???????????????????????????????Gerard Lafleche of Timmins was honoured today for his valiant service in the feared Black Devils Brigade during World War Two.

Lafleche was part of the feared First Special Service Force unit, made up of Canadian and American volunteers. The 96-year old was given a Congressional Gold Medal by the US government.

Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus says Mr. Lafleche deserves to be honoured by Canadians and Americans. “When the world needed heroes, Gerard stepped up with extraordinary courage and valour. We can’t thank him enough.”

Members of the FSSF association were in Washington in February to receive these medals. Ceremonies have been held across Canada for those unable to attend.

Angus says Lafleche never boasted of his work even though many war movies have been made about their heroism. “E?veryone who goes to war knows there is a good chance they may not return home. These FSSF guys thrived for these suicide missions to be able to complete the mission and save their comrades.”

The FSSF never lost a battle and were one of the few feared by the Germans. They got their name black devils because they attacked at night and painted their faces black with shoe polish.

They were an elite commando unit made up of Americans and Canadians and were selected and trained to be the best of the best

Angus was unable to leave Ottawa to get to today’s ceremony but communications director Dale Tonelli spoke on his behalf and presented a scroll.

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