OPERATION:HALYARD!!!

Day 2,017, 13:44 Published in Thailand Saudi Arabia by Skorpion 35

Gregory Freeman
The true story of heroism Serbian peasants and the Chetniks of Draza Mihailovic, who during World War II in the village Pranjani rescued and assisted in the evacuation of 512 American pilots and crew of American bombers, was released two years ago from oblivion thanks to the book "500 forgotten" American Gregory Freeman.
Now this book was translated and published in Serbian (published by "Euro-Giunti"), and on Monday will be presented at the Belgrade bookstore "Academy" in 18 hours. On this occasion, thanks to the Serbian publisher and the consulate in Chicago, arrived in Belgrade and author Freeman, writer, historian and journalist for the "News" says that he is very excited, because it will leave on Tuesday for Pranjani.
- I can not wait to meet with residents and see the place where this amazing story took place - says Freeman.
The book "500 forgotten" describes an event that took place between September and December in 1944. year. It's about pulling American airmen who were shot down over Serbia, who were on a mission bombing oil installations in Romania.
- In my opinion, this is the biggest rescue mission of American airmen from behind enemy lines, ever. As a writer, I always attracted to stories that are important, but for some reason skipped and marginalized in history. When I first stumbled on a mission "Halyard" is really quite astonishing how amazing, I was amazed and astonished that so far have not been told and how it is that everyone in America already know about the event - says Freeman. - I explain in the book why this is so, but the answer is simple and lies partly in the fact that during the war the allies turned against Mihailovic and provided support to Tito. The State Department later did not want to "bother" Tito in any way giving credit Mihailovic for what he did. It is very frustrating for a lot of Americans who were saved and they were protesting as they could, they insisted that I prefer to give credit, but without success.
When the Americans landed by parachute in Ravna Gora, they found them Chetniks, says Freeman. A few months ago they were guarded by peasants and Draza Mihailovic, at great risk. Residents Pranjani knew they would be retaliation if Germans learn to hide U.S. pilots. After a long wait, the American OSS (Office of stategic services) was able to organize and carry out a risky rescue mission, code-named "Halyard". Despite the danger, the mission was successful and rescued 512 people.
- This experience is American airmen hospitality and generosity of your people. Especially how the Serbs sacrificed during the war for the people of other countries. Serbian peasants were in a terrible situation - surrounded by Germans, hungry, Mihailovic and Tito confronted ... But the people were so generous, they gave the last piece of food from the Americans kept them in their homes, and surviving pilots can not forget. When I was preparing the book, talked to veterans who are now 80, 90 years old, he always moved them to tears when he remembered that the Serbs were wonderful to them - says Freeman.

Touching Love Story
TEN rescued airmen and one member of the rescue missions are still alive, says Freeman.
- The savior George Vujnovi, OSS agent, intelligence officer who was involved in the organization of rescue missions "Halyard". He lives in New York, has 94 years, but a clear mind and a love Serbia and Belgrade. The book is a touching story about him as a student who came to Belgrade from his hometown of Pittsburgh to study medicine. Falls in love with the future wife Mirjana, on the eve of the German attack on Belgrade. It becomes dangerous, most Americans run, but he does not want to leave Mirjana in Belgrade remains in the bombing. Later on, with many twists and turns, they go to America, and he joined the OSS, distribute it to the base in Italy, where he led rescue of Americans with a straight up - says Freeman.