Digital Collections

Leo J. Kohlman oral history

Details

Call NumberOH221-2018-1439CreatorKohlman, Leo J., 1911-2008Date1977-2009SummaryThe interview provides biographical information and personal observations about Kohlman's experiences as a member of the 10th Mountain Division: civilian background as a working cowboy, rodeo performer and skier; entered the Army at age 30, immediately volunteered for the ski troops and was assigned to the 87th Regiment as an armorer in the supply unit; participated in the Kiska operation, and relates experiences including thoughts on the friendly fire episode, poor leadership and various snafus; describes D series training, and Camp Hale and Camp Swift experiences including mule training; relates his combat experiences including how houses were requisitioned for use; chasing the Germans through the Po Valley; and the confrontation with Tito's army. He also describes his return to the US, decommissioning of the unit and his separation from the Army and provides opinions as to why the 10th Mountain Division has stuck together. Kohlman has written two books frequently referred to in the interview, but not identified. The books are: Uphill with the Ski Troops, and Cowboy'n -The Way it Was.Physical Description6 audio files (4:40:35), 1 indexSubjectKohlman, Leo J., 1911-2008.--InterviewsUnited States. Army. Mountain Division, 10th--InterviewsUnited States. Army. Infantry Regiment, 87th--InterviewsWorld War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, AmericanMilitary maneuvers--Cold weather conditionsSoldiers--United States--InterviewsSki troops--History--InterviewsCamp Hale (Colo.)--HistoryCamp Carson (Colo.)--HistoryCamp Swift (Tex.)--HistoryKiska Island (Alaska)--HistoryFort Ord (Calif.)--HistoryNotesThis oral history was digitized as part of the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR) Recordings at Risk grant project.TranscriberSchmid, Keli L., 1972-Collection10th Mountain Division Records

Audio

Leo J. Kohlman Audio 1

Leo J. Kohlman Audio 2

Leo J. Kohlman Audio 3

Leo J. Kohlman Audio 4

Leo J. Kohlman Audio 5

Leo J. Kohlman Audio 6

Document (PDF)

Leo J. Kohlman Index

10th Mountain Division logo over black and white photograph of troops in formation