Interview with Jake McNiece 3/2/1988

Рет қаралды 65,117

Oklahoma Historical Society Audio Archives

Жыл бұрын

1988.025
There is a gap in the video where the tape ran out and the interviewer had to stop and change to a new tape. The end part of the story was lost in the changeover.
Creator
Todd, Joe L. (Interviewer) [Recorded in Ponca City, Oklahoma]
Extent (quantity/size)
2 hours 10 minutes
Subjects
Military / Pearl Harbor (Hawaii), Attack on, 1941 / United States -- Armed Forces / World War, 1939-1945 / World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--France--Normandy
Descriptive Notes
Jack McNiece was born on May 24, 1919 in Maysville, Oklahoma. He describes his early life during the Great Depression of the 1930s, and what led to him working as a civilian fireman on an US Air Force base in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1940. Angered by the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, Mr. McNiece left his job as a fireman so that he could join the US Army. He recalls his experiences in the European Theater of World War II as a paratrooper, seeing action in Normandy and Germany. He also discusses how the exploits of the unit he led, the 'Filthy Thirteen', became the basis for the war film 'The Dirty Dozen'.

Пікірлер: 295

@brianmorger2174 10 ай бұрын

Who else is watching this in 2023 in complete awe , with ultimate respect and with eternal gratitude that there were men like Jake when country needed them. My appreciation for my Dad , a Fifth Marine Division survivor of Iwo Jima has just been reminded in me by this legendary interview.

@HondoSauce 9 ай бұрын

Representing from Idaho. 🇺🇸

@oSrBo 8 ай бұрын

No doubt

@jogo7973 8 ай бұрын

Hey, 2023 - also Idaho guy. 🇺🇲

@kindrin4773 8 ай бұрын

Way to male it aboir yourself somehow ffs

@user-ly5iu5gv6q 8 ай бұрын

This is amazing. I can't believe I never heard this before

@nickbruno-og2zn Жыл бұрын

What a legendary warrior ! Right at the top of the greatest generation! Thank you Jake !

@cashdry9315 11 ай бұрын

did you know james mcneeise was 25 percent indian and was choctaw

@warrenmcelroy4718 10 ай бұрын

@@cashdry9315that is definitely more myth than truth, he may have had a very distant native ancestor removed by many many generations but the truth of it is that he wasn’t even 1/60th Choctaw, much less 1/4

@max420thc 8 ай бұрын

The truth of it is he is a card carrying member of the Choctaw nation.

@warrenmcelroy4718 8 ай бұрын

@@max420thc card carrying member??

@DJake78 11 ай бұрын

Great video about him from the Fat Electrician that came out about a week ago. His grandson also commented on it.

@warrenmcelroy4718 10 ай бұрын

Yes his coverage of this man’s story was a great watch for sure!

@CaleSchmitz 11 ай бұрын

McNasty, this man lives forever in the minds of every Marine. That is a large amount of respect.

@andrewgrace8646 10 ай бұрын

Just curious, why Marines? He was an Army Paratrooper, but I can't say I'd be surprised if any branch considers him iconic... just... why Marines specifically?

@christianfunderburg6266 9 ай бұрын

I’m sure they might but he isn’t a marine…..? He’s Army 101st Airborne Division The Screaming Eagles.

@NealZ31 8 ай бұрын

I was a Marine and on more than one occasion we shaved Mohawks before big operations. All the respect in the world to the paratroopers past and present.

@marine5480 7 ай бұрын

⁠@@andrewgrace8646it’s not so much that it’s Marine specific, because clearly it’s not. It’s that Marines learn of true warriors past regardless of branch. This man embodies the warrior spirit.

@michaelrichter273 7 ай бұрын

Military legends are Military legends. Doesn't matter the branch.

@pumpc00 10 ай бұрын

i hope this is in the national archives to remember forever. men like this are the reason we have youtube. the germans lost the war when he joined and they didn't know it. Im so grateful for his service and patriotism.

@chrisyarbrough785 10 ай бұрын

If you know this man's history he was beyond awesome this guy would demoralize the enemy or anyone else that crossed his path

@wildancrazy159 8 ай бұрын

Wow, he looked like he could still take care of himself in a confrontation. Still a hard man and completely there, his wits were sharp and his memory really good. Wish I could have made his acquaintance, would be proud to have known him.

