Interviewer
Charles Milo McLeod
Files
Description
Norm Smith discusses his service history in the Canadian military and why he volunteered for the First Special Service Force. He talks about being part of the first Canadian contingent to come to Helena, Montana, as part of his Special Service Force training, and describes the types of training he received. Smith recalls his admiration for General Robert T. Frederick and his other commanders, including Colonel Alfred C. Marshall. He also talks about radio operator duties in the Force as well as his combat experience in the Aleutians, North Africa, Rome, and Southern France. Smith describes the weapons he carried and his attitudes towards the German troops, Italian citizens and the Free French Resistance Movement. Smith recalls how the Force members used their limited leisure time, which included a rodeo on the beachhead at Anzio. He also discusses how he felt about the Force being disbanded and his involvement in Force reunions each year.
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Document Type
Oral History
Subjects
World War, 1939-1945; First Special Service Force; Canadian Military; U.S. military; Hand-to-hand combat; Military training; Battle of Anzio; Fort Harrison, Montana; Camp Borden, Ontario, Canada; Anzio, Italy; Frederick, General Robert T.; Military, specialized missions; U.S. military servicemen; Canadian military servicemen; Goodwin, Herb; Marshall, Colonel Alfred C.; Battle of Monte la Difensa; Free French Resistance Movement
Original Date
8-15-1986
Time Period
Twentieth century
Geographic Coverage
Montana
Language
eng
Original Collection
First Special Service Force Oral History Project, OH 151, Archives and Special Collections, Mansfield Library, University of Montana-Missoula
Digital Publisher
University of Montana--Missoula. Mansfield Library
Rights
Copyright to this collection is held by the interview participants and by the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, University of Montana-Missoula. Permission may be required for use. For further information please contact Archives and Special Collections: (406) 243-2053 / library.archives@umontana.edu
Oral History Number
OH 151-005, 006
Media Type
Sound; Text
Original Format
2 sound cassettes (02:00:00 min.) analog + 1 transcript (30 p.: 28 cm.)
Digital Format
audio/mp3; application/pdf
Run Time
01:21:24 minutes
Local Filename
OH_151_005_006.mp3; OH_151_005_006.pdf
Citation
Smith, Norm, "Norm Smith Interview, August 15, 1986" (1986). First Special Service Force Oral History Project. 4.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/firstspecialserviceforce/4