“Victory Remembered”
Video Library
The story of The Black devils is far too broad and the footage we shot far exceeded the time limitations for a single film. Therefore, I have created The "Victory Remembered Video Library" where you can find individual chapters and moments from the Entire film project as well as expanded outtake footage that covers additional parts of the story but didn't make it into the film. This makes it very convenient to view and share specific moments that you find particularly interesting, informative or meaningful. The goal is to make this entire story easier to "pass on" to others and help preserve the memory of the story of The Black Devils. We want everyone to learn about these brave men, what they did and how they have shaped the lives of so many people around the world. The original music in all videos was composed by Alex Hernandez.
Chapter 1VR
Remember & Honor (3:13)
the FSSF Association visited Washington, D.C. in September 2013 for their Annual Reunion and as guests of the Canadian Embassy who were helping to lobby for the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal. The introduction of the film is included.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J11uILMrTs
Chapter 2VR
The Beginning (5:42)
Who were the men that volunteered for the dangerous mission of the First Special Service Force? how and why they were formed, and the leadership of Colonel Robert T. Frederick begins the story of the Force.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huZePD1_lHQ
Chapter 3VR
They Volunteered (3:12)
Charlie Mann, Eugene Gutierrez and Jack Callowhill talk about why they joined the First Special Service Force during WWII.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrNsSyaUBFc&t=3s
Chapter 4VR
They Arrived in Helena (2:27)
Colonel Frederick chose Ft Harrison in Helena, Montana due to the mountainous terrain and harsh winter climate in order to train for their original mission. In July of 1942 volunteers from Canada and the U.S. began to arrive for training.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgRe4jXaEyE&t=32s
Chapter 5VR
They Trained at Ft Harrison (5:44)
Charlie Mann, Jack Callowhill and Eugene Gutierrez recall their experience of the rigorous training of the FSSF in Helena, MT. and the beginning of their identity as The Force.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhXsFyU8AIM
Chapter 6VR
The Montana War Museum (3:42)
A trip to the Montana Military Museum at Ft. Harrison exposes patrons to First Special Service Force history and memorabilia. Family members and veterans who visit have personal reflections on the origins and training of the Force.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jSH-GYdX3g&t=6s
Chapter 7VR
The Brides (3:34)
When the Forcemen first arrived the young Women of Helena were quick to notice! Romance lead to marriage for many of them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJ9odVdc2nU
Chapter 8VR
St Helena Cathedral (1:24)
The architectural centerpiece of Helena is St Helena Cathedral which holds a unique significance in the history of the First Special Service Force.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=cRVVqyZcrvA
Chapter 9VR
The Gold Bar (2:18)
Besides the military training the Canadian and U.S. soldiers shared in the FSSF, payday in the Helena bars provided additional opportunities for "bonding" and practicing their fighting skills.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCFf1wZ4reE
Chapter 10VR
To War (2:21)
The First Special Service Force was ready when they were called into battle and the new spouses were facing the reality of being war brides. The war affected everyone.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWkh_C28PLk
Chapter 11VR
Pipes & Drums of The Black Devils (1:39)
The Pipes & Drums of The Black Devils prepare for their important role in the FSSF Association's trip to Europe in 2014.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QY3Yf85Dy4c
Chapter 12VR
the FSSF Association gathers in Rome in 2014 (3:03)
In May, 2014 members of the First Special Service Force Association visited Italy and France to celebrate the liberation of Rome 70 years earlier. The "Force Family" would learn much and grow closer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUbRTjWGxio
Chapter 13VR (2:30)
The town of Mignano, Italy Pays Honor
A parade and speeches in Mignano was the first of many celebrations honoring the visit of the Black Devils in 2014.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=184-aZtmmtw&t=9s
Chapter 14VR
A Meal that Paid Tribute (4:30)
The FSSF tour group enjoyed lunch at the foot of Monte La Difensa. The meal was prepared with love and honor and was a tribute to the men of The First Special Service Force.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Eqxu58GR-E&t=3s
Chapter 15VR
The Battle of La Difensa (6:56)
The Battle of La Difensa in Italy is perhaps the Black Devils most famous victory. It proved to the Allies what the First Special Service Force was capable of. Bill Woon and Jack Callowhill describe the engagement.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iI8m2ehI404
Chapter 16VR
Family Members Climb La Difensa (13:48)
In 2014 the FSSF Association visited Monte La Difensa in Italy with plans to hike to the top of the infamous battle site. Some members climbed the same cliffs that the Forcemen did when they surprised the Germans in 1942. (original music in all videos by Alex Hernandez)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cPZ9SWSnvQ&t=25s
Chapter 17VR
Le Noci, Italy (3:16)
As they revisited sites where the Black Devils had been during the war the FSSF Association members could better sense the history and difficulty that those soldiers experienced. Le Noci was particularly unchanged in over 70 years.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwVfcxXmgnw
