RICHARD M. WILSON PAPERS

Richard M. Wilson was born June 24, 1923 in New York, New York, the son of Donald E. and Ella Mae (Crumb) Wilson. While in his teens, Wilson began skiing the hills near Rochester, New York. He completed a year of college at Alfred University, Alfred, New York before enlisting in the Army on December 14, 1942.

Wilson volunteered for the "ski troops" and was assigned to the 86th Infantry Regiment, which was then engaged in mountain and winter warfare training at Camp Hale, Colorado. His experience enabled him to serve as a skiing and rock climbing instructor. Subsequently, Wilson transferred to the 85th Infantry regiment. Following additional training at Camp Swift, Texas, the 10th Mountain Division deployed to Italy, where Wilson engaged in combat operations against the German Army. During the attack on Mount Belvedere, on February 19, 1945, Wilson was severely wounded, leaving his right arm permanently damaged. Following three years rehabilitation, he was discharged with the rank of master sergeant.

While attending the University of Denver, Wilson spent several Colorado winters as a ski patrolman, ski instructor and ski racer. Upon graduation, he began a career in publishing and public relations. He became the first editor of National Skiing, the forerunner of Skiing Magazine. Later, he edited Ski Views for the U.S. Ski Association. As a public relations and marketing executive, Wilson promoted numerous ski resorts, including Aspen, and Crested Butte in Colorado and Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

In 1960, Wilson became associated with the Disabled American Veterans, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. He served as Assistant National Adjutant and Director of Communications. In this capacity, he was responsible for coordinating all DAV national communications programs and for publishing DAV Magazine. He was listed in the 1978 edition of Who's Who in International Public Relations and retired from his public relations career in 1986.

Wilson was active in numerous civic and volunteer organizations, including the National Association of the 10th Mountain Division, where he worked with A.J. "Mac" McKenna to resurrect the 10th Mountain Division's Blizzard newsletter in 1971. Additionally, Wilson served as the Association's membership chairman, Vice President of Public Relations and Blizzardeditor.

For many years, Wilson served with the Boy Scouts of America as co-chairman of the National Advisory Committee on Scouting for the Handicapped. Other organizations in which he was active included the National Ski Patrol System, International Council of Industrial Editors, Public Relations Society of America, New England Ski Museum and the Denver Press Club.

Wilson passed away April 12, 2007 at his residence in Eastman, New Hampshire.