First Special Service Force: A War History of the North American

by Robert D. Burhans

first edition

Genres: World War II

376 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1947

Reviews

[Michael Dorosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good history of this unique unit, though marred by a lack of decent maps. The reproduction of wartime maps (with contour lines) is a nice touch, however. The book is very much representative of the 'golden age' of regimental histories. First produced in 1947, the book is similar to many Canadian regimental histories of that age, in which surviving members wrote their histories, aimed mainly at pleasing their old buddies from the unit. I don't wish to demean Burhan's purpose - I have no doubt he, like many regimental historians, desired to leave as accurate a portrayal of his unit as was possible. However, many histories written so soon after the war - and this is no exception - were careful not to tread on the memories of men recently departed, and so real criticism is not often apparent. The desire was not just to paint all members in a good light, but to avoid casting doubt that the men who died had done so nobly and for a good cause.

So the reader is charged to be cautious - basic information on locations and actions are provided, and some small vignettes are sketched out, but no real deep analysis of the unit's performance is given. Needless to say, research into the German side of the story is non-existent, again, typical for histories written in this period.

The book is more of a tribute to the Force, and as such, it is a fitting one. Other, more recent books (such as Adleman's THE DEVIL'S BRIGADE written in the 1960s, or even the pictorial SUPERCOMMANDOS) give a more balanced presentation. An even more recent book is Ken Joyce's magnum opus on the Force, drawn from primary sources.

Many good photos, though disappointingly reproduction quality is poor. Probably the best day for day history of the Force if that is all that you require.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I own an original copy which was given to my grandfather. He was an original member of the FSSF 6-1. The original blue book was only given to the men who served in the FSSF.

This book is a testament to the combined unit of US and Canadian men who never lost a battle during World War II, were shelled on Anzio for 99 days without relief, climbed La Difensa when no one else could, and liberated Rome 3 days before Normandy.

In 2015 their unit was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in Washington DC after close to 70 years of silence due to the secrets act.

They are the forefathers of our current Special Forces.

[Christopher · Rating 3 out of 5]

For those interested in the exploits of the Force, this is a 'must read.' Burhans was the Force senior intelligence officer or S2 and he wrote this booking at the end of the war. Published in 1947, this books serves as an operational history of the Force but is careful to raise no significant controversy or friction. That said, Burhans touches on how the leadership molded two distinct military cultures into a single cohesive unit, how it performed in combat, and how the attrition of modern warfare led to its ultimate dissolution.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

History of the First Special Service Force, the famed Devil's Brigade that was drawn from Canadian and American volunteers and saw action in the Aleutians, Italy and Southern France, earning the moniker "Black Devil's" from Hitler's soldiers.