Army veteran of the 85th Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, Newcomb "Newc" Eldrege saw action as a ski trooper during World War II. His role in the Battle for Mount Belvedere would earn him the Purple Heart Award, in addition to two Bronze Stars. His experience as a skier as well as his training at Camp Hale in Colorado helped prepare him for contact with the enemy during the final assault of Italy.
