| 1st Special Service Force | |
|---|---|
 1st Special Service Force shoulder patch | |
| Active | 9 July 1942 – 5 December 1944 |
| Country |  United States Canada |
| Allegiance | Allies (United Nations) |
| Branch | Army |
| Type | Commando |
| Role | Special operations |
| Size | 1,800 |
| Garrison/HQ | Fort William Henry Harrison |
| Nickname(s) | The Devil's Brigade, The Black Devils |
| Equipment | See: Training and Equipment |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Robert T. Frederick |
The 1st Special Service Force was an elite joint American–Canadian commando unit in World War II, formed by Lieutenant Colonel Robert T. Frederick of the Operations Division of the U.S. General Staff. During the Italian campaign of World War II, it was commanded by Frederick and attached to the United States Fifth Army. In August 1944, the Force was attached to 1st Airborne Task Force (commanded by then Major General Frederic) for the campaign in southern France.
The unit was organized in 1942 and trained at Fort William Henry Harrison near Helena, Montana, in the United States. The Force served in the Aleutian Islands, fought in Italy and southern France, and was disbanded in December 1944.[1]
The modern American and Canadian special operations forces trace their heritage to this unit. In 2013, the United States Congress passed a bill to award the 1st Special Service Force the Congressional Gold Medal.[2]
- ^ "www.canadiansoldiers.com". www.canadiansoldiers.com. Retrieved 19 January 2022.
- ^ "Devil's Brigade granted top U.S. honours - The World Daily". blogs.com.