Cheyenne, Worland, Buffalo, Cody, Saratoga, Green River, Grover soldiers among those honored

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mike Enzi, John Barrasso, and Representative Cynthia Lummis, all R-Wyo., joined an overwhelming number of their colleagues in co-sponsoring a bill to award the Congressional Gold Medal to America’s first Special Operations unit in World War II, the First Special Service Force. 

Founded in 1942, and nicknamed the Devil’s Brigade, the First Special Service Force was an elite top-secret commando unit that conducted high-risk military operations and never failed a mission while contributing prominently in the liberations of Italy and France. Their training was the first of its kind and specialized in high alpine combat, covert amphibious landings, parachuting, and other non-conventional tactics.

“The First Special Force played an important role in our war effort and their heroic actions should be recognized for helping bring WWII to a close,” said the delegation. “It was their legacy of service and accomplishments that helped to create the American Special Operations Forces and we’re proud to join with our colleagues and recognize those who gave so much defending their country and our way of life.”

The First Special Service Force in World War II was comprised of 1,800 volunteers from 49 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada. Among those were Wyoming residents from Cheyenne, Worland, Buffalo, Cody, Saratoga, Green River, and Grover.

When the war ended, the Force had suffered 2,314 casualties, equating to 134 percent of its original combat strength. It had captured more than 30,000 prisoners, won five U.S. campaign stars and eight Canadian battle honors.

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