Jack Hemingway entered the army as an officer with the military police; but spent most of WWII assigned to the OSS. Photo: Ernest Hemingway Photograph Collection/John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston. Cropped.
Jack Hemingway, born John Hadley Nicanor Hemingway on October 10, 1923, was the first-born child of the legendary American author Ernest Hemingway and his first wife, Hadley Richardson. While his lineage cast a long and imposing shadow, Jack emerged as a notable figure in his own right, particularly through his work with the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during World War II and his later contributions to conservation and outdoor sportsmanship.
Jack’s early years were defined by the renowned Hemingway family and shaped within cultural hubs like Paris. Born in Toronto, Canada, Jack was known to family and friends as “Bumby.” Following his parents’ divorce when he was five, his mother relocated with him to Paris, where he was initially educated and exposed to an eclectic artistic environment. His summers were often spent with his father, who by then lived in Cuba, providing a varied and culturally rich childhood.
Service in the OSS
With the outbreak of World War II, Jack Hemingway’s life took a dramatic turn. He joined the U.S. Army serving as an officer in the military police but was eventually assigned to the OSS, the precursor to the CIA. The OSS was tasked with collecting and analyzing strategic information and conducting special operations behind enemy lines. Jack’s fluency in French and his adventurous spirit made him an ideal candidate for the OSS’s covert operations.
Jack was both a trainee and an instructor at the OSS training camp in Chrea, Algeria. He underwent rigorous training and also taught classes in demolitions and sabotage, radio operations, encoding and decoding, navigation, unarmed combat, and weapons and tradecraft. Despite being one of the youngest instructors, his knowledge and skills made him a valuable asset to the OSS.
Jack’s first mission involved parachuting into Nazi-occupied France to assist with communications and act as a liaison with the local anti-German resistance. He was tasked with arming and training the resistance fighters and helping them impede German movements in the area. Jack and his colleague Jim were given cyanide pills, known as “L” pills, to use in case of capture, but they opted to destroy them.
Jack, ever the adventurer, packed his fishing rod along with his mission supplies, cleverly disguising it as an antenna. Despite initial confusion and the scattering of their supplies, Jack and Jim managed to provide valuable information on enemy troop movements and armed the locals to resist the German forces.
Narrow Escape and Continued Operations
One notable incident during his time in France involved Jack narrowly escaping capture by a German patrol while fishing in a stream. Transfixed by the beauty of the day, Jack did not hear the approaching soldiers until they were right above him. He prayed silently that nothing would bite his line, as the American flag on his uniform would have been exposed. Fortunately, the patrol marched on without noticing him.
Jack’s new assignment involved recruiting, training, and infiltrating agents through enemy lines. In late October 1944, while on his way to a safe-house in enemy territory, Jack was ambushed by a unit of German mountain troops. He was hit three times in the right arm and shoulder before surrendering.
Capture and Interrogation
The Germans confiscated Jack’s weapons and provided basic first aid, including a shot of morphine from his own kit. Blindfolded, Jack was taken to the company command post for interrogation, which was ironically located in the very safe-house he had been trying to find. During the interrogation, it was revealed that the commander’s girlfriend had once been Jack’s nurse when he was a child living in Austria. The questioning ended on a surprisingly friendly note with a toast of Schnapps.
Jack was then sent to a Prisoner of War (POW) camp for officers near Hammelburg, Germany. One day after roll call, a German soldier asked Jack if he was related to Ernest Hemingway. Jack admitted he was, and the soldier, an admirer of Ernest’s work, revealed that he had been an American Literature professor and had taught Ernest’s writings.
Jack’s time as a POW was marked by resilience and resourcefulness. Despite the hardships, he maintained his spirit and continued to inspire those around him. His experiences during the war and as a POW shaped his character and influenced his later life, including his work in conservation and outdoor sportsmanship.
Post-War Life and Conservation Efforts
After the war, Jack returned to civilian life but continued to serve in U.S. Army intelligence for a period. He eventually settled in Idaho, where he became a passionate conservationist and advocate for outdoor sportsmanship. Jack’s commitment to the environment was reflected in his advocacy for catch-and-release fishing practices, which later became an integral part of Idaho’s fishing regulations. He served on the Idaho Fish and Game Commission, furthering his efforts to preserve America’s wilderness and natural resources.
In addition to his conservation work, Jack Hemingway was an accomplished writer, contributing his voice to the world of literature. Despite the fame of his father and the recognition of his daughters, Mariel and Margaux Hemingway, as prominent figures in the entertainment industry, Jack carved out a distinctive path for himself. His story is one of embracing heritage while forging a unique identity, embodying a love for nature and an enduring spirit of adventure.
Legacy
Jack Hemingway’s legacy is multifaceted, encompassing his contributions to the Allied war effort, his dedication to conservation, and his achievements as a writer. His life exemplifies the enduring spirit of adventure and the importance of preserving the natural world. Jack’s story continues to inspire those who seek to balance a love for the outdoors with a commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
Resources
Central Intelligence Agency
CIA.gov
USASOC OSS Website (Official US Army Website)
www.soc.mil/OSS/index.html
The OSS Society
OSSSociety org