Devil's Brigade

I did a lot of research when trying to find a book that would compare to the special I saw on the History Channel about The Force that flummoxed the Germans in WWII and made them believe in ghosts. I knew that I had to share their story with my brother, so I started researching the variety of books on the market and settled on this one for his birthday. It was a hit! He was as taken with this brotherhood of soldiers as I was, and he told me about some of the things they went through..some sad, some truly unimaginable, and some humorous. For even though they faced such insurmountable odds and lost so many of their brothers in arms, they managed to still maintain their sense of humor.

A "must read" for any student and lover of WWII history. Like "Band of Brothers," this book gives a thorough account of a special group of men, in this case, forerunners of modern Special Forces Units in both the Canadian and U.S. Armies. The book describes in detail the events, personalities, politics and strategies which brought about the First Special Services Force. It covers the Force from its inception through to its deployment and unequaled combat record and on to its eventual dissolution. Along the way, the author tells of the trials and tribulations of recruitment and training, the oddities and oddballs and their outstanding leader. The story also recalls the unique bonds of brotherhood formed between soldiers from two different nations with two widely different military traditions and the Montana community which took them all into their hearts and homes. The 1960's film is full of action, but all of that is based on the actual stories of the fighting men recorded in this book.

It rated 5 stars because it was a great but true story told in bits and pieces by those who actually served in, or with, the FSSF. One minute you are telling yourself this can't be true and the next moment you are chuckling at a humorous tale...and there were many. You find yourself wondering how am outfit so short of discipline out of battle could be so disciplined and courageous in it. Finally, the book showed that both Americans and Canadians are the same brave patriots willing to die for the freedoms we both enjoy. If you like noon fiction and books that tell a remarkable story about war, this is a keeper.

Great book about the men of the FSSF. My father-in-law was a member of this, the first of America's elite special forces, and never spoke of his service. If you want to learn about heroism equaled by few and surpassed by none, this is the book for you. Most of these soldiers have passed away and it is only through books such as this that we can even glimpse at the bravery and sacrifice made by the men of America in WW2 so that we can be free. The bookseller, cbabooksmtn, was outstanding. Book arrived ahead of promised delivery and was exactly as advertised and had the best shipping packaging that I have ever experienced with a book. I will definitely use Amazon and cbabooksmtn again.

The book starts out well but strays off on too many side stories. Some of the personal accounts are interesting but most are irrelevant. I think that the book could have been better had it been written a few decades later than it was; a more thoroughly researched book instead of a loose string of personal remarks linked by dates and places. It is not a bad read - just not as good as some later works on the same subject.

Love the book. Couldn't put it down. An accurate portrayal of the men and activities of the First Special Services.

Very small print. It was in usable condition and seemed to tell the story accurately.

I bought this to loan to someone because I hadn't gotten yet gotten back the hard cover one (with photos) I loaned. It is a splendid and astonishing tale. It would probably be dismissed as childish fantasy if it weren't true. I reread it for a third time before I loaned it out (I still don't have either back) and still enjoyed it though I missed the pictures. There aren't many but they really bring home the reality of the story.

The book "Devil's Brigade" is a well-documented story on the original [contemporary] elite armed forces commando force. The book at times struggles to tell the story, rather than to just recount remembrances, but it finds a strong balance.It contains many insights into the men, their capabilities, and the impossible situations into which they were put. The story is a worthwhile read if you wish to discover a largely untold story about a largely unknown, but very groundbreaking, Cdn/US joint special service force. [and for me, a family perspective as my Uncle was a Captain in the unit, and is included in the text and photos!] Enjoy.

Excellent read.Really sheds light on what people went thru in the War, unbelievable.Snowflakes in todays society would not hold a candle to these brave men.

My father was in this brigade. It's more then a little exciting and insightful to read a little about what my dad lived through.

Book was great and shipping was fast!

Excellent read