00103 - Filthy Thirteen

00103 - Filthy Thirteen, The 1st Demolition Section was a unit of American paratroopers during World War II who were trained to destroy enemy targets behind enemy lines. They became known as the Filthy Thirteen because of their disregard for military discipline that did not contribute to the mission, such as bathing. They wore Native American-style "mohawks" and applied war paint to each other. During the Normandy Invasion, the unit was airdropped to secure or destroy bridges over the Douve River. Half the unit was killed, wounded, or captured, but the rest accomplished their mission. During Operation Market Garden, they defended three bridges over the Dommel River in the Netherlands. Many were killed or wounded, and the survivors secured the regimental command post or protected wire-laying details. Some members later volunteered for the Pathfinders and were sent in ahead of the main force to guide them in. They parachuted into the encircled town of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge, where they lost only one man. Sergeant Jake McNiece finished the war as the acting first sergeant and with four combat jumps, including Normandy, the Netherlands, Bastogne, and as an observer during Operation Varsity. Despite their mission focus, the Filthy Thirteen's disregard for military discipline often got them in trouble with the authorities.

Museum-quality posters made on thick matte paper. Add a wonderful accent to your room and office with these posters that are sure to brighten any environment.

• Paper thickness: 0.26 mm (10.3 mil)
• Paper weight: 189 g/m²
• Opacity: 94%
• ISO brightness: 104%
• 21 × 30 cm posters are size A4
• Paper sourced from Japan