This is a story told by heroes who, in context of their mission and performance in combat in World War II, lived and fought in an environment where conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in the face of enemy fire were the day-to-day norm. For many, the name First Special Service Force resonates like the clash of swords. To the Canadian and American soldiers who served under the Force's two flags, the name denotes a combat elite that they themselves created. To the enemy soldiers who knew well the Force's lethal audacity, the name evoked admiration, awe, and fear. Here for the first time the soldiers of the legendary First Special Service Force set the record straight, in their own words.