@bman1067 24 күн бұрын

He would of been in his 60's. Looks pretty standard if you ask me. A total badass.

@motorbreathjz 12 күн бұрын

@@bman1067 69 years old.. but yeah seems like normal cognitive abilities. which is admirable with the horror he went through

@petergrugel9966 Жыл бұрын

A top bloke , he took life by the balls, different world different men.

@Marcus_Octavius_Maximus Жыл бұрын

Men like him are born, not created. They exist seldom but in every generation.

@obadiahsmith2345 11 ай бұрын

It's the same world.

@hihihihihello 11 ай бұрын

@@obadiahsmith2345what's the same about it? Sky is still blue?

@johnm249 11 ай бұрын

@@obadiahsmith2345a lot more weak men and cowards now.

@patrickmeaker3075 11 ай бұрын

The original special forces. Always the guys that just don't give a fuck. You can spot those guys by the way they always seem to be in trouble, but challenge them dudes and get real solid results. And usually those guys were always in trouble. The command didn't know what to do with those type A personality people. Until the shit hit the fan. Then these guys did what nobody else could. Crazy motherfuckers all of them. No fucks given about anything. And that's why they were special. Savages all, and the best of the best. The testosterone runs strong in those types .

@Sniper-steve 11 ай бұрын

What a legend from a uk infantry vet that’s a man I can respect

@larrymccormick3226 11 ай бұрын

An absolute American hero with the balls to do what he thought was right, regardless of his supposed superiors opinions or orders ! Any of us who have served know the problems he encountered with the "supposedly superior" !

@tynosille6747 10 ай бұрын

The fact the dude is still smoking and still alive is impressive! U know your bad when u smoked over 70 years and u are still alive! Cancer don't even want to take on this guy!

@christianfunderburg6266 9 ай бұрын

He passed away in 2013 but he was 93 so that’s still impressive lol

@Ironhead251 5 ай бұрын

I think cancer was afraid of him.

@cesarrodriguez3443 11 ай бұрын

I read a book about him and the Filthy 13. I present my respects to them from Colombia. South América.

@Juan-rk5mn 9 ай бұрын

Coincidentally, I'm also from Colombia, but even so, the respect that I have for Jake and the Filthy 13 is infinite.

@45acpcoyote 11 ай бұрын

The stories that have not been told about him. Have to be legendary

@Jaxwyn 11 ай бұрын

bs meter going off a lot watching this. easy one for example, attrition rate for US Army airborne school is listed at 60% on numerous online sources. in this interview jake says 10 out of 1000 go on to duty after 900 fail to pass and 90 have some sort of issue (99% attrition).

@45acpcoyote 11 ай бұрын

@@Jaxwyn he was referring to how many dropped out. If you didn’t make all 5 training jumps you could back out at anytime. Most that broke legs or worse would not move forward.

@Jaxwyn 11 ай бұрын

@@45acpcoyote he said out of 1000, only about 100 would get through and of the 100 only about 10 would go on to paratrooper airborne duty. according ti US Army of 1000, 400 would go on to airborne duty. no need for exagerations and tall tales. 99% is not 60%.. not even close, paints a selfinflated perspective out of touch with reality. it is ok if you choose to accept all he says as truthful, i started with this example cuz it is so easily proven yet you reject the fact. airborne school is NOT greater attrition than seals buds but to hear HIM tell it....

@Jaxwyn 11 ай бұрын

not commenting to argue, was making an observation about provable fact/fiction. wishing ya all the best. respect.

@45acpcoyote 11 ай бұрын

@@Jaxwyn I had a great uncle that was air borne. Never made a jump in WWII.

@imawake9369 9 ай бұрын

He's a perfect example of a hero and of the toughest generation of soldiers to exist in the 20th century.

@Faladaena 11 ай бұрын

Does make you think whenever you pass an old-age pensioner in the streets, bc you never know what a badass he might've been in his younger years...

