“Climb to Conquer” is the motto of the Mountain Cold Weather (MCW) Company, established by the United States War Department in August 1947. From its inception, "the War Department saw the uniqueness of Norwich’s location – near mountains with severe winter temperatures – and its mission to train cadets to be officers in the Army," reported a Norwich alumni publication.
Fondly nicknamed the "Hilly Chilly" squad somewhere along their history, the University's company has made major contributions to the 10th Mountain Division, especially during World War II.
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Mission Mt. Mangart, a documentary, tells the story of the soldiers that battled and conquered the Nazi-occupied alpine regions and Julian Alps of Italy on May 2, 1945.
During previous combat, the 10th had successfully obtained a supply of German ski gear, hoping the stash would prove helpful. As they gazed upon Mt. Mangart's massive snowfield, they remembered that before they were soldiers, they were skiers. After the loss of over 1,000 troops and the surrender of the Nazis, the soldiers held a ski race.
Surviving veterans then founded more than 40 ski areas in North America and various Mountain Cold Weather Training Programs including the program at Norwich University. The documentary also covers the contributions of Norwich alumni to the 10th Mountain Division.
The film will air in Northfield on January 10, 2023. Here are the details.
Date: Saturday, January 14, 2023
Time: 6:00 p.m. pre-film reception with filmmaker Chris Anthony in Milano Ballroom, Norwich University
7:30 p.m. film screening in Mack Hall Auditorium, Norwich University
Cost: $25.00 general admission tickets include pre-film reception and post-film Q&A with Chris Anthony plus
one raffle ticket for fantastic prizes. Tickets are limited.
Registration: Seating is limited and tickets must be reserved in advance by completing the form below.
Tickets will be held at Will Call for pick-up the night of the screening.
Professional skier, filmmaker, and Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame inductee, Chris Anthony will be on hand for a pre-film reception and post-film Q&A.
Proceeds from the screening will benefit Norwich University’s Mountain Cold Weather program and Chris Anthony’s Youth Initiative Project.
For more information about this new documentary, see the film's Facebook page.
