First Special Service Force

First Special Service Force
source
Unit name	First Special Service Force
Caption	The unit's distinctive spearhead patch
Dates	1942–1945
Country	United States Canada
Branch	United States Army Canadian Army
Type	Special forces
Role	Commando-style raiding, amphibious and mountain/winter operations
Size	Regiment
Nickname	"The Devil's Brigade", "The Black Devils"
Battles	World War II, Aleutian Islands Campaign, Italian Campaign, Operation Dragoon, Battle of Monte la Difensa, Battle of Anzio
Notable commanders	Robert T. Frederick

First Special Service Force was a unique elite joint American-Canadian commando unit formed during World War II. Conceived for specialized operations in harsh climates, it became one of the earliest modern special forces units. The unit earned a fierce reputation in the Italian Campaign and Southern France, known to its enemies as the "Black Devils." Its innovative tactics and organization left a lasting legacy on subsequent special operations forces.

History and formation

The unit was conceived in 1942 by British scientist Geoffrey Pyke as part of a proposed plan called Project Plough, which aimed to create a mobile force for sabotage operations against German installations in Norway, Romania, and the Italian Alps. The project was adopted by the Combined Chiefs of Staff and assigned to the United States Army. Command was given to then-Lieutenant Colonel Robert T. Frederick, who oversaw its activation at Fort William Henry Harrison in Montana in July 1942. The force was a truly integrated unit, composed of volunteers from both the United States Army and the Canadian Army, forming a single fighting entity under American command.

Organization and training

The unit was organized as a small, self-contained regiment of approximately 1,800 men, comprising three battalions each with two companys. Training was exceptionally rigorous and multifaceted, emphasizing physical conditioning, hand-to-hand combat, demolitions, parachute jumping, amphibious warfare, and rock climbing. Specialized instruction included operating the M29 Weasel tracked vehicle and surviving in Arctic conditions. This comprehensive preparation at Fort William Henry Harrison and other locations created a highly adaptable force skilled in reconnaissance, raiding, and infiltration tactics far beyond standard infantry.

World War II service

The unit first saw combat in the Aleutian Islands Campaign during the recapture of Kiska, though the Japanese had already evacuated. Its first major test came in the Italian Campaign in December 1943, with a legendary assault on the heavily fortified Monte la Difensa, a key point in the Bernhardt Line. The Force later fought at Anzio, where its aggressive night raids earned its fearsome nickname. After contributing to the Battle of Monte Cassino and the advance on Rome, it participated in the invasion of Southern France, spearheading the capture of the Îles d'Hyères. The unit was disbanded in December 1944 in Nice, with American members transferring to the 474th Infantry Regiment.

Equipment and insignia

The unit was equipped with a mix of standard and specialized weapons, including the M1 Garand, Thompson submachine gun, Johnson light machine gun, and Fairbairn–Sykes fighting knife. For specialized transport, it used the M29 Weasel. Its most recognizable item was the distinctive spearhead-shaped shoulder patch, with "USA" horizontally and "CANADA" vertically. Members were also issued a unique stiletto-style V-42 fighting knife designed for the unit. In the field, soldiers often blackened their faces with boot polish for night operations, contributing to their "Black Devils" moniker.

Legacy and honors

The First Special Service Force is considered a direct forerunner of modern American and Canadian special forces, influencing the creation of the United States Army Special Forces and the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command. Its successful integration of two national armies set a powerful precedent. In 2013, the unit was collectively awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by the United States Congress, and in 2015 it received the Canadian Parliamentary recognition. The unit's history is preserved at the First Special Service Force Association and featured in popular culture, notably the 1968 film *The Devil's Brigade*.

Category:Special forces of the United States Category:Special forces of Canada Category:Military units and formations of the United States in World War II Category:Military units and formations of Canada in World War II