Chapter 18VR
Hill 720 (7:22)
Many of the Forcemen gave their lives in the mountains of Italy. Two women in the FSSF Association never met their dads who fell there and the stories of their death in battle are recounted here. In 2014 the FSSF Association paid respect to the fallen in a ceremony on top of Hill 720, also known as Mt Sammucro.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1okN7huVZgw&t=176s
Chapter 19VR
The Abbey of Monte Cassino (7:45)
The Abbey of Monte Cassino and the Battle of Cassino played strategic roles in the Ally's battle plans in Italy. the beautiful Abbey was completely destroyed and then completely rebuilt following the war due to the Marshall Plan.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HHZWvfSHXk
Chapter 20VR
The Pipes & Drums of The Black Devils (3:25)
The Pipes & Drums of The Black Devils performed their version of "Amazing Grace" in honor of those Forcemen buried at the Cassino Commonwealth War Cemetery in Cassino, Italy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuJ9j_5kI1o&t=3s
Chapter 21VR
Anzio (7:04)
It was at Anzio where the First Special Service Force acquired their fearsome name The Black Devils. The Germans were terrified of the Force as their night raids and affective kill rate forced the enemy to overestimate their numbers and retreat. Cabbage Castle was at the very end of the beachhead where the Force was entrenched for 99 days and where the FSSF Association visited in 2014. Charlie Mann and Eugene Gutierrez tell of their experience at Anzio and describe "Anzio Annie", the feared German giant railway canon.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQcQRhSPP44
Chapter 22vr
The Breakout (8:26)
In 1944 after months of being pinned down at Anzio the Allies broke out and made their push to Rome. Eugene Gutierrez tells John Hart stories of the breakout as they visit the site of his encounter with a German tank.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkXx2Aoh5Cs
Chapter 23VR
Artena (9:13)
Artena is a beautiful mountain village in Italy that was liberated by the First Special Service Force during their push to Rome in WWII. Historian Gianni Blasi stands at the wall of the castle and describes the battle. Eugene Gutierrez describes his own experience there as a medic and communications specialist under fire.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALY84FM3x_I&feature=youtu.be
Chapter 24a VR
Alatri & Frozinone (6:17)
Memorial services and parades took place throughout Italy during the First Special Service Force Association's visit in 2014. The Pipes and Drums of the Black Devils received special recognition along with the families and members of the Force. The atmosphere of celebration was shared by all.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hR7JmwhHe5k
Chapter 24b VR
Frozinone (9:42)
The people of the town of Frozinone, Italy turned out for all of the events when they celebrated their liberation of 70 years earlier. Ken Beaton, a nephew of a Forceman, paid tribute to his uncle who was in the Force by wearing the uniform.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5LfH8ueG6E&t=14s
Chapter 25VR
Rome Liberated (4:36))
The liberation of Rome on June 4th 1944 was the high point of the Allies efforts to liberate Italy from German control. The grateful population embraced the allied soldiers. The Black Devils were the first boots into the city and secured the bridges for the others to follow. Charlie Mann recalls the story.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPTjnRN_mBc
Chapter 26VR
Lake Albano (5:04)
Following the Allies capture of Rome the Black Devils found R&R at lake Albano. General Frederick is promoted and called away from the FSSF.
Chapter 27VR
Nettuno and Anzio Beachhead Cemeteries (9:53)
Having forged a “Band of Brothers” in war the Forcemen were dismayed to learn that American and Canadian soldiers could not be buried together.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6RD9Y7nO_I
Chapter 28VR
Replacements (3:20)
The process of training replacements fell on the shoulders of the Forcemen.
Chapter 29VR
Ponza and Port Cros, The Invasion of Southern France (12:08)
“The word was out. This was the invasion of Southern France” . A visit to the Island of Port Cros demonstrated the deeply held honor the people still hold for the men of the Force who liberated them.
Chapter 30VR
Menton & Castillon (6:31)
The Forcemen liberated many villages in France. Today, they are still remembered by those communities for their sacrifice.
Chapter 31VR
Raymond Gatti (7:17)
One of the most remarkable stories surrounding the the legacy of The Black Devils is that of Raymond Gatti. His first hand experience with the Forcemen during WWII led to a lifelong dedication to preserving their story. The FSSF Association tour group met up with Raymond in Italy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eswZa6Ilx2I&t=12s
Chapter 32VR
The Bond of The Forcemen (2:26)
Hear from the veterans themselves as they describe their unique brotherhood
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84v04QD5APg&t=3s
Chapter 33VR
Rhone American War Cemetery (5:28)
the Rhone American War Cemetery visit by the FSSF Association. The guide recited a particularly poignant poem for everyone.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXl90qm-UEs&t=60s
Chapter 34VR
Peille’s Gratitude, The V-42 and the Weasal (12:26)
The Village of Peille celebrated the return of the Forcemen on the recognition of D-Day 2013. Eugene Gutierrez and Cy Mermalstein were humbled by the reception. Personal stories of their experience in the village as well as a chance to see rare FSSF weapons highlighted the visit.
