The 1st Special Service Force was an elite American–Canadian commando unit in World War II.
The modern American and Canadian special operations forces trace their heritage to this unit.

Combined Forces is proud to have been selected as the development tean tasked with creating the Mullti-Media and Creative content for AUDEAMUS, a legacy of special operations. The First Special Service Force was awarded the French Croix de Guerre with Silver-Gilt Star, as well as the Distinguished Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism. A large number of the "Devil's Brigade" members were honored for their acts of valor, including Tommy Prince, Canada's most decorated First Nations soldier of World War II. Also, U.S. member Wendell C. Johnson (Fifth Company, Third Regiment, serial # 37 168 437), risking his life to save a fellow Black Devil, walked into a minefield and brought his brigade comrade to safety. When they tried to give him a medal for his act of heroism, Wendell declined saying, "Give it to the man who lost his leg".

The 1st Special Service Force is claimed as a direct ancestor by two modern special operations units; the Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR) of the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command and the elite unit of the 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) of the United States Army Special Operations Command.