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The 87th Mountain Infantry Regiment of the 10th US Mountain Division was unique in being the first infantry regiment to serve in both the Pacific and European theatre of operations. After taking part in the occupation of Kiska in the Aleutians, and a period of increased training the 87th found themselves in Italy. At the beginning of January 1945, on the Eve of what was to the beginning of the end in Italy US Army General Hays, the 10th Division Commander met with Lt. General L.K. Truscott, Jr the new commander of the US Fifth Army in Italy. They were discussing the forthcoming assault on Mt Belvedere. But what was said I believe sums up the very essence of the fine qualities of the 87th Mountain Infantry, if not the whole Division.
Truscott says, "My plan is for your Division (the 10th Mountain) to capture Mt Belvedere, then proceed by stages to capture all the high ground to a position east of the town of Tole".
Hays replies, "Who is going to share the bullets with us when we attack?"
Truscott answered, his face not showing a bit of emotion, "No one."
Such is the background to one soldiers story, but this is not the story of a General. It is the story, as far as we have been able to tell, of one American PFC, fighting in his first war.
PFC, Jack Goldberg Army Number 33935228 had entered service for his country from Pennsylvania. He left behind him his sister Jennie. He had trained hard with his comrades on the parade ground and in the Rockie Mountains and was now a member of the special brotherhood of Mountain Infantry. He was a radioman, attached to the "Stubby mortar" company.
The 87th were from all across the vast American countryside. Their numbers were made up of farmers from small towns, as well as trappers, hunters. These were soldiers who not only felt the keen bond of service in the Mountain Infantry, but they also worshipped the great outdoors, the jagged mountains, the sparely planted fields, the bracing wind as it whipped across their faces, and to ski through the jewelled snow.
Jack Goldberg was attached to D Company, 1st Battalion, 87th originally. However the offensive across the mountains in pursuit of a stretched, but determined enemy was not without cost. The 87th, as well as it's sister Regiments suffered constant losses. Every ridgeline that had to be crossed meant another soldier fell victim to shot, shell or combat exhaustion.
George F. Earles' history of the 87th records a bleak campaign, with every casualty named. It also shows the gritty spirit of an Infantry Regiment that was, in the words of the Regimental Co. Col. Fowler "fired up like no other unit he had ever seen".
Jack was soon a vital part of the "stubby mortar" section. He acted as a forward observer, a job not without risk, this post had already cost two men their lives in the offensive.
Below life in Italy: 1st Section 81mm Co. D. Left rear, standing S/Sgt Robert Dakin.
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