Of Courage and Determination: The First Special Service Force, ‘The Devil’s Brigade,’ 1942–44
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by Colonel Bernd Horn & Michel Wyczynski
Dundurn Press, 408 pages, $35
During the Second World War, Canadian and American units often fought side-by-side against the Axis powers. But one special unit brought soldiers from both countries under a single command. Of Courage and Determination, by Colonel Bernd Horn and Michel Wyczynski, tells the story of the exceptional “Devil’s Brigade,” subject of a 1968 Hollywood movie.
Formed in 1942 with the eventual aim of attacking remote targets in Norway, the First Special Service Force would see extensive fighting in Italy, at Monte La Difensa and at Anzio, and in southern France as part of Operation Dragoon. While an operational success, the unit was plagued by bureaucratic issues and disbanded suddenly at the end of 1944.
“The force, despite administrative difficulties, was, from the perspective of most of the soldiers, the embodiment of warrior spirit, kindred spirit, a demonstration of how close Americans and Canadians truly are,” the authors write.
Horn and Wyczynski pay tribute to the Canadian and American soldiers who served in the Devil’s Brigade through their engaging and passionate look at Second World War combat.
— Joel Ralph (Read bio)
Joel Ralph is the director of programs for Canada's History Society.