Above: 101st Airborne Pathfinder Pfc. "Jack" Agnew kneels atop a brick pile within the Bastogne perimeter, as he activates a Eureka beacon to guide in the first wave of C-47s during the re-supply mission on December 23, 1944.

Jack Agnew was one of the original members of the "Filthy 13," the 506th Parachute Regiment's demolition section. Famed for their Mohawk haircuts, rebelliousness, and crack fighting ability, the Filthy 13 became the inspiration for Hollywood's "Dirty Dozen." Before the Battle of the Bulge, members of the Filthy 13 were requested for pathfinder duty; Jack Agnew was among the volunteers.

A pathfinder's job was to parachute into a drop zone prior to the main force, whereby he would set up radio beacons and brightly colored panels to guide-in a force of C-47s laden with paratroopers or supplies.

When the Germans encircled the town of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge, Agnew and other pathfinders jumped into the beleaguered city. Climbing atop a brick pile within the Bastogne perimeter, Agnew secured his spot in history's spotlight when he operated a beacon to guide-in the first wave of C-47s that dropped parapacks containing desperately needed supplies for the Screaming Eagles.