"The First Special Service Force" First Edition 1947 | ||
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Posted 12 years ago
northwestr…
(82 items)
"The First Special Service Force" A War History of The North Americans 1942 - 1944, by Lieutenant Colonel Robert D. Burhans, Washington Infantry Journal Press.
A very scarce, and rare first edition book detailing the history of the First Special Service Force during World War II.
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Great unit history-- anything 1st SSF is very desirable.
US Army Special Forces traces its history to these early unconventional warfare soldiers.
Scott
I forgot to mention, this book was the personal copy of a member of the First Special Service Force, his name card is attached to the inside of the book. Since I do not know the individual or any of his family members, out of respect of privacy, I don't think it would be proper to identify the individual without his, or his families permission.
That really adds to the desirability nw. Have you been able to confirm his service?
Were you able to get any other items from his WW2 service?
Scott
Yes, the name card matches the name in enlisted men in the back of the book, and where his home town was, (not far from here), and I also have his uniform, including the ike jacket with his 1st special service force patch decorations and cord, pants, belt, 2 shirts, full jacket, a cap, and beret, in other words quite a bit.
One of Canada's most decorated soldiers, serving in World War II and the Korean War was an original member of this force, his name was Tommy Prince. He grew up on a reserve north of Winnipeg, MB. He was decorated nine times in WWII, including the US Silver Star, in Korea his Battalion was a co recipient of the United States Presidential Unit Citation, he received three more medals for his service in Korea.
link showing his medals;
http://collections.civilization.ca/public/objects/common/webmedia.php?irn=3127060
They were a courageous fighting force, & a fine example of men of two countries coming together for a common goal.
You are lucky to have such an important piece of history in your collection.
This is pretty outstanding, not only because of the provenance but also what seems to be an accompanying original leather case (or is it?). I don't see any of the other copies out there being this strong.
Very impressive medals grouping !! Thanks Walksoftly. I am not used to seeing a Silver Star on the far end of a group as a foreign award.
The case for the book, is a dark blue vinyl, which matches the book. And appears to be about the same age as the book. The book was nicely stored with his complete uniform minus shoes, or boots. When time permits I will get some pictures taken post some photo's of the uniform.
I'd love to see the uniform!
Scott
And the 1947 First Edition Book
is the special service force this same as the secret service?
No, the secret service is totally different, First Special Service Force, would be like the first Green Beret's, they were made up of US and Canadian trrops.
The crossed arrows insignia on your title page is the current branch insignia of Special Forces.
scott
thanks northwestrelics.
Hi, all. Northwestrelics, thank you very much for posting this, and the other associated items. They are quite wonderful! (I shall look for a copy of this book to read when I've caught up on my paperwork.) I also must commend you for the great respect that you have shown this fine soldier and his family. I salute you,sir.
Ho2cultcha, Bellin prompted me to post something. I will post my elder brother's U.S. Army Special Forces pin later today or tonight. (I had intended to post it sometime.) The pin is circa 1970's. Here's an image of the pin from Google so you don't have to wait.
http://www.google.com/search?q=insignia+of+green+beret&hl=en&prmd=imvnsb&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=qiIkUJWYKIqA2gXZ6YHoCw&ved=0CFYQsAQ&biw=1093&bih=498
Here's an excellent discussion of the Green Beret motto, "De Oppresso Liber". It sounds like it could well have been written by my old Latin Professor!, a West Point man, and one of the 'early' Green Berets. He was a Captain of Intelligence during the Vietnam War. I shall have to ask him about this article next time I write.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_oppresso_liber
Ho2cultcha, the Secret Service protects the President of the United States. They are not a military unit, though they are really way tough cookies - physically and mentally sharp as razors. Wouldn't want to mess with them!
Scott, isn't the dagger also part of the Special Forces insignia, or am I wrong? Was there ever a crossbow? REF the Airborne shoulder sleeve patch with arrowhead/dagger/lightning bolts - is it unique to the 'Green Beret', or do other Parachutist/Airborne units wear this too - or similar? Also, there are silver pins with wings and parachute. How do they fit in? Thanks Scott! I really appreciate it.
miKKo
mikko, all that you mention are different things:
Branch Insignia: Crossed Arrows
Regimental Crest: Dagger with crossed arrows and motto "De Opresso Liber"
Unit Patch: worn by all assigned to an SF unit, to include NON SF support personel
Airborne Wings: Worn by ANYONE who has completed the basic ABN Course
The ABN tab is part of the UNIT PATCH. I am ABN qualified and I only wore the tab when assigned to ABN units (and the 101st which is no longer ABN but has retained it as part of the unit patch), while I could wear my RANGER tab (qualification tab) in any unit that I served.
scott
Your brother's pin is the Regimental Crest or Disinctive Unit Insignia (DUI).
scott
Thanks so very much, scottvez, for your generous assistance! Great help - my brother is out and about; don't know when I'll catch up with him....
He was thinking of joining CW and posting his Civil War findings (relics). I had shown him some of Petey's super helmets, and told him that there were other persons interested in militaria on CW. I mentioned you by way of example. He asked what unit you were with, and when and where you had served. For some reason, I thought that you might have been 101st Airborne. So, are you a Ranger? Anyway, I told him that you were really smart, knew much about military history and militaria, and also that you appeared to have caught that Kralik Krazy bug that is going around on CW. So, one day, you may find him weighing in on your military items, especially on Civil War items. He's a rather clever fellow. Well, thanks a million!!! Bellin will get his post, kudos to scottvez. miKKo
Thanks for the kind words mikko-- glad to help out.
I HAD the Kralik bug years ago (I didn't know it was Kralik at the time). I bought a lot in the 90s, but now only add a piece or two a year.
Give me a heads up when your brother posts to the site. I too am big into Civil War-- mainly original photographs, but I have a pretty good knowledge of most items.
scott
Thanks very much, scottvez!!! I'll be sure and tell my brother, and I'll give you a heads up when he first posts.
Thanks mikko-- and just to clarify I am a tab Ranger not a scroll Ranger (I never served in Ranger Regiment).
scott
Thanks much, scott! I shouldn't have asked. I apologize. If it were both proper and your wish to disclose it, I'm sure you would already have told me. Wherever you served, I know that you served with excellence, fervor, and honor. Thank you! (No need to respond : ) ) miKKo