Welcome Back to Torbole, Don Neder – Remembering William “Bill” Neder of the 10th Mountain Division

For Associazione Benàch, weekends such as this one are a reminder that historical research is not only about documents, photographs and archives. It is also about people, families and the personal connections that continue to bring the past to life.

It was wonderful to welcome Don Neder back to Torbole, this time together with his sister Carol and their friend Frank.

Don is the son of William “Bill” Neder of Company E, 85th Regiment, 10th Mountain Division. Over the years, our connection with Don has grown through our shared interest in his father and the men of the 10th Mountain Division who fought in northern Italy in 1945.

It was a pleasure to spend time together again, catch up on our latest historical research, and share news and stories.

Remembering Those Who Never Came Home

The timing of their visit was especially meaningful. During the POW/MIA Recognition Day weekend, we took time to pause and remember the American servicemen who never returned home.

For Benàch, remembering these men is an important part of our work. Their stories are closely connected to the communities, families and landscapes of northern Italy, including the events that took place around Lake Garda in the final days of the war.

At the Benàch Welcome Centre in Torbole, we also had the opportunity to exchange some very special gifts.

We presented Don with our latest book, Post Scriptum – Letters from the Front, while Don gave us a copy of his new book, Unbound Mind.

Having had the opportunity to read an early draft of Unbound Mind, receiving a signed copy of the finished book made the occasion particularly special. It is a book we know we will return to, exploring how small changes in the way we think can help open up confidence, courage and new possibilities.

The Lost Mountaineers

During their visit, we were also pleased to give Don, Carol and Frank a special screening of our documentary The Lost Mountaineers.

The film tells the story of the 25 men of the 10th Mountain Division who were lost on Lake Garda on April 30, 1945, while crossing the lake in a DUKW.

For Benàch, the documentary is another way of ensuring that these men are remembered not simply as names on a list, but as individuals whose stories deserve to be known.

Their story has become an important part of our continuing research and remembrance work around Lake Garda.

Continuing to Malcesine

The visit continued on Monday in Malcesine, where Don met with Fabrizio Tardivo of Associazione Benàch and his family.

Fabrizio helped Don with his search for a photograph, and together with his grandmother, shared memories of the war in Malcesine and the experiences of the town during those difficult years.

Moments like this are particularly valuable to historical research. A photograph, a family memory or a story passed down through generations can provide another piece of the picture and help connect personal histories with the wider events of the war.

More Than Research

One of the most rewarding aspects of the work of Associazione Benàch is the opportunity to build these personal connections.

What began as historical research can sometimes lead to friendships, family connections and the opportunity to welcome descendants of the men we study back to the places where their fathers and relatives once served.

Don’s return to Torbole was another example of that connection between past and present. We were very happy to welcome him back and to share another weekend of history, remembrance and friendship.

We are grateful to Don, Carol and Frank for spending the weekend with us and for continuing to share their family stories and connections with Benàch.