Library displays honor Ponca City veteran and anniversary of D-Day

In honor of the upcoming 75^th anniversary of D-Day, Ponca City resident Richard Sherrod has loaned the library several pieces of memorabilia relating to former Ponca City World War II paratrooper Jake McNiece.

These items, along with several books on World War II, will be available as a display in the upcoming weeks.

McNiece lived in Ponca City with his family as a child and young teenager. He returned to Ponca City following the war for several years. Ponca City is where he met both of his wives.

During World War II, McNiece was part of an elite paratrooper group called the Pathfinders. His unit was known as the “Filthy Thirteen.” His unit is known for jumping into German territory on the eve of the Normandy invasion and for wild behavior during their war years.

McNiece was decorated with four Bronze Stars and two Arrowhead Bronzes for his bravery during the war, and last year he was appointed a Knight of the French Legion of Honor.

The display will be available during library hours.

Sources:

• The Filthy Thirteen by Richard Killblane and Jake McNiece
• Jake McNiece obituary in the Telegraph
• Jake McNiece, WWII Hero And Self-Described ‘Troublemaker.’ NPR article May 27, 2013.

For more information contact:  Aaron Gray, Adult Services Librarian at (580) 767-0345.