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Medals for First Special ops

February 4, 2015 at 5:10AM

The ‘ÄúDevil’Äôs Brigade’Äù commando unit collectively received the Congressional Gold Medal ‘Äî the highest civilian award in the U.S. ‘Äî for the bravery exhibited nearly 70 years ago. About 42 of the living veterans attended the event in Emancipation Hall at the United States Capitol Visitor Center in Washington, D.C. John Hankes, Hastings MN, and D. J. Stonehouse shared the moment at the conclusion of the ceremony. Stonehouse is from Ontario, Canada. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Members of the First Special Service Force, known as the "Devil's Brigade" and a precursor to today's special ops, received the Congressional Gold Medal — the highest civilian award in the U.S. — for their bravery in World War II. About 40 veterans attended the event Tuesday at the Capitol Visitor Center in Washington, D.C. John Hankes, left, of Hastings, Minn., and D.J. Stonehouse of Ontario shook hands at the conclusion of the ceremony.