Frederick, Robert Tryon, 1907-1970

Robert Tryon Frederick (March 14, 1907 – November 29, 1970) was born in San Francisco, California. From West Point, he was commissioned in the Coast Artillery Corps in 1928. In 1939, he graduated from Command and General Staff School. From 1941 to 1942, Frederick worked on the War Department General Staff.

In 1942, Frederick became commander of the 1st Special Service Force (later called the "Devil's Brigade" by the Germans) in the Mediterranean and Pacific Theater of Operations. He organized, trained, and led this combined Canadian-American effort. Originally conceived as a commando action force to counter the Nazi occupation of Norway, the concept was reoriented to make the Force an elite fighting element trained for cold weather, mountainous, and amphibious operations. The 1st Special Service Force assaulted the Japanese-held island of Kiska in the Aleutians, before being shifted to the Italian campaign. It breached the German Winter Line at Monte La Difensa, defended a major portion of the Anzio beachhead, and was the first Allied unit into Rome.

Frederick later commanded the First Airborne Task Force during Operation DRAGOON, the invasion of Southern France. He was the commander of the 45th Infantry Division on its final drive into Germany.Frederick rose to brigadier general in January 1944 and major general in August 1944. From 1944 to 1945, he was commanding general of 1st Airborne Division, then 45th Division. Frederick's postwar assignments included commanding general of 4th Division, then 6th Division. He retired from active duty in March 1952. During the course of his service, Frederick received two Distinguished Service Crosses, two Distinguished Service Medals, the Silver Star, two Legions of Merit, two Bronze Stars, the Air Medal and eight Purple Hearts.