First Special Service Force 1942–44

Bret Werner was raised in the Philadelphia area of Pennsylvania. He is deeply involved with living history organizations with an emphasis on the soldier of the 20th Century. The author is also an associate member of the First Special Service Force Association, where he attends the veteran reunions every year. He lives in Pennsylvania, USA. Michael Welply was born in London in 1948 and moved to Winnipeg, Canada in 1950. In 1981 he moved with his family to central France, where he still lives. Having studied art first in Winnipeg and then in Paris, Michael began his illustrating career in 1977 and has worked for many publishers in Europe and the United States. He has illustrated over 50 books, ranging from historical work to fantasy and fairy tales.

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• Introduction – the plan for Operation 'Plough', and formation of the FSSFOrganization & structureTraining: airborne – skiing – mountain – demolitions – amphibiousOperations: Kiska (Aleutians) – Mte Camino (Italy) – Mte la Difensa – Mte Majo – Anzio – Rome – Southern France – Franco-Italian border – disbandmentUniformsUniforms of successor unitsEquipmentWeaponsSpecial insignia