The First Special Service Force (FSSF) was the US's first special forces unit, created in 1942 to conduct unconventional warfare behind enemy lines. The unit was formed in response to the threat of a German nuclear weapon and the need to disrupt their supply lines in Norway. The FSSF was a joint US-Canadian unit, consisting of highly trained and equipped men who were proficient in parachuting, skiing, and mountain warfare.
The unit was trained in Helena, Montana, and later deployed to Italy, where they played a crucial role in the Allied campaign. They conducted daring night raids, earning them the nickname "Black Devils," and left a calling card on German corpses and equipment with the message "The worst is yet to come."
The FSSF participated in several key battles, including the invasion of southern France and the capture of the island of Port-Cros. They were officially disbanded on December 5, 1944, but their legacy lived on as the precursor to the US Army Special Forces. The FSSF's training, doctrine, and tactics are still celebrated and employed by American and Canadian special forces today.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. In 1942, the Allies had a serious problem with Germany's nuclear program and the war effort on the Russian front.
2. The US created its first special forces unit, the First Special Service Force (FSSF), to address this problem.
3. Norway was of great strategic importance to Germany due to its access to iron and minerals, as well as heavy water facilities for their nuclear program.
4. The FSSF was trained to conduct raids on vital German targets in Norway and retreat back to their mountain bases.
5. The British high command initially proposed the idea but didn't have the manpower or logistics to execute it, so they passed it to the Americans.
6. The FSSF was formed with half American and half Canadian members.
7. Recruitment for the FSSF was done through posters at various military bases, looking for individuals with experience in mountaineering, skiing, hunting, and other outdoor skills.
8. The FSSF trained in Helena, Montana, and earned their parachutist wings within 48 hours of arrival.
9. The unit spent nearly a year in training, with a focus on parachuting, weapons, demolitions, and physical training.
10. The FSSF's first combat deployment was to the Aleutian Islands in 1943.
11. The unit was then redeployed to Europe and participated in the Allied push into Italy.
12. The FSSF was tasked with taking Monte La Difensa, a strategic location held by German forces.
13. The unit successfully climbed the mountain and launched a surprise attack on the German forces, forcing them to retreat.
14. The FSSF continued to showcase its mountain fighting expertise by taking several more Nazi positions.
15. The unit was pulled out of the mountains to join a new Allied beachhead at Anzio, where they suffered a 77% casualty rate.
16. The FSSF replaced the 1st and 3rd Ranger Battalions at Anzio and launched daring night raids, earning them the nickname "Black Devils."
17. The unit was tasked with holding the line and launching raids into enemy territory to keep the Germans off-balance.
18. The FSSF was air-dropped onto the island of Port-Cros to take out German airfields and naval facilities.
19. The unit captured three of the five forts on the island in a single day of fighting, with only nine dead.
20. The FSSF joined in the invasion of southern Italy and fought several tough-won skirmishes against the German occupiers.
21. The unit was moved to the French and German border to act as a blocking force and deterrent against a German breakout.
22. The FSSF was officially disbanded on December 5, 1944.
23. The unit's expertise was no longer needed, and the men were moved to other units within their respective militaries.
24. The FSSF is considered the direct descendant of the US Army Special Forces and laid the groundwork for training, doctrine, and tactics employed by American special forces today.