The Filthy 13

Since World War II, the American public has become fully aware of the exploits of the 101st Airbone Division, the paratroopers who led the Allied invasions into Nazi-held Europe. But within the ranks of the 101st, a sub-unit attained legendary stauts at the time, its reputation persisting among veterans over the decades. Primarily products of the Dustbowl and the Depression, the Filthy 13 grew notorious, even within the ranks of the elite 101st. Never ones to salute an officer, or take a bath, this squad became singular within the Screaming Eagles for its hard drinking, and savage fighting skill-and that was only in training. Just prior to the invasion of Normandy, a "Stars and Stripes" photographer caught U.S. paratroopers with heads shaved into Mohawks, applying warpaint to their faces. Unknown to the American public at the time, these men were the Filthy13. After parachuting behind enemy lines in the dark hours before D-Day, the Germans got a taste of the reckless courage of this unit - except now the men were fighting with Tommy guns and explosives, not jus

James "Jake" McNiece was born and raised in Oklahoma during the Depression. In 1942, he joined the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division to fight the Germans. His antics provide the inspiration for this book. After the war he traveled the country pursuing different lines of work until he finally married, settled down, and made a career with the Postal Service. He has entertained audiences with humorous accounts of his war experiences for years, polishing his storytelling method to the quality that are recorded for this book Richard E. Killblane was raised in Oklahoma where he came to know Jake McNiece. Richard graduated from the US Military Academy in 1979 and earned his Master of Arts in history from the University of San Diego in 1992. He served as an officer in the infantry and Special Forces and attained the rank of captain. He is a veteran of Central American counterinsurgency operations and Operation Just Cause (Panama). He is a published author and currently serves as the Transportation Corps historian