MCWADE, Gordon

Gordon McWade, Groton, Mass., died Feb. 11. He was born Aug. 5, 1917, in Melrose, Mass., son of Emily and Harry McWade of Melrose. He graduated from Melrose High School in 1935 and then joined the Civilian Conservation Corps in Vermont. He volunteered for the U.S. Army after being recruited by Charles "Minnie" Dole, president of The National Ski Patrol. He joined the 10th Mountain Ski Division (87-HQ-3) in 1941 at Ft. Lewis, Wash. He was trained for the elite ski troops that were deployed to fight the Japanese in 1943 in Kiska, Alaska, and later fought the Germans on Mt. Belvedere in Lizzano, Italy, in 1945. During combat, his division suffered the heaviest casualty rate per combat day of any American division in World War II. They were the most-decorated division in the Mediterranean Theater. McWade was awarded the Bronze Star, the Good Conduct Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Medal and the Combat Infantry Man Badge. His unit was deactivated at Camp Carson in November of 1945. He then worked at Sager Electric, now in Hingham, Mass., for 46 years as a salesman. Since retiring, Tiny, as he was known by his friends, enjoyed skiing Mt. Wachusett with his honorary lifetime pass, bowling weekly, volunteering at the Groton Senior Center, and enjoying yearly reunions with the 10th Mountain Division. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Groton artist Peggy McWade; sister Kathleen Robertson, Marcellus, N.Y.; son Richard McWade, Middleburg, Va.; daughter Harris McWade, New Ipswich, N.H.; and two granddaughters, Ellen McWade; Nederland, and Emilie Gerber, Brighton, Mass. His family said that he was treasured and loved by all, and they will miss him deeply. A celebration of his life will be held Aug. 6 at his home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The New England Ski Museum, P.O. Box 267, Franconia, N.H. 03580. Leadville Herald Democrat