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THE BLACK DEVIL An Oral History Joseph A. Springer Pacifica
Military History Many Maps and Photos $29.95 Amazon.com
$20.96 Book review
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The author has created a history of the "Devil's Brigade" through the words of its veterans. With minimal, even superficial editorial additions, he reconstructs the recruitment, organization, training, and combat record of the unit entirely through direct quotes from participants. Formed from American and Canadian soldiers, many of the volunteers were told that it was a suicide unit, which only seemed to encourage recruitment. Emphasis on recruiting hunters and extra weapons training increased the combat effectiveness of the unit. Despite such expertise, heavy combat, some literally at knifepoint, and hazardous missions kept the unit chronically understrength. A depressingly lengthy appendix lists Force casualties and their battles. Excellent organization makes the work more than a collection of war stories. It will be of use to historians of WW II and scholars of elite unit training and operations.
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