DARBY’S RANGERS TOUR

From Maiori (Amalfi Coast) to Anzio and Cisterna

Who Were Darby’s Rangers?

Darby’s Rangers, officially the 1st Ranger Battalion, were an elite U.S. Army special operations force formed in 1942 under the command of Lieutenant Colonel William O. Darby. Modeled after the British Commandos, these highly skilled soldiers were trained for rapid, high-risk assaults behind enemy lines. After proving their effectiveness in North Africa and Sicily, they played a decisive role in the Italian Campaign, from the Salerno landings (Operation Avalanche) to the tragic Battle of Cisterna.

The Rangers were renowned for their adaptability, bravery, and rigorous training, which included extreme physical conditioning and advanced combat tactics in Scotland. In Italy, they executed daring operations in the rugged mountains, dense forests, and heavily defended urban landscapes, often outnumbered but determined to break through enemy defenses.

The Rangers’ Campaign in Italy

Landing at Maiori and the Battle of Chiunzi Pass (September 1943): The 1st and 4th Ranger Battalions landed at Maiori on the Amalfi Coast as part of Operation Avalanche. Their objective was to secure the Chiunzi Pass, a crucial mountain corridor leading to Naples. Their successful assault helped pave the way for the Allied advance into Naples and beyond.

The Battle of San Pietro Infine (December 1943): We will visit San Pietro Infine, the only village in the area not rebuilt on its original site — where the ruins of the old town still stand, frozen in 1943. It was here that Darby’s Rangers fought one of their toughest battles during the assault on Monte Sammucro in December 1943. In bitter winter conditions, they climbed the steep slopes under enemy fire to seize Hill 950 a feature of the Monte Sammucro hill mass, facing determined German resistance and suffering heavy casualties.

Standing on those mountains today — reached by a comfortable road — it’s hard to imagine what it meant for our heroes to climb them under fire, with the enemy holding the high ground. It truly makes us realize the immense sacrifice they made.Anzio Landings and the Battle of Cisterna (January 1944): In January 1944, the Rangers were tasked with leading the Anzio beachhead assault. However, during the Battle of Cisterna (January 30, 1944), the Rangers were ambushed and surrounded by overwhelming German forces, suffering devastating casualties. Only a handful of Rangers managed to escape. Despite this loss, their sacrifice contributed to the eventual Allied breakthrough and the liberation of Rome.

Tour Itinerary

• DAY 1: Amalfi Coast – Maiori – Chiunzi Pass
  Visit Maiori, the historic landing site of Darby’s Rangers.
  Explore the Chiunzi Pass and enjoy panoramic views of the Amalfi Coast and Mount Vesuvius.
• DAY 2: San Pietro Infine – Hill 950
  Walk through the ruins of San Pietro Infine, the village left in ruins and frozen in 1943. Continue to Hill 950 and Hill 1205 on Monte Sammucro, where the Rangers fought fierce battles in December 1943. Option to visit Monte Cassino Abbey for a panoramic view of the battlefield.
• DAY 3: Anzio Beachhead – WWII Museum – American Cemetery – Isola Bella – Cisterna
  Visit the Anzio landing sites, museum, cemetery, and key battlefields where the Rangers fought and fell.

Testimony – The Dollar Under the Bridge

According to the daughter of Ranger Arnold Davis, one of only six Rangers who returned from the battle of Cisterna, the survivors sat under a bridge after the ambush and signed their names on a single dollar bill — a humble and powerful act of remembrance.

Tour Highlights

• Guided visits to battlefields, war memorials, and historic landmarks
• Skip-the-line tickets for museums and historical sites
• Personalized itinerary based on your interests and timeframe

Book Your Tour

Dr. Danila Bracaglia
WWII Historian & Licensed Battlefield Guide

Email: danila.bracaglia@gmail.com

WhatsApp: +39 338 2458831