Dropping Into Bastogne: Pfc. John Agnew

Warriors In Their Own Words | First Person War Stories

Private First Class John Agnew served in World War II as a Paratrooper and Pathfinder. Pathfinders were paratroopers that dropped into enemy territory first, tasked with setting up signals that would direct the rest of the paratrooper fleet into the correct landing zones. Since they were often the first soldiers sent across enemy lines, this was an incredibly dangerous job. As a Pathfinder Pilot, it was Pedone’s job to fly the Pathfinders into enemy territory.

Agnew parachuted into Normandy on D-Day as a member of the Filthy Thirteen, a paratrooper demolition squad that became notorious for their insubordination and their signature look, that included Native American style warpaint and mohawks. They later inspired the movie The Dirty Dozen.

Out of 20 men, Agnew was one of four from his unit that survived D-Day.

Agnew, along with half of the surviving members of the Filthy Thirteen, joined the Pathfinders. He fought in the Siege of Bastogne, the Rhine River Crossings, and Operation Market Garden with the Pathfinders. He later also served in Vietnam.

In this interview, Agnew describes the Siege of Bastogne and The Filthy Thirteen.

Learn more about Agnew here.

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Editor’s Note: ‘Private First Class’ refers to Agnew’s rank during the Siege of Bastogne. His rank by the time of his retirement is unknown.

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