Elite Canada-US WWII Commando Unit Honoured in Washington

Devil's Brigade members described as real-life James Bonds

Canadian veteran Charles Mann (L) and U.S. veteran Eugene Gutierrez stand following the presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal during a ceremony on Capitol Hill in Washington on Feb. 3, 2015. The award was given to the surviving members of the First Special Service Force, aka the Devil’s Brigade, whose fearlessness and bravery contributed to the liberation of Europe and the end of World War II. AP Photo/Susan Walsh

WASHINGTON—A group of Canadian veterans have received the United States’ highest civilian award for their role in a legendary military unit whose exploits dazzled moviegoers at home and tormented Nazis abroad.

In a stately ceremony at the U.S. Capitol on Feb. 3, the Second World War vets received the Congressional Gold Medal—an extremely high distinction that is rarely given to non-Americans.

The award was given to more than 40 surviving members of the Devil’s Brigade, the elite Canada-U.S. unit that was the precursor to both countries’ modern special forces.

Politicians told stories about the unit’s role in the liberation of Europe, particularly with the invasion of Italy.

These men saved the free world.

— House Speaker John Boehner