san francisco who returned to his beloved california after the war, the late major general robert t. frederickseemingly impossible mission before him, frederick raised, trained and led the unit and was awarded a record eight purple hearts. today it is our privilege to honor him and especially the people he led. those who are here, those that are not with us. we are honored that some of these legends are here today and we remember so many husbands and fathers, sons and brothers, who never returned. the 1st special service force was given the moniker black devils. for conducting missions with their faces obscured by black boot polish. under the cover of night they trudged through mountainous terrain, captured thousands of prisoners and eventually breached the gates of rome to help liberate the eternal city. today a plaque hangs on a section of the walls in rome honoring their sacrifices. although the 1st special service force was disbanded in 1944, the legacy of this indomitable force lives on today in today's special forces, the u.s. army special forces known as the green berets and 1st special

the 1st special service force was activated july 1942 under the able command of lieutenant robert t. frederickm the usa, 900 men from canada, plus a service battalion of 800 members who provided support to the combat troops. the sff men captured between 30,000 and 35,000 prisoners of war and a remarkable kill ratio of 25 enemies to 1 forceman. since the first shot was fired on april 19 1775 the beginning of our quest for independence and freedom, 1.3 million men and women have given their lives to safeguard america's freedom and to keep old glory waving high and proudly. one of the most important command components of the fss accomplishments on the battlefield was general frederick's profound leadership. he stressed the importance that line officers should lead from the front as he did in many battles. he commanded with an iron fist and a velvet glove. general frederick was wounded eight times in combat. the following newspaper co- quotation is from the helena montana, never yield an inch of round nor left a battle with indecisive conclusion. the force won everything is fought for. i will now

proud son of san francisco who returned to california after the war the late major general robert t fredericky it is our privilege to honor him and the people he led, those who are hear and those who are not with us. we we are honored that some of these legends are hear today and remember so many husbands and fathers sons and brothers never returned. they conducted night missions. under the cover of night they trudged through mountainous terrain, surprised enemy men and eventually breached the gates of rome to help liberate the eternal city. today a a plaque hangs in honor of there sacrifice. although the 1st special service force was disbanded the legacy lives on. today's special forces known as the green berets and the 1st special forces operational detachment delta known as the delta force, some force, some of whom are with us today. thank you for your service. these heroes remind us that although victory is never certain where their is courage and unity where people are willing to sacrifice comfort for others victory is possible. it is our privilege to present the congressional medal of h

the 1st special service force was activated july 1942 under the able command of lieutenant robert t frederickmen usa neither mental canada and the combat troops. should between 30 and 35,000 prisoners of war and a remarkable show of 25 inmates to one enforcement. since the 1st shot was fired on april 19 1775, the beginning of our quest for independence and freedom 1.3 million men and women have given they're lives to safeguard american freedom and to keep old glory waving hi and proudly. one of the most important command components under the fss accomplishment on the battlefield the profound he stressed the importance that line officers should leave from the front as he did in many battles. he commended with an iron fist in a velvet glove. general frederick was wounded eight times in combat. from the helena montana independent. the force never yielded an age of routes that are left battle with indecisive conclusion. the force one everything it fought for. i will now conclude my presentation by reading a prayer the muscles are on or about may 231944 prior to the beginning of the offensive batt