‘Tokle Tower’ stands tall as Fort Drum’s tribute to 10th Mountain Division legend
The structure is designed to train and test physical readiness and the complex technical skills soldiers need to climb steep, unforgiving terrain. Beyond its utility as a training asset, the tower serves as a permanent tribute to the division’s World War II alpine heritage.
Maj. Gen. Scott M. Naumann, commander of the 10th Mountain Division, delivered remarks after climbing to the top of the tower to cut the ceremonial ribbon alongside Command Sgt. Maj. Alexander King.
“You might see a vertical challenge,” Naumann said. “I also hope you see a monument that’s dedicated to the rugged, climbing fighting spirit of our original mountain soldiers.”
The tower is named in honor of Technical Sgt. Torger Tokle, an iconic figure from the division’s beginnings. Tokle, who grew up in a small Norwegian mining community as one of 20 children, learned to ski at age 3. After immigrating to Brooklyn in 1939, his gravity‑defying athletic talents earned him legendary status across the United States as the “Babe Ruth of Ski Jumping.”
When World War II broke out, Tokle left behind his athletic fame to enlist in the U.S. Army in October 1942. After joining the 10th Mountain Division, his cheerful and unassuming demeanor made him a natural mentor. He spent months teaching cold, war‑weary soldiers how to move effectively across treacherous, snow‑covered terrain. His leadership extended onto the battlefield during the Italian campaign, where he routinely volunteered for high‑risk missions.
On Feb. 19, 1945, during Operation Encore at Riva Ridge, Tokle led his platoon in a daring assault that neutralized a German bunker, killing four enemy combatants and capturing eight others.
Less than two weeks later near Iola, Italy, his platoon became pinned down by heavy enemy fire. Tokle again stepped forward, volunteering to flank the enemy position with a bazooka before he was killed by indirect fire.
Tokle’s death enraged his platoon, driving them to press the attack and ultimately seize Iola.
“This is a testament to the individual — not just all he represented in his expertise, but exactly those characteristics and traits that we aspire to be as mountain soldiers,” Naumann said.
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