the first special service force was activated july 1942 under the able command of lieutenant robert t. frederick who became a brigadier general at age 36 and the youngest major general at 37. under his command and profound leadership the first special service force composed of 900 men from the usa, 900 men from canada plus a service battalion of 800 members who provided support to the combat troops. the fssf men captured between 30 to 35,000 enemy prisoners of war in a remarkable kill ratio of 25 enemies to one force man. since the first shot was fired on april 19, 1775, the beginning of our quest for independence and freedom, 1.3 million men and women have given their lives to saveguard america's freedom and to keep old glory waving high and proudly. one of the most important command components under the fssf accomplishments on the battlefield was general frederick's profound leadership. he stressed the importance that line officers should lead from the front as he did in many battles. he commanded with an iron fist and a velvet glove. general frederick was wounded eight times in com