Dan
08-28-2009, 12:57
http://news.soc.mil/releases/News%20Archive/2009/August/090828-02.html
RELEASE NUMBER: 090828-02
DATE POSTED: AUGUST 28, 2009
Heritage, honor continue with presentation of 2009 Frederick Award
By Maj. Karla S. Owen
10th SFG(A) Public Affairs
HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, Canada (USASOC News Service, Aug. 28, 2009) – The men of the ‘Devil’s Brigade’ have been coming together for 63 years to reminisce about their service, share their stories and remember their hardships many years ago. Their combat experiences do not compare to the history reports and only in talking to them directly can one truly understand what they carried out. They don’t consider themselves heroes and most conveyed that they were merely doing their job.
The First Special Service Force was formed in 1942 as a light infantry raiding force to be used in cold, high mountainous terrain; specifically, operations in Norway. This joint American and Canadian unit, also known as ‘The Force’ was one of the toughest and most effective combat units in Europe. Even though it was only activated for two years, it laid the foundation for SF units in existence today.
While they never made it to Norway as part of the FSSF, these men were part of the recovery of the Aleutian Islands from the Japanese and most notably the assault on the outwardly impenetrable German strongholds in Anzio, Italy.
As part of their reunion, they honor their first commander, Brig. Gen. Robert T. Frederick, by presenting an award in his name to one current American and Canadian SF operator that exhibits the highest degree of professionalism and continues the tradition that the original members of ‘The Force’ set during World War II.
This year’s American SF recipient was Sgt. 1st Class James L. Cannon, a member of Operational Detachment Alpha – 0112, 1st Battalion, 10th SF Group (Airborne), based in Stuttgart, Germany.
Cannon received the award Aug. 22 during the final night of the reunion in Halifax, Canada under the presence of 25 of the original ‘Force’ members.
Cannon distinguished himself many times over as the senior weapons sergeant for his ODA and his basic discernible attributes come from his deployment in support of International Security and Assistance Force in the Kapisa Province of Afghanistan.
Cannon and his ODA conducted 192 days of continuous combat operations in one of the most hostile locations in Afghanistan. During that time, the ODA was involved in more direct fire engagements with the enemy than any other detachment in Regional Command-East.
Throughout the deployment Cannon was noticed for his exceptional leadership, courage under fire and a warrior’s spirit to which he was awarded two Bronze Star Medals, one with the valor device.
Moreover, Cannon has also used his extraordinary gift as a trainer to cross cultural boundaries in order to obtain the best out of our partnered forces, most notably, members of the Malian Army.
Cannon was acknowledged as the consummate Special Forces Soldier. His actions personify the combat advisor. Once one recognizes what the men of the FSSF achieved, only then can one identify with the honor of receiving this memorable award directly from the hands of men who have seen more combat in two years than most SF Soldiers see in a 20-year career.
A quiet professional, and a man of few words, Cannon gave a short acceptance speech in which he honored those present at the reunion for their sacrifices and their contribution to the legacy that he strives to uphold.
Their history is long and too lengthy to rewrite words already published. Realizing the history of this unit and knowing what accomplished is not nearly enough until you hear them personally talk about their experiences as part of the FSSF. They were truly the first and they were truly special in all that they began. The heritage of their unit still surges through the U.S. and Canadian Special Forces community and Soldiers like Cannon.
In an article written by Flint Whitlock in January 2000 he relays that,
Small, specialized units such as the 1st SSF did not, by themselves, win World War II for the Allies. Their value cannot be based on battles won or lost, or in the number of towns liberated or prisoners captured, or in the casualties inflicted upon the enemy. But perhaps their well-reported exploits and indomitable spirit in the face of overwhelming odds contributed in a major way to optimism … in the darkest days of the war…’
This yearly reunion was not a dreaded event nor was it a hardship to attend. This reunion was a meeting of warriors, great men, and amazing stories.
--usasoc--
RELEASE NUMBER: 090828-02
DATE POSTED: AUGUST 28, 2009
Heritage, honor continue with presentation of 2009 Frederick Award
By Maj. Karla S. Owen
10th SFG(A) Public Affairs
HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, Canada (USASOC News Service, Aug. 28, 2009) – The men of the ‘Devil’s Brigade’ have been coming together for 63 years to reminisce about their service, share their stories and remember their hardships many years ago. Their combat experiences do not compare to the history reports and only in talking to them directly can one truly understand what they carried out. They don’t consider themselves heroes and most conveyed that they were merely doing their job.
The First Special Service Force was formed in 1942 as a light infantry raiding force to be used in cold, high mountainous terrain; specifically, operations in Norway. This joint American and Canadian unit, also known as ‘The Force’ was one of the toughest and most effective combat units in Europe. Even though it was only activated for two years, it laid the foundation for SF units in existence today.
While they never made it to Norway as part of the FSSF, these men were part of the recovery of the Aleutian Islands from the Japanese and most notably the assault on the outwardly impenetrable German strongholds in Anzio, Italy.
As part of their reunion, they honor their first commander, Brig. Gen. Robert T. Frederick, by presenting an award in his name to one current American and Canadian SF operator that exhibits the highest degree of professionalism and continues the tradition that the original members of ‘The Force’ set during World War II.
This year’s American SF recipient was Sgt. 1st Class James L. Cannon, a member of Operational Detachment Alpha – 0112, 1st Battalion, 10th SF Group (Airborne), based in Stuttgart, Germany.
Cannon received the award Aug. 22 during the final night of the reunion in Halifax, Canada under the presence of 25 of the original ‘Force’ members.
Cannon distinguished himself many times over as the senior weapons sergeant for his ODA and his basic discernible attributes come from his deployment in support of International Security and Assistance Force in the Kapisa Province of Afghanistan.
Cannon and his ODA conducted 192 days of continuous combat operations in one of the most hostile locations in Afghanistan. During that time, the ODA was involved in more direct fire engagements with the enemy than any other detachment in Regional Command-East.
Throughout the deployment Cannon was noticed for his exceptional leadership, courage under fire and a warrior’s spirit to which he was awarded two Bronze Star Medals, one with the valor device.
Moreover, Cannon has also used his extraordinary gift as a trainer to cross cultural boundaries in order to obtain the best out of our partnered forces, most notably, members of the Malian Army.
Cannon was acknowledged as the consummate Special Forces Soldier. His actions personify the combat advisor. Once one recognizes what the men of the FSSF achieved, only then can one identify with the honor of receiving this memorable award directly from the hands of men who have seen more combat in two years than most SF Soldiers see in a 20-year career.
A quiet professional, and a man of few words, Cannon gave a short acceptance speech in which he honored those present at the reunion for their sacrifices and their contribution to the legacy that he strives to uphold.
Their history is long and too lengthy to rewrite words already published. Realizing the history of this unit and knowing what accomplished is not nearly enough until you hear them personally talk about their experiences as part of the FSSF. They were truly the first and they were truly special in all that they began. The heritage of their unit still surges through the U.S. and Canadian Special Forces community and Soldiers like Cannon.
In an article written by Flint Whitlock in January 2000 he relays that,
Small, specialized units such as the 1st SSF did not, by themselves, win World War II for the Allies. Their value cannot be based on battles won or lost, or in the number of towns liberated or prisoners captured, or in the casualties inflicted upon the enemy. But perhaps their well-reported exploits and indomitable spirit in the face of overwhelming odds contributed in a major way to optimism … in the darkest days of the war…’
This yearly reunion was not a dreaded event nor was it a hardship to attend. This reunion was a meeting of warriors, great men, and amazing stories.
--usasoc--