The Supercommandos: First Special Service Force, 1942-1944 An Illustrated History

by Robert Todd Ross

“Vigorous training, hazardous duty.” These were the words that lured prospective volunteers to the First Special Service Force, and that promised, for those who measured up, the chance of getting into the war quickly. Unique during World War II, the First Special Service Force evolved as the amalgam of two Armies, Canadian and American, and the men who filled its ranks were among the hand-picked best from throughout North America. Their diverse and intensive training took them from the dust-covered prairies of Montana, to the bitterly-cold peaks of the Great Divide, to the waters of Chesapeake Bay. Their skillfulness, their remarkable esprit de corps, and their legendary endurance saw them through tough combat missions in both the Asiatic-Pacific and the European Theaters of operation. The Supercommandos chronicles the organization, training, and combat operations of the First Special Service Force during its brief but exhilarating history. Accompanying the broad text are nearly 400 black and white images, most unpublished, including a photo-essay by renowned combat photographer, Robert Capa. As well, there are more than forty extraordinary full-color wartime images of the Force both in training and in the combat zone. Beautifully rendered full-color maps, highly detailed Order of Battle graphics, charts, and numerous facsimiles of noteworthy original Force documents are also included. Completing this volume are over eighty full-color images of exceptionally rare, authentic First Special Service Force uniforms, insignia, weapons and equipment. The Supercommandos offers an unparalleled view of one of the world’s all-time military elites, and will prove to be an invaluable resource for any collector, reenactor, veteran, or historian.

320 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Bill Thorness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scholarly and comprehensive, this book offers an objective deep dive into the FSSF. And its large format and copious photographs--including collections of Force equipment and reproductions of soldiers suited up in their various uniforms--completes a satisfying picture.

[Sally Fouhse · Rating 5 out of 5]

A detailed history of the First Special Service Force, WW II. My dad was part of this elite fighting unit. So proud of him.