1922
Gordon
2025
Gordon Stewart Sims
August 10, 1922 — November 21, 2025
Columbia
Closing a chapter of history: Honoring the last surviving original member of the First Special Service Force
Gordon Stewart Sims, born August 10, 1922, passed away peacefully on November 21, 2025 at the age of 103, at home with youngest daughter, with whom he lived and who lovingly cared for him in his later years. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jessie B. Sims.
He was the last surviving member of the original First Special Service Force — the legendary “Devil’s Brigade,” also known as the Black Devils — the forefathers of today’s special forces and a unit known for extraordinary bravery in World War II. In his later years, he and his unit were honored for extraordinary service with numerous awards, including the Combat Infantry Badge, the Bronze Star, and the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal. He was also fortunate enough to go back and tour several battlefield sites. Kind, determined, and larger than life, he carried that same fighting spirit long after the war ended. His boisterous personality, sharp wit, and unstoppable energy left an impression on everyone he met.
His remarkable life story and vibrant spirit will continue on in the legacy he leaves through his children, his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
No formal service will be held. His family takes comfort in knowing he lived fully, loved deeply, and faced every chapter of life with courage, humor, and heart.
To learn more about the remarkable unit he proudly served in, please visit
http://FirstSpecialServiceForce.net as well as The Greatest Generations Foundation https://tggf.org .
In lieu of cards and flowers the family requests donations to the First Special Service Force Memorial Trust in care of the First Special Service Force Association, P.O. Box 21113, Minneapolis, MN 55421 or to The Greatest Generation Foundation https://donorbox.org/the-greatest-generations
Gordon Stewart Sims, born August 10, 1922, passed away peacefully on November 21, 2025 at the age of 103, at home with youngest daughter, with whom he lived and who lovingly cared for him in his later years. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jessie B. Sims.
He was the last surviving member of the original First Special Service Force — the legendary “Devil’s Brigade,” also known as the Black Devils — the forefathers of today’s special forces and a unit known for extraordinary bravery in World War II. In his later years, he and his unit were honored for extraordinary service with numerous awards, including the Combat Infantry Badge, the Bronze Star, and the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal. He was also fortunate enough to go back and tour several battlefield sites. Kind, determined, and larger than life, he carried that same fighting spirit long after the war ended. His boisterous personality, sharp wit, and unstoppable energy left an impression on everyone he met.
His remarkable life story and vibrant spirit will continue on in the legacy he leaves through his children, his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
No formal service will be held. His family takes comfort in knowing he lived fully, loved deeply, and faced every chapter of life with courage, humor, and heart.
To learn more about the remarkable unit he proudly served in, please visit
http://FirstSpecialServiceForce.net as well as The Greatest Generations Foundation https://tggf.org .
In lieu of cards and flowers the family requests donations to the First Special Service Force Memorial Trust in care of the First Special Service Force Association, P.O. Box 21113, Minneapolis, MN 55421 or to The Greatest Generation Foundation https://donorbox.org/the-greatest-generations
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gordon Stewart Sims, please visit our flower store.
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