WWII US FSSF (First Special Service Force) Uniform Group
This uniform was worn by a local veteran that served in the First Special Service Force. He was a scout (MOS 761) attached to headquarters and did reconnaissance for all three regiments. His separation record describes his duties as:
Served as a scout for infantry troops in combat with enemy in both European and Pacific theaters of operations. Patrolled enemy territory in order to obtain information concerning strength and positions of enemy units. Noted terrain features for combat purposes. Reported to S-2 and S-3 offices and made necessary changes on maps and records. Served on Aleutian Islands, in Cassino, and on Anzio Beachhead.
This soldier was at Fort Harrison (Helena, Montana) from its inception. His diary lists his arrival date as August 4th, 1942. Fort Harrison was where the FSSF was formed and training before being sent to kiska.
He received his Combat Infantry Badge December 5, 1944 (for La Difensa) and a Purple Heart for wounds received at Mussolini Canal.
Some of the items included in the group are:
• Class A blouse (shirt and necktie were added for the photo)
• Officers quality overseas cap w/ Force braid
• Wool Trousers and belt
• Discharge papers
• Diaries
• Wood carving from Aleutians
• Photographs
• Beachhead News papers from Anzio
• Letter opener made from two FSSF “fat tail” patches
• Fort Harrison souvenir pillow case
• FSSF Unit History book
• Print of the FSSF monument in Helena, MT
• Marble desk memento from a circa 1990′s FSSF reunion
• Kiska Booklet
• Hard Cover book about Anzio w/ veteran’s notes written inside
• Ephemera and other documents
December 27th, 2007 at 3:27 pm
Excellent site… my dad was part of the FSSF. He was one of the few taken POW just after Anzio.
I’m so proud of him, and I miss him alot, he died at 85. He was a good man.
November 14th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
I have a question. I have my Grandpa’s WWII coat. What does the 3 gold horizontal bars on the left fore arm mean? Also. I think i have a green bar service patches, (they are half the privite badge) what do they mean and where do they go on the coat? I found them in his pocket. He was a nurse, and was from the 83rd division because he has that patch as well. Thank you for your time.
January 15th, 2009 at 9:44 pm
Thank you for reading my article. You should be very proud of your father. The men of the FSSF are all heroes.
March 1st, 2010 at 9:24 pm
My dad was discharged from this unit for a medical issue…was amazed to see an actual uniform and memorabila from Fort Harrison…my grandmother worked out there in the kitchen. I grew up in Helena. Just wish I could acquire collectibles from that unit like at least a unit patch to show my dad.
March 2nd, 2010 at 2:33 pm
Everett,
Thanks for checking out Rally Point Militaria. Original FSSF patches are out there, but finding an actual documented uniform groups is very difficult do to the size and desirability of this elite unit.
—Chris