@donoimdono2702 10 ай бұрын

Yup. He returned home and got a job as post master in his home town where very few people knew of his heroics

@justin6354 10 ай бұрын

I used to tell my son this when he was growing up. Last thing you ever want is an "old man ass woopiing" .

@Faladaena 10 ай бұрын

@@justin6354 😁Yeah, that *would* be hard to live down!

@tyronebuggums2954 11 ай бұрын

Jake Mcnasty!! A true legend!!!

@adamhoffman3687 10 ай бұрын

He reminds me of my grandpa. He was born in 1910 and died in 2009. I really liked their attitude towards life and how they talked.

@everydayhero5076 10 ай бұрын

Me too.

@Faladaena 11 ай бұрын

We have a great deal to thank him for: I salute you, McNasty!

@tynosille6747 10 ай бұрын

So glad u got this while he is still with us! This is very special. My father was a W.W. ll vet who died in 1977 and I wish there had been something like this on record. No doubt this was the greatest generation! Dad grew up in the ozarks of Missouri during the depression and times were tough. It prepared them for the sacrifice of all out war. Thank u for this it is spectacular!

@davidwatkins622 9 ай бұрын

Watching from Australia thanks to "The Fat Electrician" Thanks Jake for your service. I am free only due to men like you.

@literallyshaking8019 8 ай бұрын

Doesn’t seem like you Australians are that free in recent years. Hopefully you have a few “McNasty” types among your ranks, you just might need them in the not so distant future.

@seanodwyer4322 Ай бұрын

@@literallyshaking8019 here on Highway 50 in new Zealand the farmer next to us was- Thomas samual mc Niece my dad was with him in italy .- Mc Niece won a Miitary medal on Castle Hill, But he had a nasty habit off all Germens he killed off takeing photos off their bodys and he had pile beside his bed until he died in 2005 .- My Dad had rows with him over the Photos cause they near our farm- Gwavas B. - ahh not sure iff those photos still on that farm or who owns the farm now but know where in new zealand it is . ahh was thinkin off writeing a small book about Mc Niece and the Photos .- Most were geman Paratroops at cassinno. Mc Niece badly shot on 15th march 1944 and allways had black aura light round his stocky body.- Strage how ahh was shot on 15th March 2019 at 7 a.m.- ahh mean strange when ahh met up with a Bible lady

@GEB-yy3ud Сағат бұрын

Mate, I ordered his book and it was the best read ever. Craziest stores I've ever read.

@JohnKingston-dw9ys 11 ай бұрын

Amazing to be able to hear a few of this combat veterans stories from his own mouth. What amazed me the most was he mostly focused on the fun and the good parts in a war where fun and good things were in short supply.

@12gageshot 11 ай бұрын

He visited my dad's high school and spoke to them about his experience. He also gave his smoke box to a spouse of another WWII vet at my church. The spouse was married to a man who was a navigator on a B17 during that time. Very cool stories. I am glad to speak and know them.

@obadiahsmith2345 11 ай бұрын

I grew up in a small midwest community. I miss these old guys. The barbershop was always a special place.

@charliebrenton4421 11 ай бұрын

McNasty! What a legendary menace to the Wehrmacht!!

@stephengarrett8076 10 ай бұрын

Top bloke ! Much respect!

@user-ho5ms4wi2u 11 ай бұрын

If he thought was in bad shape in 1988 , I'm greatfull he didn't see it in 2023

@literallyshaking8019 8 ай бұрын

You aren’t kidding. It would be nice to have some of his kind around these days though…

@justin6354 10 ай бұрын

A real bad ass American, A humble man who needs to prove absolutely nothing to anyone

@SaundersE5 11 ай бұрын

He’s dead on about not knowing what can happen on a jump when you first start out. This is amazing oral history. I just closed my eyes counted to 4 and hoped for the best.

@markfangman6294 8 ай бұрын

My grandmother's brother was in the filthy 13,his name was James Green they called him " Piccadilly Willie"that he got when they trained in London and frequent Piccadilly Square bars&clubs.They we're our true heroes that did things differently,but got the job done..!

@joshuaeagan6012 7 ай бұрын

wish i could be on the other side of this table listening to this man. truly an amazing story about an amazing man.

