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You have heard of them, "The Devil's Brigade"... There have been movies made of their formation and exploits, most of which are false.
The "First Special Service Force" was their proper designation, considered to be the first iteration of today's Army Special Forces (Green Berets).
Although more independent minded than most troops, NONE were criminals, as some of the movies depict!
The First Special Service Forces were recruited from both Canadian and American trappers, hunting guides, lumberjacks, professional hunters and all kinds of outdoor/athletic types.
I had the privilege of knowing one of these intrepid soldiers..of course, long after his service. Stanley was until summer before last, a resident of the local nursing home..eventually joined there by his wife, Stella.
Both Stanley and Stella were regular attenders during my 2nd Sunday preaching..as well as attending the other Sundays when other local churches would preach. Both are now passed.
I enjoyed Stanley, even though he had little to say. However I still learned more of his background from him, since when his daughter Linda, would make it a 3 way conversation. He seemed much more inclined to open up, when she was involved.
He really was a delightful old gentleman, who lived just long enough to be recognized by a letter and a special medal awarded by Pres Trump..along with all the brigade members.
They trained at Ft William Henry Harrison, near Helena, MT.
BTW; although the Germans called them The Devil's Brigade, they didn't really care for the title..
Here's a historical video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuRlhAy5vXs I still keep contact with his daughter Linda and her husband.
