During World War II, an unlikely group of American soldiers emerged as a crucial asset in the fight against fascism – rock climbers. While many of us may associate the men and women in uniform with bravery and strength on the battlefield, few know about the incredible contributions made by the United States Army’s Mountain Training Group (MTG). These intrepid WWII soldiers were trained at the army’s only low-altitude assault climbing school, located at none other than the majestic Seneca Rocks in West Virginia, where they honed their climbing skills to aid the war effort.
Seneca Rocks, situated in Pendleton County, West Virginia, served as the perfect training ground for the MTG. Rising over 900 feet, the imposing cliffs and intricate terrain provided an ideal environment to simulate the daunting landscapes soldiers could come across overseas.
The MTG was a specialized unit of the United States Army that aimed to develop skills essential for soldier mobility and effectiveness in rugged mountainous terrains.
Scaling the vertical cliffs required immense strength, agility, and a steel resolve. The treacherous weather, unpredictable conditions, and dizzying heights demanded an unwavering determination and trust in one's fellow climbers.
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The intense training fostered a strong camaraderie among the men, despite their different backgrounds: medics, engineers, combat teams, and other soldiers, many with no climbing experience.
One climbing instructor from California reportedly marveled at a night spent in Almost Heaven: "For the first time, I noticed fireflies ... another enchanting thing brought to my attention was foxfire."
In their spare time, these soldiers in training enjoyed swimming in the nearby North Fork of the South Branch Potomac River.
Members of the community welcomed the men, housing and feeding them during their time in West Virginia; some of those brought to West Virginia by Seneca Rocks ended up staying permanently, marrying local girls, and returning after the war to put down roots and raise families.
Interestingly, it wasn't only humans that called the Seneca Rocks army facility home for a few months at a time, either; U.S. Army carrier pigeons were trained here during 1943 and 1944, as well.
Today, the legacy of the WWII climbers-in-training lives on not only at Seneca Rocks but also in the minds of those who recognize their sacrifice and valor. Seneca Rocks remains a popular destination for rock climbing enthusiasts, honoring the memory of the brave soldiers who once trained there. Sharp-eyed climbers can still spot rusty WWII era pitons dotting Seneca’s rock faces. We owe a debt of gratitude to these extraordinary individuals who combined their passion for climbing with their sense of duty, making an indelible impact on the outcome of World War II.
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