The Black Devil Brigade: The True Story of the First Special Service Force- An Oral History

by Joseph A. Springer

This is a story told by heroes who, in context of their mission and performance in combat in World War II, lived and fought in an environment where conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in the face of enemy fire were the day-to-day norm. For many, the name First Special Service Force resonates like the clash of swords. To the Canadian and American soldiers who served under the Force's two flags, the name denotes a combat elite that they themselves created. To the enemy soldiers who knew well the Force's lethal audacity, the name evoked admiration, awe, and fear. Here for the first time the soldiers of the legendary First Special Service Force set the record straight, in their own words.

Genres: World War II, History, Military Fiction

344 pages, Hardcover

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.