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The Black Devil Brigade: The True Story of the First Special Service Force in World War II, An Oral History Hardcover – January 1, 2001

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 72 ratings

This is a story told by heroes who, in context of their mission and performance in combat in World War II, lived and fought in an environment where conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in the face of enemy fire were the day-to-day norm. For many, the name First Special Service Force resonates like the clash of swords. To the Canadian and American soldiers who served under the Force's two flags, the name denotes a combat elite that they themselves created. To the enemy soldiers who knew well the Force's lethal audacity, the name evoked admiration, awe, and fear. Here for the first time the soldiers of the legendary First Special Service Force set the record straight, in their own words.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Pacifica Military History (January 1, 2001)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 344 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0935553509
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0935553505
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.65 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.25 x 1.25 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 72 ratings

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Joseph A. Springer
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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
72 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2017
The personal accounts of many different members, with many different backgrounds will leave you feeling like your actually having a conversation with these men. Some of the missions these men went on, the daring, the cunning, it is simply extraordinary. You get to read about the successes, the failures, the loss of friends and read how friendships and brotherhoods were formed in the forges of war. I whole-heartedly recommend this book not only because these guys accomplished amazing feats, but because your are hearing history being made as told by the men who made it, a privilege and an honor in its own right. This is not some detailed account of battle plans, nor is it some history textbook. It is the story of a brave few, how they saw what they did, with their own eyes, and written in their own words.
5 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2014
This is a first rate account of this legendary group of men as told by the men themselves. You will find it hard to put this one
down. I have read it cover to cover (3) times since my purchase. There are no other groups with the possible exception of the
British SAS in Africa who can rival the "Night Fighting" skills and daring of this group.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the origins of our Special Operations Forces of today.
4 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2013
I first read the Historical Biography of the FSSF in High School back in the 70's. When I purchased this book I had expected it to be similar to what I had read. When I first picked up this book I was very disappointed. It is more of a first person experience with excerpts from the actual participants woven into the experiences of the Devils Brigade. However, after reading the first few pages I couldn't put it down. The author did an okay job in following some sort of storyline. I would have liked to have a bit more narration especially for those who are unfamiliar with the Devil's Brigade. While I don't believe that its a must have for any WWII library it does give the reader some added insight into the day to day lives of these brave men.
5 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2013
I obtained the book, because I have been doing informal research as related to the Black Devil Brigade. There are several books about this special forces brigade, but this book is rather unique, because it was written based upon the actual oral history which was taken from interviews with the soldiers of the brigade. I recommend this book for readers interested in World War II history, and more specifically for those who are interested in learning more about the famous Black Devil Brigade.
7 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2011
This is an action packed story of the First Special Service Force, a unique blend of American and Canadian commandos who trained hard and fought even harder. What makes this book so unique is that every word is true. These men lived, fought and died together, forgetting that they were from two separate countries. To them, the FSSF was their home. A must read for any true patriot and those with a special interest in military history.
5 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2014
My wifes father served in The Force. It is amazing how similar these men spoke. It was as if he was sitting with us, talking of this time in his life. I remember him telling the donkey story and of them burying it, so the Germans would not find it. I read it straight thru. I could not put it down. Excellent book !
2 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on December 24, 2020
Got the book quickly, and it is like new at a good price
Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2014
Nice format for a book .It makes you feel as if you are listening to the soldiers tell stories directly to you. It has an authentic feel. I enjoyed it thoroughly

Top reviews from other countries

Evelyn Thompsonwilson
5.0 out of 5 stars It arrived way before it was scheduled
Reviewed in Canada on June 25, 2020
It was a gift ...for a friend who's father was in the book
pierre
5.0 out of 5 stars VERY INTERESTING AND FULL OF NEW FACTS
Reviewed in Canada on September 2, 2013
THE FACTS ARE OLD WITH NEW INSERTS. I ENJOYED READING THIS BOOK FROM JOSEPH A SPRINGER. VERY WELL DONE AND REALLY INTERESTING
CAPT. MICHAEL W ROMAN
3.0 out of 5 stars Arrived in good shape for a used book
Reviewed in Canada on February 9, 2024
Is not a great book as it uses stories from the actual persons which creates a disjointed read.Does do a good job on how the force was created.