First Special Service Force
LEGACY
All Special Forces Groups in the 1st Special Forces Regiment trace their official U.S. Army lineage and honors to the FSSF activation on 9 July 1942. The SF Coat of Arms, emblazoned on the SF Regimental colors, are connected to the Force. The shield was originally approved for the FSSF. It includes the distinctive V-42 fighting knife designed by LTC Frederick. The crest has crossed arrows, originally used by the U.S. Army Indian Scouts in 1890. They were worn as a branch insignia by the Force during World War II. In 1960, the fighting knife and crossed arrows were incorporated into the SF Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI) worn by the Regiment. The SF Shoulder Sleeve Insignia (SSI) or ‘unit patch,’ adopted in 1955, is shaped just like the FSSF red arrowhead patch with USA and CANADA embroidered in white. The First Special Service Force connection resonates throughout the Special Forces Regiment today.
