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CALGARY, Alberta â †It took 40 years of persistence, but Canadian veterans of the First Special Service Force (FSSF) received the United States Army's Combat Infantryman's Badge (CIB) at a celebratory banquet in August.
"This is to recognize the Canadian comrades who fought with our U.S. soldiers shoulder to shoulder," said Lieutenant-General Phillip R. Kensinger Jr., commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command (Airborne). "This was long overdue."
He presented the award to about 100 veterans and surviving family members at the Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire hotel in downtown Calgary. He said he was honoured to give the awards.
It took 40 years of lobbying by the First Special Service Force Association before the United States Congress passed the motion to award the CIB to the Canadian veterans. It marks the first time non-American soldiers have received the award.
Never considered Canadian or American
"As far as we in the force were concerned, we never considered ourselves as Canadian or American. After the first while, we didn't know who was who. We were just part of the force," said Jack Furman from Vernon, British Columbia.
He never gave the idea of getting the CIB much thought because he didn't expect to receive it. He said it was a special honour for him in light of his companionship with his American brethren.
The CIB was established in 1943 to recognize the skill and heroism of American infantry. To receive the award, soldiers had to be an infanteer, belong to a unit engaged in combat and have engaged in combat.
The FSSF was created in Helena, Montana, in 1942 as a combined U.S.-Canadian Special Forces unit. Canadian and American soldiers volunteered and fought side by side from the Aleutian Islands in the Pacific through the Italian campaign.
The Black Devils
They received the nickname "the black devils" from German soldiers in Italy. The Germans coined the nickname from the commandos' proficiency in night operations with blackened faces. As a result of the Germans' nickname, the force became known as The Devil's Brigade.
The FSSF was the first Allied unit to enter Rome. After Italy, the force continued into Southern France where they were disbanded in Menton, France, in 1944. Despite a casualty rate of 135 percent, they never lost a battle.
"We never thought we would get it," said William Domon. "It definitely gives me a sense of satisfaction to get this kind of recognition from the American government,"
Originally from Saltcoats, Saskatchewan, the 82 year-old travelled from Hastings, Australia, to receive his award. He admitted that even after all these years, it's still exciting to get his CIB.
Close ties
Lieutenant-General Marc Caron, the Chief of the Land Staff, was on hand for the occasion and personally congratulated the veterans on the award. He said the occasion highlights the close ties that have existed and continue to exist between the Canadian Forces and its American ally.
"We have worked together many times in the past. We work together today, especially in places like Afghanistan. We will continue to work closely with our American allies," he said. "Tonight was a special occasion to honour those who epitomized that relationship."
The award ceremony took place during the 59th reunion of the First Special Service Force Association. It was the last such reunion in Canada. The veterans â “ all of whom are at least 80 years old â “ will meet one final time next year in Helena, Montana.
"This is to recognize the Canadian comrades who fought with our U.S. soldiers shoulder to shoulder," said Lieutenant-General Phillip R. Kensinger Jr., commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command (Airborne). "This was long overdue."
He presented the award to about 100 veterans and surviving family members at the Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire hotel in downtown Calgary. He said he was honoured to give the awards.
It took 40 years of lobbying by the First Special Service Force Association before the United States Congress passed the motion to award the CIB to the Canadian veterans. It marks the first time non-American soldiers have received the award.
Never considered Canadian or American
"As far as we in the force were concerned, we never considered ourselves as Canadian or American. After the first while, we didn't know who was who. We were just part of the force," said Jack Furman from Vernon, British Columbia.
He never gave the idea of getting the CIB much thought because he didn't expect to receive it. He said it was a special honour for him in light of his companionship with his American brethren.
The CIB was established in 1943 to recognize the skill and heroism of American infantry. To receive the award, soldiers had to be an infanteer, belong to a unit engaged in combat and have engaged in combat.
The FSSF was created in Helena, Montana, in 1942 as a combined U.S.-Canadian Special Forces unit. Canadian and American soldiers volunteered and fought side by side from the Aleutian Islands in the Pacific through the Italian campaign.
The Black Devils
They received the nickname "the black devils" from German soldiers in Italy. The Germans coined the nickname from the commandos' proficiency in night operations with blackened faces. As a result of the Germans' nickname, the force became known as The Devil's Brigade.
The FSSF was the first Allied unit to enter Rome. After Italy, the force continued into Southern France where they were disbanded in Menton, France, in 1944. Despite a casualty rate of 135 percent, they never lost a battle.
"We never thought we would get it," said William Domon. "It definitely gives me a sense of satisfaction to get this kind of recognition from the American government,"
Originally from Saltcoats, Saskatchewan, the 82 year-old travelled from Hastings, Australia, to receive his award. He admitted that even after all these years, it's still exciting to get his CIB.
Close ties
Lieutenant-General Marc Caron, the Chief of the Land Staff, was on hand for the occasion and personally congratulated the veterans on the award. He said the occasion highlights the close ties that have existed and continue to exist between the Canadian Forces and its American ally.
"We have worked together many times in the past. We work together today, especially in places like Afghanistan. We will continue to work closely with our American allies," he said. "Tonight was a special occasion to honour those who epitomized that relationship."
The award ceremony took place during the 59th reunion of the First Special Service Force Association. It was the last such reunion in Canada. The veterans â “ all of whom are at least 80 years old â “ will meet one final time next year in Helena, Montana.
