It was with great sadness that I heard the news of the passing of Bob Dole. In 1992, he honored me by writing the foreword to my history of the 10th Mountain Division, Soldiers on Skis.

Although he did not train with the division in Colorado (he came in as a replacement second lieutenant after the division had suffered heavy casualties in Italy), he exemplified the all traits of the mountain soldiers: tough, resilient, and willing to put his life on the line for his fellow soldiers. He was respected by all the men in his platoon.

His courage almost cost him his life; while leading an assault on a German machine-gun position near Castel d’Aiano on April 14, 1945, he was severely wounded. He spent three years in Army hospitals and endured seven painful operations, but never regained full use of his right arm. Despite his injuries, he went on to a long and distinguished life of public service in Washington, for which he will be forever remembered.

Farewell, Bob Dole. You fought the good fight.

Flint Whitlock

Denver