The Devil’s Brigade in Italy – The Story of Gusville at Anzio
February 1944 – A Quarter of the Anzio Beachhead Held by a Few Hundred “Not Ordinary” Men
This is the story of the Devil’s Brigade at Gusville — an elite joint American-Canadian commando unit known officially as the First Special Service Force (FSSF).
Who Were the Devil’s Brigade?
The First Special Service Force was a unique WWII unit trained at Fort Harrison near Helena, Montana. They are considered the forerunners of modern American and Canadian special forces. In 2013, the U.S. Congress awarded them the Congressional Gold Medal.
Between December 1943 and June 1944, the FSSF fought across Italy. On December 2–3, 1943, they captured Monte La Difensa and La Rementanea, breaking the German Winter Line. After landing at Anzio on February 1, 1944, their aggressive night patrols earned them the nickname "The Devil’s Brigade".
The Story Behind Gusville
Upon landing at the Anzio Beachhead, the FSSF’s 1st Regiment conducted daring night raids. Lt. Gus Heilman’s No. 2 Company crossed Bridge 1 near Borgo Sabotino and reached the Fogliano Canal Lockhouse — deep in German territory.
Borgo Sabotino, originally known as Passo Genovese, became strategically important during Mussolini’s land reclamation efforts in the 1920s. For 99 days in 1944, the town was renamed Gusville in honor of Lt. Heilman.
Life Inside Gusville: A Village at War
2nd Company of the 1st Regiment moved in and made Gusville their base. War correspondents came to report from "Tank Street," so-called because a German tank would fire daily into the town. The Forcemen built a life around chickens, pigs, gardens — and a bar, inspired by Lt. Heilman’s pre-war establishment, the Cavalier Bar.
The Gusville Herald Tribune
The men even printed their own newspaper and earned praise for their civic spirit. Their psychological warfare included leaving stickers with their patch and the message "DAS DICKE ENDE KOMMT NOCH!" — “The Worst Is Yet to Come.”
The Black Devils and the Breakout
Reinforcements, including U.S. Rangers, kept the FSSF combat strength between 1,300 and 1,700 troops. On May 23, 1944, they led the breakout across the Mussolini Canal and Highway 7. By June 4, 1944, the FSSF entered Rome — with General Frederick leading the charge. He was wounded three times in Rome, adding to his record as the most wounded general in U.S. history.
Legacy
The Devil’s Brigade and Gusville remain symbols of daring, sacrifice, and ingenuity. The site of Cabbage Castle still stands near the landing beach — a powerful reminder of the elite force that terrified the Nazis and became legends.
Visit the Battlefield Today
Walking the Anzio battlefields today is a powerful and emotional experience. Many original buildings remain, including Cabbage Castle near the original landing zone.
Walk in the footsteps of the Devil’s Brigade.
