NJ Region attends Charles “Minnie” Dole Roadside Marker Unveiling
Paul Smiths, NY – On May 2, the National Ski Patrol and the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division participated in the historic unveiling of a roadside marker and gravesite rededication in honor of Charles Minot “Minnie” Dole, who founded the NSP and played a critical role in creating the 10th MTN by convincing the War Department of the need for mountaineering trained troops in WWII.
Mr. Dole founded the NSP to supply first aid and rescue support at ski venues in 1938. During World War II, Mr. Dole convinced the U.S. War Department to form the United States Army Ski Troopers to combat Germans on the mountainous Italian terrain. It was composed of volunteer mountain climbers, ski patrollers and outdoorsmen. They were recruited through and had their applications processed by the NSP, the only civilian agency authorized by the War Department to recruit specialized personnel.
As Director of the National Ski Patrol from its inception until 1950, Mr. Dole was responsible for its expansion in the U.S. and received groups from other countries that came to study the NSP model. At the end of WWII, 10th Mountain veterans founded and/or managed over sixty American ski resorts including Sugarbush, Crystal Mountain, Whiteface Mountain, as well as Vail, Arapahoe Basin, Winter Park, Loveland and Aspen.
All photographs above by Lainie McDonnell
Patrollers from the Eastern Division, and our own New Jersey Region were in attendance at the event. The shared heritage between the 10th and the NSP was discussed and demonstrated with a strong spirit of camaraderie. A special guest, Mr. Harold McAfee, an original 10th Mountain veteran of the fight in Italy, was present. In his late 90’s, Mr. McAfee is still carving turns. He is truly an inspiration to us all.
See him in the photos below. Notice his 10th Mountain insignia…….
To learn more about Mr. Harold McAfee, click here:
https://dailygazette.com/2017/01/26/mcafee-94-is-only-going-downhill-when-skiing/
PHOTOGRAPHER: JOHN BEACH PHOTOGRAPHER: PHIL JOHNSON/FOR DAILY GAZETTE
For more information:
Listen to this podcast and learn about the history of the 10th Mountain Division and its connection to the National Ski Patrol featuring NSP Historian Rick Hamlin and former Historian Dr. Grethchen Besser. Click on the link below:
