Black Devil Brigade: The True Story of the First Special Service Force in World War II

by Joseph A. Springer, David H. Hackworth (Foreword)

They were the shock troops of the American Army. In their ranks were lumberjacks, miners, skiers--men from the United States and Canada, accustomed to hardship and living on their own. Their training was forced marches of 100 miles in the Montana wilderness with 50-pound backpacks was typical. Weapons training was equally rigorous and the men became as dangerous with their hands and a knife as they were with rifle and machine gun. In Italy they became the unit called to accomplish the impossible. At Monte Cassino, and at Anzio, they earned the respectful accolade from their German enemies. In this book, the men of the First Special Service Force tell the full story of their unit, regarded as the parent of the Green Berets.

Genres: World War II, History, Military Fiction

336 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2001

Reviews

[Brandon Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finally finished this book about the First Special Service Force (aka The Black Devils Brigade). This was my grandpa's unit during WWII and was the first real special forces unit as we know them today. The book takes quotes from interviews from members of the Force (as they were known) and lines them up chronologically to give a picture from the soldiers' perspective of the war and this unit. The interesting thing is the unit was made of both American and Canadian soldiers who became so integrated that they didn't know which side of the border the guy next to him from from. They were trained in all types of firearms (both Allied and Axis) as well as mountain climbing, skiing, parachuting, hand-to-hand fighting and munitions. These guys were probably the most well-trained group.

This book gave me an appreciation for their sacrifice as so many of the group died during their conflicts. I was also shocked as they described shooting the enemy like playing a video game. I guess you become desensitized to death after seeing so much of it.

The only drawback of the book was that you didn't really get a high-level perspective of the significance of the unit. Sometimes you don't see the forest for the trees as the entire book is a first-hand account of the events of the war. That being said, you understand a bit better about who these guys were and what they went through by the story being told entirely with their voices.

[Bill Sharp · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good oral history, and I would of given it a 5 instead of a 4 if the author had of followed up with where each of the Canadian and American soldiers profiled in the book went after the FSSF was disbanded. It was an informative and interesting read nonetheless.

Bill Sharp

[Jason Waltz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book of live recollections of the time and lives of the First Special Service Force. Good mix of ranks and experiences at all stages of their existence, from creation through training to Italy and disbandment. Sad and happy and scary and angry and beautiful moments are told by those who lived them and survived about themselves and about those who lived them and did not survive. Extremely informative without being difficult to read, it is also extremely evocative of comradeship, loyalty, necessity, bravery - making it also extremely moving. A great history of an awesome, one-of-a-kind unit.

[John Cochrane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read. The first hand accounts provide insights to experiences that could never be understood or appreciated unless described by those who experienced them. The author does a good job setting the seen for each section described by those dictating the actions that took place. Well worth the read.

[Iain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Springer adeptly weaves together an excellent collection of anecdotes told by brave men who have a good sense of humor and storytelling. Recommended for anyone interested in tales of WWII combat or in the history of this fascinating unit.

[Bradley Schlieper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent interesting book. Very informative and held my attention.

[Tayvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easily on the of the most unique special operations books I eve read because it covers a group generally unknown to the public and the way it was written following the story through the surviving warriors was something I've never read before.

It isn't just a different way to read a story but a great story on its own and if this is a topic you are interested in this will easily become a favorite of yours. This books is infinitely more badass than all of Bruce Willis's and Arnold's movies put together.

[Dave Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

First person oral history of the First Special Services Force. Interesting perspective. These guys were both brave and nuts. Nice to read the story in their own words and not through the filter of a "historian".

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual I am reading a ton of books at the same time. Had to throw another WWII one in.