of a bowl with the enemy sitting on two-thirds of the rim looking down upon you,” said Lt. Col. Henry J. Hampton, commander of 1st Battalion, 86th Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division. “There was about as much concealment as a goldfish would have in a bowl.”

As the Germans slept in their covered positions the division slowly climbed the ridge, covered by a blanket of fog and armed with the element of surprise.

Upon reaching the Germans’ dugouts and fighting positions, the 10th Mountain Division Soldiers took control of their weapons while throwing grenades inside, effectively surprising the Germans.

Once the Germans realized the division managed to scale Riva Ridge, they launched a series of counterattacks that killed 17 U.S. Soldiers; however, after five days of fighting, the observation post was secured and in the Allies’ control.

Eighty years later, the Apennine Mountain Range remains the same, seemingly untouched by the second world war. Only the fragmented stone structures of the Germans’ fighting positions stand tucked into the foliage.

On Feb. 18, Soldiers with the modern-day 10th Mountain Division, the local chapter of the National Alpine Association, and members of the community held a ceremony honoring the actions of the division and those who were killed and wounded during the battle.

Paolo Maini, a local councilman, spoke about the bond between the Italian and U.S. armies.

“10th Mountain Division, your presence is a powerful reminder of the deep bond of friendship and the solidarity between our nations.”

In the late afternoon, the 10th Mountain Division Soldiers and Massimo Turchi, President of the Gothic Line Association and Director of the Riva Ridge Museum, climbed Mount Belvedere to commemorate the battle.

Massimo Turchi, President of the Gothic Line Association and Director of the Riva Ridge Museum, teaches Soldiers assigned to Mountain Training Group, 10th Mountain Division (LI), and members of the local community about the Battle of Riva Ridge near Bologna, Italy, Feb. 19, 2025. 10th Mountain Division (LI) Soldiers, accompanied by Col. Aimee Mowry, U.S. Army Attaché in Italy, Italian Army Capt. Stefano Meraviglia, commander of the 6th Alpini Regiment, and members of the local community climbed the same steps of Riva Ridge as past division Soldiers, honoring those who helped courageously break the Germans’ Gothic Line during World War II, creating an everlasting legacy in Northern Italy. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jaidon Novinska)

At the summit, engraved with the famous division mountain tab and powder keg, stands a monolith of stone erected in memory of the 10th Mountain Division Soldiers that gave their lives during the Battle of Riva Ridge.

Early the next day, the Soldiers embarked for Pizzo di Campiano, known famously as “Riva Ridge” to the division and U.S. Army.

Just like 80 years ago, Riva Ridge was covered in snow, ice, and mud. Along with members of the local community, the 10th Mountain Division Soldiers ascended one and a half miles to the top – with a steep elevation gain of 1,230 feet.

After reaching the top of the mountain, a sense of humility, heritage, and legacy was felt by the Soldiers and community members. To stand where 10th Mountain Division Soldiers of World War II stood in 1945 instilled the division’s motto: Climb to Glory.

A monument dedicated to the 10th Mountain Division (LI) stands at the top of Mount Belvedere during the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Riva Ridge near Bologna, Italy, Feb. 18, 2025. On Feb. 18, 1945, 10th Mountain Soldiers executed a bold and lethal assault on Riva Ridge, overcoming impossible odds to seize crucial terrain and change the course of the war. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jaidon Novinska)

“Walking in their footsteps, it strikes me that on that night 80 years ago, the Soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division faced three enemies: Germans, the ridge, and an internal battle between mission focus and self-preservation,” said Col. Anthony Gore, commander of 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. “I can understand why General Hays told his Soldiers, ‘whatever you do, just keep moving, we’ll meet at the top.’”

Stefano Muzzarelli, the mayor of Fanano, reflected on the climb and current state of the world.

“History repeats itself, and so do wars,” Muzzarelli said. “Once again, the world is at war on multiple fronts, with Europe and the United States involved to varying degrees – this should make us reflect even deeper on the fact that nothing can be taken for granted.”

At the base of the mountain sits the Riva Ridge Museum, directed by Turchi. When giving a speech to the 10th Mountain Division Soldiers and members of the community, he emphasized the importance of local history.

Col. Anthony Gore, center, commander of 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI), receives an ID tag from the mayor of Fanano, Stefano Muzzarelli, that belonged to George W. Wallis, a Soldier believed to have been assigned to the 10th Mountain Division during World War II, near Bologna, Italy, Feb. 19, 2025. The ID tag was given to Gore during the 80th Anniversary of Riva Ridge, as Wallis is believed to have helped assault Riva Ridge during the famous battle. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jaidon Novinska)

The ID tag of George W. Wallis, a Soldier believed to have been assigned to the 10th Mountain Division during World War II, is displayed near Bologna, Italy, Feb. 19, 2025. The ID tag was given to Col. Anthony Gore, commander of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI) during the 80th Anniversary of Riva Ridge, as Wallis is believed to have helped assault Riva Ridge during the famous battle. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jaidon Novinska)

“We believe that only through local history, one can attempt to unravel the complexity of the war and feel deep down the sincerity of the words spoken by witnesses,” Turchi said. “It is from that sincerity that the message of peace arises, along with remembering, 80 years later, the events of World War II – and today, in particular, the Battle of Riva Ridge.”