Chapter 35VR
Villeneuve Loubet. Disbanding the Force (7:25)
Wartime strategies change, and those changes brought about the end of the FSSF.
Chapter 36VR
The Ongoing Cost of War (9:45)
Survivors of war, both soldiers and family members, often pay a lifelong price.
Chapter 37VR
The Force Family Looks forward (5:33)
Members of the FSSF Association share their thoughts and inspired feelings about honoring
the memory of those who served in the Force and why it’s important to fight for freedom.
Chapter 38VR
The Congressional Gold Medal (6:52)
The Presentation of the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal to the FSSF in Washington, DC marked a culmination of the story of the black Devils.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d61cBpJunlc&t=4s
Chapter 39VR
Complete Interview with Charlie Mann (58:51)
Charlie Mann, FSSF. Entire interview with supporting images.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3I0V-BGK_g&t=25s
Chapter 40VR
Complete Interview with Eugene Gutierrez (51:35)
Eugene Gutierrez, FSSF Service Company, entire interview with supporting images. Also includes Eugene's visit to the Texas War Memorial with friends and his daily physical workout.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxSFxefpQSA&t=25s
Chapter 41VR
Complete Interview with Jack Callowhill (46:46)
Jack Callowhill, FSSF. Entire interview with supporting images. Jack speaks of the training, camaraderie, and being wounded at the Battle of La Difensa.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twjNFwfWtAo&t=25s
Chapter 42VR (out take)
Lee Chapman’s Dad’s Coat (5:12)
While the FSSF Association was on tour the group took a moment to recognize a unique piece of Force history.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0L6T26W394&feature=youtu.be
Chapter 43VR (out take)
the FSSF Reunion in 2014 in Helena, MT. (18:28)
Includes portions of Opening Remarks, visit to the Montana Military Museum and Muscle Mountain,
portions of the Memorial church service, dancing at Awards Dinner, FSSF Memorial visit.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxd1YCWUxKU&t=8s
Chapter 44VR (out take)
Black Devils Round Table, FSSF Reunion (23:47)
a round table at the 2015 FSSF Reunion in Helena where several of the
Black Devils shared stories from their wartime experiences.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSRBLiw0ELw&t=25s
Chapter 45VR (out take)
Anzio Beach & Cabbage Castle (9;10)
The group had a rare opportunity to visit Cabbage Castle, which is off limits to the public, to recognize
the Black Devils fighting on Anzio Beach.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9g4TK7Vdcqo&feature=youtu.be
Chapter 46VR (out take)
Gusville & Dee Matthews’ Letter from General Frederick (10:16)
Some Forcemen went to great lengths to create a sense of normalcy when they could.
Gusville was one such place. Dee Matthews reads a letter from Gen Frederick to her family.
Chapter 47VR (out take)
Cassino War Cemetery & Canadian Youth Tribute (14:29)
The FSSF Association joined a youth group from Canada to celebrate the memory of the Canadian soldiers laid to rest at Cassino War Cemetery. An emotional march to the cemetery was followed by wreath layings and visits to the resting places of Canadian members of the Force.
Chapter 48VR (out take)
Pipes & Drums Frozinone Concert (12:18)
The tour schedule was packed with activities but even more so for the Pipes and Drums of the Black Devils as they marched and performed concerts in the towns along the way.
Chapter 49VR (out take)
Last Day of 2014 FSSF Tour, Nice, FRance (3:22)
Members of the tour were ready to return home, taking with them new memories and new appreciation for what their forefathers experienced while fighting in Europe.
Chapter 50VR (out take)
School Children and the Piper. Villeneuve Loubet, FRance (1:55)
A brief exchange not on the itinerary.
Chapter 51VR (out take)
Ponza Boat Tour Extended (14:57)
Although the boat tour was one of beauty and joy, the FSSF Association members were reminded of the
harsh training experienced in the same location many years prior by the men of the Force as they trained for the invasion of southern France.
Chapter 52VR (out take)
Venafro & the Winterline Museum (7:52)
The tributes and recognition of the Black Devils by towns and villages across Italy and Europe
can perhaps be best seen by the museum in their honor in Venafro, Italy.
Chapter 53VR (out take)
Fortress Redui du Mont Agel (2:47)
A magnificent fortress high above the French coast was visited by the Forcemen during the war.
Chapter 54VR (out take)
Artena Stories told by Gianni Blasi (14:35)
Historian Gianni Blasi had a deep love and reverence for the Forcemen and always
brought heart and soul to their stories.
Chapter 55VR (out take)
Fragonard Perfume Factory (6:53)
A sweet aside. The FSSF Tour took a moment to visit the historic Fragonard Perfume Factory factory in Grasse, France.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKlsZB2no_w&feature=youtu.be
Chapter 56VR (out take)
The last Out takes (28:28)
There will always be stories all around us. Here is a collection of moments from the 2014 tour that simply remind us of the shared adventure and how the Force Family became closer during that time.