Jake McNiece facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jake McNiece
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|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | "McNasty" |
| Born | May 24, 1919 Maysville, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Died | January 21, 2013 (aged 93) Chatham, Illinois, U.S. |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1942–1946 |
| Rank |  First Sergeant |
| Unit | 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment 101st Airborne Division |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards |  Bronze Star (4) Purple Heart (2) Legion of Honour |
James Elbert "Jake" McNiece (born May 24, 1919 – died January 21, 2013) was a brave American paratrooper who fought in World War II. He was a sergeant in the United States Army. McNiece was part of a special team called the Filthy Thirteen. This group was known for their daring missions and inspired the famous book and movie The Dirty Dozen.
Contents
Early Life and Explosives Experience
Jake McNiece was born in Maysville, Oklahoma, on May 24, 1919. He was one of ten children in his family. His family had Irish American and Choctaw roots. During the Great Depression, his family moved to Ponca City, Oklahoma in 1931. After finishing high school in 1939, Jake worked building roads. He also worked at a place called the Pine Bluff Arsenal. There, he learned a lot about using explosives safely. This skill would become very important later in his life.
Joining the Army and the Filthy Thirteen
Jake McNiece joined the army on September 1, 1942. He was assigned to a special demolition unit. This unit was part of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment. This group soon became known as the Filthy Thirteen. They were famous for their tough training and unique style. Jake's experience with explosives made him a leader in this unit. Even though he sometimes broke the rules, his commanders knew he was reliable in battle.
Daring Combat Jumps
Jake McNiece made four combat jumps during the war. His first jump was on D-Day in 1944. This was a huge invasion of Normandy, France. Later that year, he jumped into the Netherlands as part of Operation Market Garden. This battle was even featured in the book A Bridge Too Far.
He also jumped during the Siege of Bastogne in Belgium. This was a key part of the larger Battle of the Bulge. During fighting in the Netherlands, he was promoted. He even volunteered for pathfinder training. Pathfinders were soldiers who jumped first to guide other planes. His last jump was in 1945, near Prüm in Germany. Jake ended the war as a first sergeant. He left the military in February 1946.
Life After the War
In 1949, Jake McNiece returned to Ponca City, Oklahoma. He started working for the United States Postal Service. He worked there for 28 years. His first wife, Rosita, passed away in 1952. A year later, he married Martha Beam Wonders. They had two sons and a daughter. They stayed married until Jake's death.
Later Years and Recognition
In 1997, a historian named Richard E. Killblane started recording Jake's stories. These stories became a book called The Filthy Thirteen, published in 2003. This book made Jake well-known among fans of World War II history. He traveled around the United States and Europe. He shared his amazing war stories with younger generations. In 2012, France honored Jake with the Legion of Honour award. This is a very high award for military service. Jake McNiece passed away on January 21, 2013, at 93 years old.
Military Awards and Honors
Jake McNiece received many awards for his bravery and service:
- Combat Infantryman Badge
- Parachutist Badge with four combat jump stars
- Pathfinder Badge
- Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V" and three oak leaf clusters
- Purple Heart with oak leaf cluster
- Good Conduct Medal
- American Campaign Medal
- European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with arrowhead device and four campaign stars
- World War II Victory Medal
- Army of Occupation Medal with "Germany" clasp
- Chevalier of the Legion of Honor (France)
- Five Overseas service bars
Other Recognitions
Jake McNiece was also honored in other ways. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame. He was also made an honorary colonel of the 95th Victory Division. He received an honorary master's degree in Military Science from Cumberland University. In 2010, an action figure of Jake McNiece was even released! In 2017, he was one of the first people inducted into the Ponca City High School Hall of Fame.
See also
- 101st Airborne Division
- 506th Infantry Regiment
