Recruited from the Atlas Mountains in Africa, the Moroccan Goums were the knife-wielding irregular troops who distinguished themselves in tenacious fighting in Tunisia, Italy, France, and Germany during World War II, terrifying the enemy with their ferocity and odd appearance in traditional garb. Because of their skills in mountain warfare, General Patton specifically requested their participation in the campaign for Sicily, and they fought brilliantly in this and many other key campaigns.