Is it Like the Movies?

Heroes Remember

Is it Like the Movies?

Transcript

I think a lot of them thought we were Rambos. And quite often, not every time you go out but once in a while, some bright-eyed junior would ask, “How many did you kill?” “I’m sorry but I don’t honestly know whether I killed any but if they shot at me, I shot back!” Kids are just that old and they think that Rambo was it. I tell them go and see Saving Private Ryan or Band of Brothers and you get it closer than any of the Rambo movies. This is what we feel and we know.

Description

Mr. Summersides shares his story of what he tells the youth when they try to understand the role of the Devil’s Brigade.

Jim Summersides

Mr. Jim Summersides was born in Welland, Ontario, a town where he has lived all his life. As a young man, he recalls that peer pressure played a role in his joining the army. After enrolling, Mr. Summersides volunteered for the First Special Service Force, a unique joint Canadian- American effort that snuck behind German artillery lines creating havoc for the enemy. Mr. Summersides, along with fellow Canadian comrades, was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor from the American Congress for his rare and profound contribution to the war effort. After the force broke up, he joined the 48th Highlanders and finished the war with that regiment. Mr. Summersides is very proud of his service during the Second World War and has had the pleasure of returning to Holland as part of the Canadian delegation for anniversary events.

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