Part of The U.S. Army in Italy (1943–1944) — From Salerno to Rome.
This unit-focused journey explores the Italian Campaign through the experience of the First Service Specail Force.
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In the Footsteps of the First Special Service Force in Italy
They moved at night, climbed where others could not, and struck with precision. In the Italian mountains and on the Anzio front, the First Special Service Force became a legend.
The First Special Service Force (FSSF) was an elite American–Canadian commando unit, trained for parachuting, mountain warfare, amphibious landings and close combat. German troops nicknamed them the “Black Devils.”
This private battlefield experience, led by historian Dr. Danila Bracaglia, follows the Force in Italy — from the cliffs of Monte La Difensa to the shadow-war of Anzio.
The Black Devils in the Italian Campaign
Monte La Difensa – December 3–9, 1943
At Monte La Defensa, the Force carried out one of the most daring assaults of the Italian Campaign. In darkness, they climbed near-vertical cliffs to strike the heavily fortified German position on Hill 368.
Their surprise victory shattered what had seemed an impossible obstacle and helped open the route through the Mignano Gap, breaking part of the Winter Line defenses.
Monte Sammucro & Hill 720 – December 25–27, 1943
In freezing conditions, the Force returned to the mountains, fighting for key high ground on Monte Sammucro. The battle for Hill 720 confirmed their reputation as specialists of winter mountain warfare.
Anzio – 1944
At Anzio, the Force fought a different kind of war: stealth raids, aggressive patrolling, and night operations close to — and sometimes behind — enemy lines.
Their psychological warfare became famous. German soldiers found calling cards left after raids, reading: “Das dicke Ende kommt noch!” (“The worst is yet to come.”)
Tour Format
Standard format: Full-Day Private Battlefield Tour (approximately 6 hours). Pick-up from your Cassino hotel or the Cassino train station.
The itinerary can also be expanded into a multi-day journey connecting the Winter Line and Anzio sectors.
Full-Day Itinerary Highlights
Monte La Difensa – Hill 368
Walk the ground where the Force fought its first major battle in Italy and earned its reputation. Terrain interpretation explains why this position dominated the sector — and why the cliff assault mattered.
Monte Sammucro – Hill 720
Visit the memorial dedicated to the Black Devils and reconstruct the winter offensive: ridgelines, approach routes, and the harsh conditions that defined December 1943.
Optional Extensions
For visitors wishing to follow the Force beyond the mountains, extensions can include:
- Anzio sector – Mussolini Canal, “Gusville”, “Cabbage Castle” and raid landscape interpretation.
- Artena – connecting the Force’s later movements during the push inland.
Designed for Families and Descendants
If you are a relative of a soldier who served in the First Special Service Force, this tour can be personalised to reflect your family’s story.
- Pre-tour research based on the details you can share (name, unit, dates, documents).
- On-site reconstruction of the operational sector most relevant to your relative.
- Interpretation through landscape — turning a unit narrative into a personal journey.
For many families, this is not only about tactics. It is about finally placing a name on a map — and understanding what that ground demanded.
The Black Devils Battlefield Van
A Mobile Multimedia Battlefield Experience
The tour includes private Mercedes van transport (up to 6 guests), transforming travel time into historical immersion.
- On-board wartime maps to follow movements sector by sector.
- Period photographs to compare terrain then and now.
- Optional archival footage integrated on board when available.
- Continuous battlefield interpretation between sites.
The van becomes a moving briefing room — connecting geography, chronology and commando tactics in real time.
Plan Your Black Devils Battlefield Journey
From the cliffs of Monte La Difensa to the night war of Anzio, the story of the First Special Service Force remains one of the most remarkable chapters of the Italian Campaign.
Plan your battlefield journey now.
Dr. Danila Bracaglia
Historian & Licensed Battlefield Guide
danila.bracaglia@gmail.com
Mobile / WhatsApp: +39 338 2458831