@bobbarker3781 11 ай бұрын

The very definition of a BAD ASS

@royroach5328 8 ай бұрын

Man I wish I could have had the opportunity and privilege to know this American warrior . What a wealth of knowledge and history.

@bonnietorix5818 10 ай бұрын

An amazing man. He did so much in the service of this country to make sure people were safe, as well as the people in the countries in which he fought. I'm not for war, I don't like it, but like it or not, there are times when it is absolutely necessary. I respect every one of our service men and women and I thank them for their service and I pray for their safe return. We would not be here without them. God bless all of you.

@AlM-tz8yx Жыл бұрын

As much as I enjoyed this, I would love to see the uncut version

@chas2can124 11 ай бұрын

What part did you miss out on? The blood and the guts? You can get that stuff now for free by visiting Ukraine right now. Go for it!

@warrenmcelroy4718 10 ай бұрын

@@chas2can124what’s your problem?

@chas2can124 10 ай бұрын

@@warrenmcelroy4718 The blood and the guts associated with War

@warrenmcelroy4718 10 ай бұрын

@@chas2can124 ok but what has that got to do with this persons comment? All they did was mention wanting to see the entire interview which means “boring” parts as well as the “interesting” parts. Nobody at all said anything about blood or guts so again I ask what the Fuck is your problem!?

@joemurdock6032 9 ай бұрын

What an interesting life story. This guy is a legend in his own right.

@chefp0l065 11 ай бұрын

That man is a real hero!

@maxryden5322 8 ай бұрын

Wow, that was a fascinating interview! My Grandfather was in Okinawa, in the Marines (I'm not sure which unit), but unfortunately he passed away when I was 13, so I never got to hear about the War (I don't think he would have wanted to talk about it). May all of these Men RIP.

@johnhamilton4677 11 ай бұрын

This is priceless

@atlasintegrations4114 6 ай бұрын

I grew up knowing a man that was just like this guy who was a marine in the Korean War. SAME ATTITUDE AND DEMEANOR! Totally reminded me of this man I looked up to from the age 7 to 25 years old when he died. A man's man! His name was Carol King. He was incredibly kind to me as a kid, and always fed me T-Bones and took me out to Mexican food with his grandkids (who he had adopted as his own). Not a perfect man, but a man to emulate. Miss him and his wife Polly dearly. These type of folks are so grounded, not perfect, but salt of the earth type of people. God Bless them all.

@robschannel4512 Жыл бұрын

A mans man.

@alphadog1961 10 ай бұрын

My father could have run with this man.I wouldn't have made it out of the plane.This should have Many,Many more views ....This man was a Warrior,an Audie Murphy Real Life Badass in the Best Way Possible.

@sumtingwong4693 10 ай бұрын

Toccoa Ga, my home town. 3 miles up, 3 miles down!!!

@f1nch_13 11 ай бұрын

I love hearing old stories like this. This one is especially telling. Awesome interview, even more amazing man

@charlieremsen2531 26 күн бұрын

Very special interview -- It makes you want to cry that the video recording cuts off around 1:10 in the middle of a story in training in Georgia and when it picks up again it's four years later and we're in Bastogne, Belgium. One wonders how many stories were not recorded, and now, from Mr McNiece RIP we'll never hear them...

@romper4444 11 ай бұрын

They just don't build men this like man anymore eh. Thx for putting this up for the world to see what a real antihero is!

@coatneyadkins9005 11 ай бұрын

I could listen to this ol timer tell stories for days...

@davidsonner6488 Жыл бұрын

They just don't make them like that anymore

@silence-humility-calmness 11 ай бұрын

they do,, but they are as common as they were back then

@tynosille6747 10 ай бұрын

1 more point my dad was a W.W. ll combat vet, Korean War combat vet, got orders for Vietnam while being a drill sergeant in ft. Leonard wood in 1968 but failed his overseas physical due to having men ll a disease of the endocrine system which ultimately killed him. He was one tough sob who I gave no flack to be sure!

@Redhackle 11 ай бұрын

Great interview. This gentleman I could trust with my life.

@wildancrazy159 8 ай бұрын

Oh man at 1:11 and change we lost so much! I wish I could hear that part that's missing! Darn.. what a man, not many around like him today..

