HONORING THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 10TH MOUNTAIN DIVISION'S TRIUMPH AT RIVA RIDGE

On 2024-12-17, Representative Elise M. Stefanik (R-NY-21) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 10TH MOUNTAIN DIVISION'S TRIUMPH AT RIVA RIDGE" in the House. The speech addressed immigration and also covered the economy, defense.

HONORING THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 10TH MOUNTAIN DIVISION'S TRIUMPH AT RIVA RIDGE

Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 187 (Tuesday, December 17, 2024) [Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 187 (Tuesday, December 17, 2024)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E1287-E1288] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 10TH MOUNTAIN DIVISION'S TRIUMPH AT RIVA RIDGE ______ HON. ELISE M. STEFANIK of new york in the house of representatives Tuesday, December 17, 2024 Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the 80th anniversary of the 10th Mountain Division's heroic role in the Battle of Riva Ridge. Eighty years ago, the United States and its allies waged a historic campaign to liberate Europe from Nazi Germany. Pivotal to these efforts, were the brave soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division who embarked on the formidable mission of breaching the German Gothic Line, a 108-mile-long defensive barrier stretching across the Apennine Mountains in northern Italy. Breaking through this line was vital for the Allied forces to advance across Europe and retake control of the continent. The Germans held the strategic high ground allowing them to dominate key terrain, obstruct Allied assaults, and block critical supply routes in Europe. The Allies determined that the only path forward was to scale the ice and snow-covered cliffs of Riva Ridge, which stood thousands of feet above the valley where the 10th Mountain Division was stationed. The Germans believed these cliffs were insurmountable. However, they underestimated the determination, versatility, and unparalleled skill of the 10th Mountain Division, a regiment composed of elite mountaineers, trappers, and outdoorsmen who trained and were battle- readied in the rugged Colorado Rockies. In the evening of February 18, 1945, 700 soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division ascended the treacherous, ice-covered slopes of Riva Ridge. Moving under the cover of darkness and a concealing fog, they scaled 2,000 [[Page E1288]] feet to confront the unsuspecting enemy. Catching the Germans off guard as they slept in their dugouts, the 10th Mountain Division successfully seized the ridge. They defended their hard-won position for five grueling days, enduring heavy fighting that claimed the lives of 17 American soldiers and left 51 others wounded. In nearly five months, they faced off against 100,000 German troops, ultimately liberating the Po River Valley which led to freeing Italy. The courage and sacrifice demonstrated by the soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division is truly inspiring. Their bravery in overcoming extreme adversity remains a powerful example of valor and determination. Under the leadership of 10th Mountain Division's former Commanding General Gregory K. Anderson and the current Commanding General Scott M. Nauman, the 10th Mountain Division is valiantly returning to their Alpine roots to ensure the U.S. Army is ready to fight in diverse, mountainous terrains, just as they did 80 years ago. On behalf of New York's 21st district, we honor the 10th Mountain Division's heroic actions at the Battle of Riva Ridge and celebrate their enduring legacy of service and sacrifice on this 80th anniversary. ____________________