Posted on 01/21/2013 12:49:47 PM PST by Osage Orange
'Dirty Dozen' hero from Oklahoma has died.
James “Jake” McNiece led a World War II group hours before the June 6, 1944, invasion to destroy bridges to prevent German reinforcements from moving into Normandy.
By Michael McNutt
| Published: January 21, 2013
James “Jake” McNiece, the leader of a World War II group that came to be known as the “Dirty Dozen,” died Monday, family members said. He was 93.
McNiece, a retired Ponca City postal worker, commanded a group of rough men nicknamed “The Filthy 13,” who served as the inspiration for the movie “The Dirty Dozen.”
Hours before the June 6, 1944, invasion, McNiece led 18 paratroopers to destroy two bridges and control a third to prevent German reinforcements from moving into Normandy and to cut off retreating German troops. Sixteen of his men were killed during the 36-day mission, in which they also cut enemy communications and supply lines.
In September, he was presented France's most prestigious decoration during a ceremony at the state Capitol nearly 70 years after he led a squad of paratroopers behind enemy lines in that country to support the D-Day invasion.
Funeral arrangements are pending and are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home in Ponca City.
Just some good ol' homeys from Ponca City, Oklahoma, as it turned out. Every time I drive up HWY-177 to my in-laws house we pass the Ponca Indian cemetery and I can see those GI headstones.
These guys followed a long line of unconventional and original characters really. I think that’s very American. “You want crazy? I’ll give you crazy!” It’s way past time to give our muzzie jihadi enemies some crazy.
Ponka Ping
RIP.
An Amen to the video being worth the watch.
Thanks for the ping. I liked the video. A genuine hero. May he rest in well-deserved peace.
that was sarcasm...re: the obamorons raving over his gutsy bin laden call
Hey, Homey!!!
Heck of a man....Mr. McNiece!!
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