John Montagne was born in White Plains, N.Y. in 1920 where he developed an early interest in the outdoors and in rocks and minerals. He entered Dartmouth College, where he was a member of the Dartmouth Outing Club and president of the senior class. Montagne also studied geology at the University of Wyoming Field Camp and graduated early from Dartmouth in order to join the newly formed ski troops at Fort Lewis, Wash. He served in the Headquarters Company of the 3rd Battalion and in Company E of the 87th Infantry Regiment. Upon completion of officer's candidate school, Montagne returned to the 10th Mountain Division and served in numerous companies of the 85th Infantry Regiment. While engaged in combat in Italy, he was awarded the Bronze Star medal for his actions in the Apennines and Po River. Montagne dies in 2008.
From the description of John Montagne papers, 1942-2008 [manuscript]. (Denver Public Library). WorldCat record id: 245303125
