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Name
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Omland, Erling Omar
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Rank, Company, Regiment
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S/SGT K 87TH INF WIA 4/16/45
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Birth date/Death Date
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Vermont Location
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Rutland
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Awards
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Combat Infantry Badge, Purple Heart, and Bronze Star
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Importance of Vermont
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"Moved to Vermont in 1952 and have thrived in a state that offers outdoor activities all year long. My family and I have enjoyed skiing, mostly at Pico, both recreational and competition."
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First skiing experience
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"1922 - Long Island. Norwegian Parents had some skis for 5 year old! Also 2 years 1926-27 in Norway on skis. As a school boy I began serious skiing in 1936."
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College
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Competitive Skiing
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NJ State Slalom Champ 5 times.
Eastern Vet. GS Champ 1965
Member, director, treasurer, VP US Eastern Amateur Ski Association 1938 to end.
Member, director, VP of VARA.
Member Pico Ski Club, from 1953, race chair.
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What was your experience in the 10th like?
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"A memorable in many cases enjoyable rewarding experience. Learned greatly, met fine men."
"In the 10th I met and became friends with outstanding mountaineers, world renown skiers, men of character and purpose. Moreover we built a fellowship of dedicated ski enthusiasts that endures in increasingly lesser numbers to this day."
"Basic and non-com school from C Prime Company, 86th, at Camp Hale, transferred May 43 to 10th Recom, later Mountain Training Group to teach and supervise skiing, rock climbing, mountaineering. Transferred from K Co. 87th when division moved to Camp Swift, TX. Squad leader during Italian campaign, wounded 4/16/45, hospitalized and rehab until released 12/31/45.
"I gave up Cons.Obt. And War defer to join buddies in 10th." "I realized that we were fighting for the best cause, to defeat the most insidious and dictator who led."
Volunteered for service 3/3/43 to 12/31/45.
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Why did you join the 10th?
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Ski Patrol
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Ski School
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"First I taught for Walt Prager."
"Certified ski instructor Southern Rocky Mountain Ski Association. 1946
Taught with friend Walter Prager at Dartmouth Ski School 1946, served as civilian employee US Army (equiv. Rank Captain) in MTG under Col. Fowler at Camp Carson, CO, 1946-7.
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Ski Industry
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Vermont Ski Area Connection
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Killington. Moved to Rutland, VT 1952. Met Carolyn Burke (1929-2002) on Pico Peak. Married Connie in 1955, built our house on Town Line Road from where we, with three children Kevin, Mari and Kristian, enjoyed outdoor living and the sport of skiing."
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Role of Skiing in your Life
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Other information
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Founding member of Watchung Amateur Ski Club. 1938
Founding member and past president of NJ Ski Council. Erling wrote the book "Hill Echoes" and currently writes "Leaves from a Skier's Journal" for The Mountain Times
"Did 1 year Mtn. Trg. Group as civilian."
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Photograph information
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Information submitted by
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Erling Omland
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