At the little town of Ortona the Canadians met desperate, determined German resistance.  Tank battles and hand-to-hand fighting raged through the streets of 18 days.

Canadian soldiers at Ortona

Lieutenant J. Kostelac of Calgary, Alberta showing the US/Canada shoulder-sleeve insignia worn by all members of the First Special Service Force, an elite force of Canadian and American soldiers whose exploits were legendary.  On March 4, 1944, Kostelac went missing in action and is presumed dead.

Lieutenant J. Kostelac - Devils Brigade

A Canadian soldier sits in his well constructed fox hole reading the news from home.