Ross Irvin

The “Winter Army” is a fascinating story of the origins of the 10th Mountain Division and it’s fighting record during World War II. The author provides considerable detail through his extensive research. The origins of the ski troops and influence of "Mini" Dole in bringing the unit about was very interesting. Isserman spends a great deal of effort successfully describing the war from the perspective of individual soldiers from each of the regiments as well as the unique contributions of the ski patrol and professional mountaineers. Although Isserman attempts to describe the overall training and planning for the campaign, he is there found wanting. There are few, if any descriptions of the contributions of the division staff other than those of commanding general Hays. The most glaring omission is the lack of any reference concerning the division operations officer, LTC Jefferson Irvin. LTC Irvin’s vision and skilled operations staff provided the planning and orders which made the described events happen! Yes, and I am his son.