By LAURA BETH CLYMER
Press Secretary, Indiana Senate Republicans

The Indiana Senate will recognize Hoosier members of the First Special Service Force of World War II with Senate Concurrent Resolution 30 on Tuesday, March 31. Surviving members and their families and any relatives of deceased members are invited to the Statehouse to be honored.

The ceremony will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the Indiana Statehouse Senate Chamber, located at 200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis.

The force earned its popular name, the “Devil’s Brigade,” for fighting 99 days without relief and overtaking strategic land through covert night operations disguised with black boot polish smeared on their faces.

On Tuesday, Feb. 3, the entire unit was awarded with a congressional gold medal in Washington D.C., the country’s highest civilian honor for distinguished achievement.

Among the 1,800 members of the force, 92 were from Indiana.

If any surviving members or relatives are able to attend the presentation of Senate Concurrent Resolution 30 at the Statehouse in Indianapolis, contact Dawna Smith by phone at (317) 234-9441.