Jake McNiece (1919–2013) was the best-known member of the Filthy Thirteen — an Oklahoma paratrooper of Irish and Choctaw descent who led the section’s survivors through Normandy and later volunteered as a pathfinder, jumping into besieged Bastogne.
Who he was
James Elbert “Jake” McNiece was born on May 24, 1919, in Maysville, Oklahoma, of Irish and Choctaw descent. He enlisted on September 1, 1942, and joined the 506th PIR’s demolition section. Over the course of the war he made four combat jumps — Normandy, Holland, Bastogne, and a fourth into Germany in early 1945.◆ Well-attested
Why he matters
McNiece is central to the unit’s story partly because so much of what we know passes through his own recollections and the books built around them. For that reason we treat him as a key witness and participant, while distinguishing his account from independently documented records. He is also remembered for a distinctive military career: according to accounts, he finished the war as an acting first sergeant despite spending much of it as a private, having been repeatedly promoted and reduced in rank.◆ Well-attested
Later life
After the war McNiece returned to Oklahoma and built a long civilian career. He remained a central figure in the unit’s public memory for the rest of his life and was recognized by France with the Legion of Honour in 2012. He died on January 21, 2013, at the age of 93.◆ Well-attested
Decorations
According to published accounts, McNiece’s decorations included the Bronze Star with Combat “V” and oak-leaf clusters, the Purple Heart, the Parachutist Badge with four combat-jump stars, and the French Legion of Honour (2012).◆ Well-attested