Duke, Benjamin, 1922-1996.

Born in Iowa. Enlisted in the Army August 29, 1942 at Williamstown, Massachusetts. Served with the 10th Mountain Divisionʹs 86th Infantry Regiment, Company L. During combat in Italy, he was wounded in action on April 19, 1945. Received the Bronze Star Medal. Following the war, Duke remained a driving force in the ski industry. Elected to the Board of Directors of Vail Associates in 1966 and served for nearly 20 years. Most notably he served as Chairman from 1983 to 1985. One of the first to prompt Vail to go for the 1989 World Alpine Ski Championship, and he assumed the chair of the finance committee for that event. Served on the board of the Vail Valley Foundation. He emphasized the importance of providing services such as ski school, childrenʹs programs and snow grooming. He raced in the Rocky Mountain Division of USSA as well as in national events. In 1993 he took a third combined title in the national Masters races in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and in 1994 at Big Sky, Montana, he advanced to second overall at age 72. To honor his relationship with the Tenth Mountain Division, he conceptualized and funded, with his wife Maud, the Tenth Mountain Room at the Denver Public Library. Also served as a member of the Friends Foundation at the Library, and on the board of the Colorado Nature Conservancy.

From the description of Papers, 1942-1995. (Denver Public Library). WorldCat record id: 123539979