@ogk9com 11 ай бұрын

I would like to thank those responsible for putting this out. More stories of mens sacrifice during this era should be readily available. Men of grit and endurance should be documented and shared, especially during these times when many men play video games and have low character. Never before have we had such a large percentage anti American unpatriotic leaches on society. I'm certain my grandfather if he were alive today, would share stories with me of Jake McNiece and his men. He came from Germany at 8, lied at 16 to fight his own family and homeland for the the "most wonderful country in the world". God bless America and thank you to all those that have kept their oath, and kept our country safe.

@warrenmcelroy4718 10 ай бұрын

Amen!

@KrAV9100 Жыл бұрын

Legend!!!

@bri0013 7 ай бұрын

I have just recently learned of this man and what he did. Salute !!! 🫡 What a legendary man.

@dieselboy610 7 ай бұрын

Army not marine

@MarkZeph-ou2my 11 ай бұрын

This dude is a true badass!

@davidbuldini8385 11 ай бұрын

A great American! We need more men like this in the country today! May the Lord Bless this man for his service to the people of the United States of America!!

@jennyluvsjapan1 7 ай бұрын

He is the complete opposite of a joe biden, or a Mitch McConnell, those politicians almost make you sick to be an American… Mr. McNiece makes you proud, and full of respect for real American Heroes…

@GEB-yy3ud Сағат бұрын

His book is amazing. I had to put it down and walk around when I was reading it while camping. It was very intense but there is enough heart in it to make it a worthwhile journey. Amazing man.

@wittsullivan8130 9 ай бұрын

That dude looked like a total badass when he was puffing on his cigarette, like you know he's done stuff and gives no F's.

@Heyheyhey12335 10 ай бұрын

Mr. Jake Mcnasty himself. Rip warrior

@brycebergheim5830 7 ай бұрын

My grand dad was a CB in the pacific. I was raised with the blessing to hear the stories of the reality of war. I have so much respect for the men and women of the time. Got bless all the hero’s. I hope we never have to relive the horror of war like they did.🤙🏽

@RAWsome1100 8 ай бұрын

Only thing I hate about this interview is that it wast longer! I want the full uncut version!

@castironskilletgranny Ай бұрын

Thank you so much for this.

@Firstthunder 10 ай бұрын

Thanks for this work.

@user-tb9rw7dh2t 3 ай бұрын

Reminds me of my grandpappy. Real men like that get shitt done. These types of men were born and forged into no nonsense, a cut from the rest. I got choked up just listening to him and watching his physicality. Thank God for men like McNiece. 🙏

@stobbinsboy 25 күн бұрын

You can tell he loves life just as it is. No regrets. Balls to the wall, man. Respect!

@debbain5864 6 ай бұрын

Total and complete respect!

@rustyogburn1085 7 ай бұрын

Its pretty awesome knowing who he is , we live just north o Ponca City,,

@DaleKallio-jk9wo 8 ай бұрын

A blessing to me personally, to hear that jump school was active at my base in Panama before Benning was the mill. Those that are rowdy aren't incapable of great things. Airborne!

@masenestes8401 8 ай бұрын

Here in 2023 and I can say this guys story is timeless as a bad ass American hero. Remember, veterans don’t like to talk about the bad times. That’s why they have more funny stories than bad; that being said this guys whole montage of the campaign is captivating and I feel like any real American would’ve done the same 🫡

@Faladaena 11 ай бұрын

Tarantino's "Inglorious Bastards" is based on Jake and his men...

@justin6354 10 ай бұрын

Man i wish i could hear every word! I am going to get a bluetuth speaker and listen again.

@joerichmond76 4 ай бұрын

I really used to see in World War II interviews with much older men in their late 80s and 90s. It’s really interesting seeing an interview done by a man still in the 60s and quite energetic and sharp and the memories are just still a little bit fresher.

@shakeandbake7324 10 ай бұрын

Thank You for helping the 506th PIR because I wouldn't have been created...

