The Last Ridge: The Uphill Battles of the 10th Mountain Division

Narrated by NPR's Scott Simon, The Last Ridge tells the remarkable story of a specialized division of the U.S. military that has its roots in World War II. Founded two weeks before Japan bombed Pearl Harbor in 1941, the 10th Mountain Division was created in anticipation of meeting the enemy on mountainous terrain in Europe and elsewhere. Comprised in part of champion-caliber skiers and rugged mountain men, the 10th attracted many young athletic soldiers who joined their ranks and underwent training that, as one veteran puts it, pushed them to their limits again and again. The 10th trained for two years before being sent into action against German positions in Italy's mountaintops, advancing despite bloody resistance and numerous casualties in a lengthy fight that would ultimately prove pivotal to ending the war in Europe. Combining extraordinary archival footage, compelling interviews, dramatic recreations, and 3-D animation, this documentary features DVD extras including bonus interviews, training scenes, aerial footage, and more. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (T. Keogh)