Devil's Brigade
This uniform group is an exceptional offering to a member of the famed ‘Devil’s Brigade’, the First Special Service Force. John P. Grantz was a member of 5-3 and is listed as such in the roster in the official First Special Service Force unit history, written by Robert D. Burhans (p. 343).
The WWII era Ike jacket shows minor wear, with a few tiny rub spots and holes, but they are small and can hardly be seen. All insignia is original to the jacket and has never been removed. The 3 place ribbon bar includes: EAME (European-African-Middle Eastern) campaign ribbon with an invasion arrowhead plus 4 campaign stars, a Pacific campaign ribbon with one star (for the assault on Kiska), and a Good Conduct ribbon. The red/white/blue Force shoulder cord is magnificent along with the enlisted crossed arrows disc. The FSSF shoulder patch is a known variant that was made and purchased in Nice, France.
Both the jacket and cap are named to Grantz. The O/S cap is textbook with the correct FSSF braid and tape to the piping.
Another stunning part of this group (aside from the theater made patch), is Grantz’s V-42 knife. This knife is in superb condition as is its leather sheath. He must have sent this knife home rather than bringing it overseas. The scabbard shows some minor rust on the rivet heads, but is otherwise excellent. It still retains its original length, as many of these were cut down.
You would be hard pressed to find another named Force group with its original V-42 knife!
Price: $11,500 (USD)
Posted in Groupings, Militaria For Sale, Uniforms, WWII US Militaria, Weapons | 1 Comment »
Devil's Brigade
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
Posted in WWII US Militaria | 5 Comments »
