OKLAHOMA CITY -
Sunday night we
honor one of Oklahoma's own, whose memory lives on in history books and even
movies.
James
"Jake" McNiece died Monday. This weekend hundreds gathered in Ponca
City to celebrate his amazing life.
The country
asked a lot of McNeice. And the Army sergeant delivered each time.
"[He] never
wanted the limelight on him, but he wanted the story told," said Jake's wife, Martha
McNeice.
And an
amazing story it was. McNeice was part of the famed 101st airborne. His unit,
dubbed the "Filthy 13", gained famed partly due to video of soldiers putting
war paint on each other before what many called a suicide mission: A drop
behind enemy lines on D-Day.
The group
inspired the popular 1967 movie "The Dirty Dozen", with Lee Marvin playing
McNeice. McNeice was at the state capitol last September accepting the French
Legion of Honor; the award presented to him for his role in liberating France
from the Nazis.
"He handled
it very humbly," said Martha.
But for all
his war exploits, Jake's legacy also includes his dedication to family.
"I'm
honored to have had 59 and half years," said Martha.
Martha holds
her husband's red bandana in her hand, something he always had for his
grandchildren.
"He'd wipe
their noses with a red bandana handkerchief."
Martha
reminded us that Jake also started a food program through his church, finding
delight in each meal delivered. He was a man who served country and community,
until he died at 93.
"He would
always say ‘I'm not a hero. I'm a survivor.' And he spend most of his life
helping other people," said Martha.
James "Jake" McNiece
