The Black Devils War feats of the Force unfold
A veteran recounts the First Special Service Force known as the Black Devils or Red Berets, detailing its formation, diverse members, brutal training, and mountaintop battles in Italy and earlier operations in Norway and the Aleutians, highlighting shared sacrifice and unit pride.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Force
Mount
la Difensa
Italy
Camino-Difensa-Maggiore
Black Devils
Norway
Romania
Alps
Kiska Island
Aleutians
Mussolini Canal
Anzio
Rome
Pietralata
Highway 6
Army
Air Force
Marines
Navy
Marine Sgt. DuBroy recalls Khe Sanh and Kingfisher battles
Sergeant Thomas E. DuBroy of North Ridgeville, a Marine platoon guide, reflects on life near the DMZ at Dong Ha and Khe Sanh. He describes building the perimeter, clearing rocket sites, and surviving a deadly night under satchel charges and artillery fire. He envisions returning home after months of war and plans for civilian life and college.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Dong HA
South Vietnam
Dmz
North Vietnam
Cambodia
Thomas E. DuBroy
DuBroy
Case Road
North Ridgeville
Vietnam
Marine Corps
Camp Carroll
NVA
Gio Linh
Con Thien
Khe Sanh
Dien Bien Phu
Tion Kingfisher
The Devil's Brigade film review at Midway Cinema
A WWII feature about the First Special Service Force blends fact and fiction. William Holden stars as Gen Frederick with Cliff Robertson and Vince Edwards shaping a mixed cast. The battle of Mt La Difensa and cliff assault are dramatized for entertainment though some realism is softened. The review notes strong performances and vivid combat moments but flaws in overdrawn action and exaggerated uniform contrasts. The film remains worth seeing for its engaging visuals and soldierly atmosphere.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Mount la Difensa
Italy
Anzio
Robert Painton
Anthony Gallardo
Midway Cinema
Midway Mall
Robert T. Frederick
William Holden
Cliff Robertson
Alan Crown
Vince Edwards
Ben Casey
Gen. Frederick
Devil's Brigade
Also Mentioned on This Page
Chronicle-Telegramelyria
Obie
USA
Canada
Prime Min
Ister
Rumania
Jack
V-Mail
First
Special Service Force
Scotland
Khe Sahn
1St Air Cavalry
Ammia
Sgt. Dubroy
Louis E. DuBroy
Barbara
Elyria Telephone Company
Linda Lots
Elyria
Timms Spring Co
Tom
North Rideville High School
Thomas FE Dubroy
Special Service
FSSF
Mt. la Difensa
Holden
Remy
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!