Tribute to Donald L. Olson
10th
Mountain Division Veteran and Western Region, Central Division Patroller
January
8, 1926 – November 25, 2016
by Mark Holtan and Martin Fahje
Another
World War II 10th Mountain Division veteran has gone to join his ski troop
buddies who blazed that trail before him. Donald L. Olson, of New Brighton,
Minnesota, passed away on Nov. 28, 2016, at the age of 90 at his home and now
rests at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis.
A
very accomplished patroller who joined the NSP at age 54, along with his wife,
Alice, he served his local patrol, Wild Mountain and our Western Region for 28
years until he retired from patrolling, only to pursue and pass his
Professional Ski Instructors of America Level I at age 84 years young. This
exemplifies his incredible passion for skiing, teaching, working with kids, and
mentoring many.
Don
attended Edison High School in Minneapolis, then enlisted in the Army and
joined the ski troop training at Camp Hale, Colorado, known as the 10th
Mountain Division. From there, Don went to Camp Swift, Texas for more training.
The 10th Mountain Division troops landed in Naples, Italy, then
walked, climbed to, up and over mountains.
During the night they assaulted and surprised German troops on Mount Belvedere. Troopers in front of and behind Don were hit.
To his dying day, Don and his wife kept in touch Del Riley, the soldier in from
of Don, who took a bullet in his shoulder saving Don’s life, Walt Neller, and George
Nelson (deceased May 2014), who went on to develop Lutsen Ski Area on the North
Shore of Lake Superior.
Don
served as president of the North Central Chapter of the 10th Mountain Division
from 1989 to 1992. The boundaries of the North Central Chapter of the 10th are
nearly the same as our Western Region in the Central Division of the NSP. Don
had a vision of an award to be presented to a Western Region patroller and
presented the award idea to the North Central Chapter members, who gave full
support. Don then presented this proposed award to our Western Region board,
and with acceptance, this award, the 10th Mountain Division Association, North
Central Chapter Award, aka 10th Mountain Award, was created in 1991.
The
10th Mountain Medallion, which is the focus of the award, can only be obtained
through a member of the 10th Mountain. Initially, all nominees were submitted
to the North Central Chapter for evaluation of criteria and selection of the
recipient. A few years ago, this selection process was transitioned to our
region awards committee due to the attrition of these veterans. The 10th
Mountain Award is deemed to be the most coveted award within our Western
Region. Don was the ninth recipient of this award, in 2000, the first year he
was eligible.
After
the war, Don studied civil engineering at the University of Minnesota. Needing
a class in design, he enrolled at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design
(MCAD) in an industrial arts program, where he met Alice in a commercial art
course. Don felt sorry for Alice because she wasn't Norwegian! The best thing
he could do for her was to marry her. Alice's comment was, "We all know who
got the best of this union!"
Don
worked 34 years as a civil engineer for the city of Minneapolis, then after
retirement was a realtor for several years.
Don
was a hunter with shotgun, rifle, and bow, loading his own rifle and shotgun
shells and making his own arrows. He trained four hunting dogs, a Chesapeake,
two black labs, and a springer. For years, he was active in the Minnesota
Springer Spaniel Field Trial Club and did well with his springer. Don and Alice
also enjoyed fishing trips to Lake Kabetogama bordering Canada.
In
honor of Don’s passing, memorials can be sent to the 10th Mountain Division
Foundation, Inc., at 133 S. Van Gordon St., Suite 200, Lakewood, CO 80228.
Mark Holtan and Martin Fahje
Alumnus
Western Region and Coffee Mill Ski Patrol, Minnesota
