Wednesday, January 23, 2013

"Dirty Dozen" World War II hero James "Jake" McNiece passed away

WWII Hero, Inspiration for 'The Dirty Dozen,' Dies
Jan 23, 2013
UPI

World War II hero James "Jake" McNiece, whose behind-the-lines exploits helped inspire the film "The Dirty Dozen," has died, family members said. He was 93.

McNiece, a retired postal worker who spent most of his adult life in Ponca City, Okla., but lived his last years near family in Springfield, Ill., passed away Monday, The (Oklahoma City) Oklahoman reported.

McNiece led a group of soldiers nicknamed "The Filthy 13" on a paratroop mission behind German lines in the hours before the June 6, 1944, D-Day invasion by Allied forces.

Their mission was to destroy bridges and prevent German reinforcements from moving into Normandy and retreating forces from leaving.
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