With the Black Devils: A Soldier's World War II Account With the First Special Service Force And the 82nd Airborne (Schiffer Military History Book)

With The Black Devils offers readers a rare first-hand account of life with an elite group of American and Canadian World War II soldiers known as the First Special Service Force or "Black Devils." Based on the letters and diary entries of Sam Byrne, who served with the Force from the early days in Montana through the unit's inactivation in France, the book shares the thoughts and emotions of a front line soldier chronicling his activities as they take place. The book follows Sam's experiences after the Force's breakup, as he served in both the 504th and 507th Parachute Infantry Regiments. The author surrounds Sam's letters and diary entries with background information thereby placing Sam's words into a meaningful context for the reader. This book will appeal to anyone with an interest in World War II in general or the First Special Service Force specifically.

Mark J. Nelson graduated from the Unicersity of Wyoming with a B.A. in History in 1982, and then continued his education at the university, receiving his M.A.T. in History in 1985. he currently serves as the museum curator for the Sweetwater County Historical Museum in Green River, Wyoming. During the course of his career in the museum profession, Mark has been employed at the Fort Bridger, Wyoming State Historic Site, Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, and the Nebraska State Historical Society. With The Black Devils is his first book.