@davidschmidt6013 11 ай бұрын

SO glad they got to record this before he passed. A true shame that today's boys grow up with makeup instead of dirt on their faces. American dirt was good enough to make men like this. MAGA

@taylormarzano3677 10 ай бұрын

True Hero

@jaceelliott6317 8 ай бұрын

The only man I know to have ever stolen a train because he didn't feel like walking back from his bender. "Built different" doesn't begin to cut it.

@nickanderson1121 Ай бұрын

I cant believe he's not even mentioned in band of brothers ,this guy is incredible

@Dave-jo1hf 10 ай бұрын

Legend!

@OkieGrower75 10 ай бұрын

I grew up in Ponca City. 💚💚

@jennyluvsjapan1 7 ай бұрын

If Mr. McNiece can see the bidens, and Obama’s, or our military today, He would be sick to his stomach.. In this day ,our government would arrest him for being a White supremacist, or a threat to our democracy… I salute this man, and his bravery…..

@reginacano-gonzales9207 4 ай бұрын

His accent gives me life! HE is a REAL American hero! Thank you Sir, for saving democracy!

@listentoyourvibes 6 ай бұрын

This man is a legend

@Timberns 10 ай бұрын

Dude… What happened to the 72 hour pass after the ruck?

@vspec17 10 ай бұрын

The man.

@floydholder597 11 ай бұрын

That MAN is the fastest talking "Okie" I have ever heard speak. Unfortunately the audio quality and captioning is so poor, that I'm only able to understand about 1/3 of what he says. Which really is sad, since he has been a hero of mine since childhood when I 1st heard of him from a cousin of mine that had been in Bastogne.

@Burkholder1994 11 ай бұрын

That's interesting I can hear him pretty solid. The audio is rough but pretty good for home video system from the 80's.

@obadiahsmith2345 11 ай бұрын

Smooth talking country boys always get by. People underestimate them cause they're "Okies".

@floydholder597 11 ай бұрын

@obadiahsmith2345 Man I'm from Texas, about two hills from being a hillbilly and I've worked with a lot of Okies over the years and never heard one talk any faster than me, which isn't fast anything. I never noticed my drawl until I started working in an office and had to set up my voice-mail, playing it back to check it was a huge shock. One way or another I will hear every word and understand everything that man says before it's all said and done. GUARANTEED!

@obadiahsmith2345 11 ай бұрын

@@floydholder597 you know people would laugh at me because I understood boomhower on king of the hill. But I hear you.

@floydholder597 11 ай бұрын

@Burkholder1994 Admittedly I'm going to have to get hearing aids soon. Likely due to me loving to shoot a 357 Ruger so much in my younger years, plus cranking it up whenever Ted Nugent or AC/DC was in the 8-track or on the radio.

@24kGanksta 11 ай бұрын

When MEN were MEN!!!

@DaleKallio-jk9wo 8 ай бұрын

So fun to know that an old squad member went to TRADOC as a drill sergeant. He got to know I was back in after 8 years gone😊

@ralphshelley9586 11 ай бұрын

Soft spoken badass!

@jar895 4 ай бұрын

I’m going to attempt this for Christmas gifts. Thanks

@jameswooff3698 6 ай бұрын

I miss talking to all the WW2 veterans. Such a great generation

@Ironhead251 5 ай бұрын

This man was an absolute beast! As a combat vet, I can honestly say that I would want a man like this guy with me in combat.

@stanhutchins4365 3 ай бұрын

Jake enlisted because he wanted to take the fight to the enemy. Not for glory or fame, for true patriotism. Huge respect for this American soldier.

@jameswooff3698 6 ай бұрын

I love this video! Wish I could have met him.

@themadlad8540 3 ай бұрын

shame on Ponca city for not honoring this brave and fine Soldier

@beefsoda1 11 ай бұрын

Legendary

@reginacano-gonzales9207 4 ай бұрын

My God, he is amazing and charming and perfectly UNPERFECT!

@jamesfuentes2911 7 ай бұрын

What happened at around 1:10:00? I wanted to hear the rest of that story

@randyruppel6727 7 ай бұрын

Probably not fit for youtube would be my guess

@RCracingFun 4 ай бұрын

What happened with the follow up? There at the end they were talking about sending him questions and a few other things, and it gave the impression there would be a follow-up video. Was one ever made?