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

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German tropical M40 cap with oilskin sweatband, which the solder wrote his name and rank on the reverse side. No soutache. Dated 1943 and possibly worn in the Italian theater.

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