The Filthy Thirteen

Publisher's Summary

Since World War II, the American public has become fully aware of the exploits of the 101st Airborne Division, the paratroopers who led the Allied invasions into Nazi-held Europe. But within the ranks of the 101st, a sub-unit attained legendary status at the time, its reputation persisting among veterans over the decades. Primarily products of the Dustbowl and the Depression, the Filthy13 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 war paint to their faces. Unknown to the American public at the time, these men were the Filthy 13. 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 just bare knuckles.

In its spearhead role, the 13 suffered heavy casualties, some men wounded and others blown to bits. By the end of the war 30 men had passed through the squad. Throughout the war, however, the heart and soul of the Filthy 13 remained: a survivor named Jake McNiece, a half-breed Indian from Oklahoma - the toughest man in the squad and the one who formed its character. McNiece made four combat jumps, was in the forefront of every fight in northern Europe, yet somehow never made the rank of PFC. The survivors of the Filthy 13 stayed intact as a unit until the Allies finally conquered Nazi Germany.

The book does not draw a new portrait of earnest citizen soldiers. Instead it describes a group of hardscrabble guys whom any respectable person would be loath to meet in a bar or dark alley. But they were an integral part of the U.S. war against Nazi Germany. A brawling bunch of no-goodniks whose only saving grace was that they inflicted more damage on the Germans than on MPs, the English countryside and their own officers, the Filthy 13 remain a legend within the ranks of the 101st Airborne.

©2003 Richard Killblane (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Best WW2 book ever

This was hands down my favorite book of all time when I first read the paperback version a few years ago. So I was excited when I seen it on audible. It delivers just as I hoped. It's my favorite audio now. If I was trying to find a fault the only thing I can think of is the voice of Jack. It's not the voice I had in my head but it's perfect none the less. It's of an old man speaking just like the books wrote and it fits perfectly. The voice I had was an old man that I've know my whole life. Anyway. Of the 50+ WW2 and biography books I've read this is the best by far. The stories are incredible and well researched from the author. Every great tale has some stretch but this one never makes you second guess it for a second.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

One of the best

I'm a huge lover of World War 2 books, and this is by far one of the best. told by the members of the group it's fascinating to listen to them discuss the same events from different points of view. And the laughter so many years later is amazing to listen to. You can tell these guys really went through it, but the fact that they could laugh about it so many years later is incredible. One of my favorite books

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A fine story of history

i have enjoyed this book very much. I could not put it down. the narrator did a wonderful job.

Great stories with a satisfying end!

I'm amazed at what they were able to get away with then! Being a paratrooper from the modern era, similarities and differences are interesting. The description of British troops still matches British troops today!

War stories from the old guys themselves.

I t took me a while to finish it because I wanted to enjoy it so I only listened when I could give my attention 100% to the book. it was great, it was like listening to the veterans tell the stories themselves. A lot of people I know would identify with Jake and his ways.
outstanding book and a group of outstanding people.

The Filthy Thirteen

A must listen to audible book. It's a good look into their personal lives on the battlefield.

masterfully done

great narration gives a new one,
personal and unit view of events for the time peroid

Just a story about what Jake ate through the war

I found the book lacked in detail, no one event was explored. The story just spoke about this ex paratrooper getting into fights disobeying orders and stealing food. The storey lacked depth!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

buy it!!!

this is my fave book about my fave war hero. funny in parts but heart breaking in others.

anyone who reads this will love it!

0 of 1 people found this review helpful