Remembering the Lost Mountaineers: Veterans Day Screenings in Italy and the U.S.

Last week marked a deeply meaningful moment for Associazione Benàch. The Lost Mountaineers, our documentary dedicated to the memory of the 25 soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division who drowned in Lake Garda on 30 April 1945, was screened on both sides of the Atlantic — in Italy and in the United States — during the days surrounding Veterans Day.

This symbolic timing made these screenings even more poignant.

The Associazione Benàch team presenting The Lost Mountaineers to the SAT audience in Arco.

A full house at SAT Arco for the screening of The Lost Mountaineers.

What the Documentary Is About

The Lost Mountaineers tells the little-known but profoundly moving story of a tragic night crossing during the final days of World War II.

As the 10th Mountain Division advanced through the Lake Garda region, a group of young American soldiers boarded amphibious DUKW vehicles to push north across the dark waters toward Torbole. That night, 25 men never made it to the shore.

The documentary weaves together archival material, newly uncovered records, military documents, family testimonies, and extensive on-site research. Its purpose is simple yet vital: to restore dignity, context, and remembrance to 25 young men who were almost lost to history.

Retired U.S. Army MG Gordon “Skip” Davis Jr., on the big screen, kindly worked with us on The Lost Mountaineers documentary, providing the opening and closing comments.

A Week of Shared Remembrance: Italy & the United States

Here in Trentino, we were honoured to present the documentary at the SAT group in Arco — SAT (Società degli Alpinisti Tridentini), the historic mountaineering and cultural association of our region. The evening was entirely dedicated to these soldiers and to the history that binds our communities across time and borders.

A heartfelt thank-you to Stefano Chiarani of Vivere la Storia for joining Ben Appleby in 10th Mountain Division uniforms, helping bring this important chapter of history to life.

Whilst in the States, the Denver Public Library, Keli Schmid, the outstanding archivist of the 10th Mountain Division Collection, held a screening of it there. Ben Appleby and Antonella Previdi joined the audience live online for a Q&A session, together with one of the key figures featured in the documentary: Ret. COL Jeff Patton (USAF), former U.S. Air Attaché to Rome. Their insights added depth to the story and strengthened the connection between our communities.

Presenting the film in both Italy and the U.S. during Veterans Day remembrance week created a moment of true connection and shared memory.

Ben Appleby and Stefano Chiarani wearing 10th Mountain Division uniforms at the event.

Looking Ahead: Our New Documentary – With Love, Billy

We are delighted to announce our new project: With Love, Billy, a documentary dedicated to Brigadier General William O. Darby and his extraordinary experiences during World War II. 🎬 You can watch it here below 👇

Why This Story Matters

The tragedy of 30 April 1945 is not only a military episode. It is a human story — of courage, loss, and the enduring bond between communities in Italy and the United States.

By preserving and sharing this history, we aim to ensure that the sacrifice of these 25 soldiers and the families who waited for them is never forgotten.

Associazione Benàch remains committed to honouring those who served and to keeping their stories alive.

Thanks to Rino Tedeschi for the beautiful photographs that captured the spirit of the event.

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