Echoes of Valor

Chapter 3: Jake "McNasty" McNiece and The Dirty 13

Pictured Above: Jake McNiece before a combat operation. June, 1944.

“I didn’t come to the Army to follow rules. I came to win wars.” -Jake McNiece

Today, we’re diving into the story of America’s airborne anti-hero, James Albert McNiece, also known as Jake “McNasty.” He was the leader of one of the most infamous military units in history: The Filthy 13. The term "anti-hero" refers to a protagonist who lacks the typical traits of a traditional hero. Though this definition is a bit vague, it’s one of those concepts that you recognize when you see it. Essentially, an anti-hero does the right thing, but often in ways that are unconventional or morally ambiguous. Jake McNiece is a real-life example of this.

Born on May 24, 1919, in Oklahoma during the Great Depression, Jake grew up in a large family and faced the hardships of survival. From a young age, he learned the necessary skills to provide for his family. By 10 years old, he worked full-time to contribute. After high school, he became a firefighter. However, when America entered WWII, Jake was exempt from the draft due to his occupation. Yet, his desire to serve was unwavering. He chose to volunteer, aiming to become a paratrooper and demolition expert. His goal was simple: to jump into enemy territory, armed with only basic tools, and destroy whatever the enemy valued.

At 22, Jake enlisted in the Army. He quickly demonstrated his competence in all tasks, but also became a source of frustration for his superiors. His defiance was evident from the outset. He fought a Staff Sergeant over butter for his bread. His commanding officers considered removing him, but they also recognized his potential. In a world of rigid structure, Jake’s capabilities stood out, especially for the unique role he would soon fulfill behind enemy lines.

Jake’s record during training was unparalleled. He completed a demolition course faster than anyone before him and, in a signature moment of insolence, remarked, “If you think that’s impressive, you should see what I can do if I get butter every once in a while.”

His disregard for military protocols persisted throughout his training: he refused to salute unless saluted first, ignored ranks, and showed little regard for the traditional ceremonies. His behavior perplexed his superiors, who, despite his insubordination, recognized that his skills were irreplaceable. In response, they placed him in charge of a separate platoon, composed of soldiers who shared his disregard for authority.

As a punishment for their insubordination, Jake and his platoon were tasked with marching 136 miles to break a Japanese record. Jake accepted the challenge, claiming he would not change his socks or get a blister. True to his word, he completed the march without issue. He and his platoon continued to excel in training, mastering demolition, and all necessary skills. Before their deployment to England, Jake famously stole a train simply because he did not wish to walk back to camp.

Upon arrival in England, Jake and his men were further set apart by their unconventional tactics and disdain for English food. They used military-grade equipment to hunt animals for sustenance and used their rationed water to cook and clean meals instead of showering. This behavior earned them the moniker “The Filthy 13.”

In June 1944, Jake and his men were given a mission to capture or destroy an enemy-held bridge critical to the German defenses. The task was deemed nearly impossible, but it was entrusted to Jake, as he and his platoon were seen as the perfect fit for such a dangerous and unpredictable assignment. Just before their jump into Normandy, Jake decided to give himself a mohawk, claiming it was in honor of his Choctaw heritage. However, the real reason was far more pragmatic. He sought to avoid lice, which were rampant among the German troops. His men followed suit, and they all painted their faces with black and white stripes. This image, captured by photographers, later became iconic, inspiring the movie The Dirty Dozen.

During the jump into Normandy, Jake’s plane was hit by flak and had to drop early. He was scattered from his men, yet landed unharmed, determined to find his fellow paratroopers. After hours of searching and engaging the enemy in close combat, he managed to reunite with other paratroopers. Together, they proceeded to their objective: the bridge. Ignoring orders to guard another position, Jake and his men captured the bridge and held it for three days, repelling multiple German attacks. In the process, they killed over 700 enemy soldiers.

Jake’s actions on that day earned him and his men great respect. They were relieved by reinforcements, and Jake’s platoon was sent back to base. Later, Jake participated in Operation Market Garden, where his platoon took part in the largest airborne operation in history. As always, Jake led with decisiveness and skill, successfully clearing towns in non-stop close quarters combat and disabling enemy tanks.

Subsequently, Jake was selected for Pathfinder school, an assignment that required paratroopers to locate ideal drop zones for future operations or to find safe places to drop re-supplies. The mission was dangerous, with a high mortality rate, but Jake thrived, earning a promotion to First Sergeant. His ability to lead and make critical decisions under pressure proved invaluable.

In December 1944, during the Battle of the Bulge, Jake and his team were sent to assist the surrounded 101st Airborne Division in Bastogne. Despite the lack of communication from the division, Jake’s team parachuted in and provided vital resupply drops, sustaining the division long enough for General Patton’s forces to arrive. In the process, they called in numerous resupply flights, ensuring that the 101st could hold their position and delay the German advance.

Jake and his men went on to conduct several more combat jumps, saving their comrades on multiple occasions. His courage and leadership became legendary. However, after the war, Jake's time in the military came to an end. He was discharged following a dispute, his aggressive behavior proving incompatible with the peace-time military.

Jake returned to civilian life, married, and became a mailman in Ponca City, Oklahoma. His past remained largely unknown to those around him, and he lived a quiet life, his exploits in war forgotten by the public. Reflecting on his extraordinary survival, Jake once said, “I think I made it because God didn’t have anywhere to put me. At that point in time, He was so busy, He was only putting people in one of two places: heaven or hell, and I think He knew I would’ve goofed up either one of them, so here I am.”

Jake McNiece passed away peacefully on March 19, 2013. His legacy remains as one of the greatest anti-heroes in American history. An individual who did not seek fame or recognition, but who, through his deeds, left an indelible mark on history.

“First in Asia” De Oppresso Liber