[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 18 (Tuesday, February 3, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Pages S733-S734]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            MORNING BUSINESS

                                 ______
                                 

 CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL CEREMONY HONORING 1ST SPECIAL SERVICE FORCE, 
                        THE ``DEVIL'S BRIGADE''

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, today I had the honor of addressing the 
legendary World War II-era 1st Special Service Force, a joint American-
Canadian special forces military unit called the Devil's Brigade, on 
the occasion of the surviving members of that elite unit receiving the 
Congressional Gold Medal. I ask for unanimous consent that my remarks 
be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

       Sometimes, truth can be more impressive than fiction.
       When it comes to the heroes we honor today, that's 
     certainly the case.
       Members of the elite ``Devil's Brigade'' excelled in rock-
     climbing and amphibious assault.
       They advanced on skis and through the air. They survived by 
     stealth, and trained in demolitions.
       Some of their more daring mission plans would've made James 
     Bond blush.
       And through it all, they helped save a continent in chaos. 
     They helped defeat some of the greatest menaces our world has 
     known.
       But this isn't just some Hollywood script. It's a true 
     story about a fearless group of young Canadians and 
     Americans--including many Kentuckians--who were willing to 
     put their lives on the line in the truest sense of the term.
       Some probably did it to protect neighbors and families. 
     Others to defend cherished democratic ideals. Many likely 
     fought for all these reasons.
       And they volunteered for this danger. Here's how the 
     force's recruiting slogan read:

     Vigorous training.
     Hazardous duty.
     For those who measure up, get into the war quick.

       Typical Madison Avenue spin, this was not.
       But it was honest.
       The fighting could be fierce. Conditions could be awful. 
     The missions, seemingly impossible.

[[Page S734]]

       Yet, dark masses of boot polish and young courage--fighting 
     knives gripped tightly in hand, elements purged consciously 
     from thought--advanced against the Wehrmacht and held strong 
     against forces of fascism.
       The Devil's Brigade, heeding Churchill's call for 
     ``specially trained troops of the hunter class'' who might 
     unleash ``a reign of terror'' against the Nazis, became a 
     feared adversary.
       But these ``Devils'' only rented space in the shadows. They 
     moved within darkness in order to defeat it.
       And today, here they are. Champions of freedom. Heroes in 
     two nations. Saviors to many others.
       To you, we offer our most profound gratitude for 
     distinguished service.
       To the families gathered today, know that your loved one 
     made a difference. Know that the veteran you've loved made a 
     contribution to history that we as a people will not soon 
     forget.
       As the son of a World War II veteran, I'm particularly 
     determined to ensure we don't.
       That's why we will soon dedicate the highest civilian honor 
     Congress can bestow.
       It may only be a piece of metal, but it carries the 
     gratitude of a nation.
       May you always remember it.

                          ____________________