Pelletier to receive posthumous Congressional Medal of Honour in Washington

By Laurie McLeod-Shabogesic

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Feb. 3) – The Devil’s Brigade (also known as the Black Devils) have received the highest honour the US has to give: the Congressional Medal of Honour, for their outstanding service in WWII.

They were an elite combat unit trained in parachuting, skiing, rock climbing, explosives and amphibious warfare. They could attack from the lands, waters and the skies.

The Devil’s Brigade was a combination of elite warriors from both Canada and the US.  Although it’s not for certain how many Anishinabek were among them, but know for sure my mom’s brother – Eugene Pelletier – was among the First Special Service Force.

The brigade was the first of its kind and is considered the model for special forces such as Delta Force and the U.S. navy SEALs.  They worked at night and are credited with taking over 15,000 German prisoners.  In one of the final battles winning the war, they climbed cliff walls in the freezing rain and totally overwhelmed a much larger German force taking a stronghold atop a mountain in La Difensa, Italy, in December 1943.

Also in the Devil’s Brigade Canada’s most decorated Native veteran Tommy Prince.  They were dubbed the Devil’s Brigade by the enemy who feared them.  They darkened their faces with shoe polish and moved stealthily through the night.

For every man they lost, they captured 225.  They went on over 200 missions.  Every mission was a suicide mission.  They fought for 99 consecutive days without relief and never lost a single mission.

The ceremony attributed them with liberating: Rome, Italy and France.  They were a fearless group who saved a continent in chaos.

The force only came together for a year and a half and were disbanded.

“They were the champions of freedom and heroes in two nations”.

Although for my uncle, the award comes posthumously, my family is very proud.  My uncle was a member of the Sagamok Anishnawbek.