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Montana's Congressional delegation is supporting legislation to grant the Congressional Gold Medal to the First Special Service Force (FSSF), a specialized World War II military unit that conducted high-risk missions in the Aleutian Islands, Italy, and France.

The first-of-its-kind force, sometimes referred to as the Black Devils, trained at Fort Harrison in Helena, and combined high alpine combat, amphibious landings, sky-diving, demolitions and other unconventional tactics in carrying out its missions.

Three of the 230 surviving members of this special WWII unit currently reside in Montana.

The top-secret combat unit of 1,800 volunteers was made up of unique individuals from the U.S. and Canada, including blue collar workers, lumberjacks, forest rangers, hunters, game wardens and others. Once sent into action, the FSSF never failed a combat mission. The special force figured prominently in "Operation Avalanche," the Allied campaign to liberate Italy.

The FSSF defeated entrenched German artillery units atop treacherous mountain peaks and rocky islands that had been previously deemed impenetrable.

The First Special Service Force has been documented in notable books and films, including the film "The Devil's Brigade."

U.S. Representative Denny Rehberg (R-MT) said, "The members of this unit are truly remarkable men who made sacrifices for their country that most Americans were unaware of at the time. We owe them special recognition. With the roots of these brave soldiers tracing back to Montana, our state can take a special pride in helping with the success of their critical missions. I'm proud to sponsor this measure and look forward to the day when I and my colleagues bestow upon these deserving souls the highest honor of Congress."

U.S. Senators Max Baucus (D-MT) and Jon Tester (D-MT) announced on Tuesday that 15 Senators and 24 Representatives have signed on to the bill.

Baucus said, "The First Special Service Force was created right here in Montana and paved the way for the highly elite special operations forces that continue to defend our freedom around the globe. I'm pleased to see the momentum gathering behind recognizing the heroes of the First Special Service Force. Now is the time make sure these trailblazers get the thanks they deserve."

Tester noted, "From the beginning, our Special Forces have taken on this country's toughest missions to protect our families and freedoms. These heroes got their start in Montana and they have earned their place in history. This honor is a small, but important way to express our gratitude."

Helena resident Marilyn Hudson, whose late father Roy Hudson was a member of the unit, said, "Because these men were trained to do highly sensitive duty, there has been little public knowledge of their extraordinary accomplishments. For the First Special Service Force to be granted such a high honor is long overdue. The few remaining ‘boys' deserve to know the true appreciation bestowed on them, and for those of us whose fathers have passed away, it will be an event that will be no less appreciated."