FSSF Monte La Difensa Guided Tour - First Special Service Force
The Legendary First Special Service Force: The Black Devils in Italy
Origins of the First Special Service Force (FSSF)
The First Special Service Force (FSSF) was an elite joint American-Canadian commando unit formed in 1942. Originally envisioned for daring operations in the Arctic, the FSSF was trained in mountain warfare, parachuting, amphibious assaults, and close combat. The unit was composed of highly skilled volunteers, many of whom were woodsmen, hunters, and rugged outdoorsmen, making them uniquely suited for unconventional warfare.
After rigorous training at Fort Harrison, Montana, the unit was deployed not in the Arctic, but instead to Italy in 1943, where their unparalleled combat skills were urgently needed to break through the Winter Line—a formidable series of German defensive positions designed to halt the Allied advance toward Rome.
The Battle for Monte La Difensa (December 3-9, 1943)
The FSSF’s first combat mission took place at Monte La Difensa, part of the Gustav Line in southern Italy. The steep, rocky cliffs of the mountain made it nearly impregnable, with German troops well-fortified at the summit. Previous Allied attacks had failed, but the FSSF was assigned the mission to capture the mountain in a daring nighttime assault.
In freezing temperatures, the Black Devils climbed the nearly vertical cliffs under the cover of darkness, using ropes and sheer determination. At dawn, they launched a fierce surprise attack, overwhelming the German defenders in brutal close-quarters combat. Their swift victory paved the way for further Allied advances and demonstrated their effectiveness in mountain warfare.
Monte Sammucro & Hill 720 (December 25-27, 1943)
Following their success at La Difensa, the FSSF was sent to Monte Sammucro and Hill 720, where they once again had to confront entrenched German forces in difficult mountainous terrain. Fighting in freezing conditions, the Forcemen engaged in relentless hand-to-hand combat, clearing the enemy positions and securing vital high ground for the Allies.
Their victories came at a heavy cost, but their determination, tactical brilliance, and ability to strike unexpectedly continued to instill fear in German soldiers, who began calling them "Schwarzer Teufel"—the Black Devils—for their stealthy and deadly attacks.
Beyond the Winter Line: Anzio and Beyond (1944)
After breaking through the Winter Line, the FSSF was sent to Anzio, where they played a crucial role in the defense of the beachhead against relentless German counterattacks.
Operating behind enemy lines, they conducted night raids, infiltrating enemy camps and leaving behind their signature calling cards—notes that simply read:
❝ Das Dicke Ende kommt noch! ❞ (The worst is yet to come!).
These psychological tactics, combined with their unmatched combat prowess, sowed terror among the German troops. The FSSF was instrumental in holding the line at Anzio, allowing the Allies to break out and push towards Rome.
Legacy of the FSSF in Italy
The FSSF’s campaign in Italy was marked by:
- Unmatched courage in mountain warfare
- Relentless night operations and psychological warfare
- Daring tactics that led to swift victories against fortified positions
Despite their small numbers, the FSSF never lost a battle in Italy. Their heroic efforts contributed significantly to the success of the Allied Italian Campaign, proving that a highly trained, elite force could change the course of a battle—and a war.
The unit was eventually disbanded in December 1944, but their legacy lives on in modern special forces, including the U.S. Army Green Berets and Canadian Special Operations Forces, who trace their origins back to the legendary Black Devils.
This history comes to life as you walk in their footsteps through the battlefields of Monte La Difensa, Monte Sammucro, and beyond. Experience the bravery and sacrifice of the FSSF firsthand on our exclusive private tour.
ITINERARY
We will pick you up from either your Cassino Hotel or Cassino train station at 9:45 AM.
- Monte La Difensa Monuments – Hill 368
- Monte Sammucro Monument to FSSF – Hill 720
- Customized itinerary available upon request
Would you like to extend your tour? Follow the footsteps of the Black Devils to other significant battle sites, including:
- The Mussolini Canal
- Gusville
- Cabbage Castle
- Anzio & Artena
For further information and pricing, contact me at:
danila.bracaglia@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +39 338 2458831
Ready to experience history? Click the button below to book your tour now!