I am looking for information on the Halyard Mission from both the American side and the Serbian side. Can anyone help? Thank you Leslie
Yougoslavian side here Serbian Unity Congress | Serbian People's History - Draza Mihailovich and the Rescue of US Airmen during World War II
Thanks Skipper I look forward to reading the article. One of my dad's very close friends was shot down and spent over two months with Mihailovich. He is being used as a consultant for a huge film that is now in the works to tell this apparently widely unknown story. Kind regards Leslie
Glad I could help, I didn't know there is going to be a film about their adventures in Yougoslavia. Have you read Freeman's The forgotten 500? You may have since you know about the story, but just in case here is the link. Amazon.com: The Forgotten 500: The Untold Story of the Men Who Risked All For the Greatest Rescue Mission of World War II: Books: Gregory A. Freeman
Hello Skipper I'm not sure the information about the film is widely known. Apparently it will be made in 2008 and Robin Williams will play Mihalovich with a possible of George Clooney playing Tito. The friend of my father's who is working on this, knows about Felstead's book and says it contains many "untruths". He told me about "The Forgotten 500" along with 3 others that are very good by David Martin. Ally Betrayed, General Mihalovich,Patriot or Traitor and Web of Misinformation. Another book, was Too Little To Late, but he couldn't remember the author. Norm, my dad's friend, is very excited about this as after the war, he has made it as he says"my lifelong mission to clear General Mihalovich's name." Norm flew Wellingtons with #40 Squadron, 205 group, flying out of Italy. It sounds like a very interesting story. Regards, Leslie
Yesterday, I read a posting by Julia Gorin here Political Mavens » Arthur Jibilian, the last of the WWII Halyard Mission Rescuers, is Dying that Arthur, Jibilian the last Halyard Mission rescuer has just 6 months to live. He has posted to one of Gorin's sites that he is not at all adverse to discuss his life and the end of his life. I sent him my best wishes & prayers and received a very nice response.
Here is a good article on the operation. Rescue Behind Enemy Lines - Operation Halyard and the Rescue in Occupied Serbia » HistoryNet - From the World's Largest History Magazine Publisher
General Draza Mihailovich: Major George Vujnovich, Serbian-American WWII veteran of the Halyard Mission, honored in the U.S. Congressional Record, March 16, 2009
We will be having the author of Forgotten 500 in the forum for discussion next weekend. Those who have signed up and agreed to read his book beforehand have been invited to talk with Mr Freeman. The transcript will be posted afterward. I have read the book and found it to be an excellent read. Even if you are not participating in the discussion, I heartily recommend that you read the book if possible.
A little off the main topic being the rescue, does anyone know where I could find information about the following: I believe most of the airmen rescued, were members of Squadrons belonging to 8 Group stationed in Italy. I am looking for data for the period of February 1944 to September 1944. Specifically, Number of allied aircraft lost Number of airmen killed Number of airmen wounded Number of airmen taken POW Number who found sanctuary and ultimately escape through contact with the guerillas, and Mihailovich. During this time period these aircraft would have been taking part in raids to destroy the oil refineries/fields, key bridges, and mining the Danube River to destroy the barges carrying the oil in and around Ploesti Romania. Any information or sources of information would be appreciated. Thanks Leslie
Serbian History 101 - Draza (<---click here) & Operation Halyard.... Personal interviews start about 3 minutes into this video: WW2 Allied Operation: Halyard, The Forgotten 500 [video=youtube;WHmIUERMSwE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHmIUERMSwE[/video]
Thanks, Fred. I took part in the discussion with Mr. Freeman on his role in writing The Forgotten 500. I must admit that the book was good, but I'm still confused on Yugoslavian politics.
It is especially confusing, because with time it only gets more confusing. Rescue of allied airman was done both by royalist chetniks and communist partizans. Since at the time (mid 1944), partisans held more territory they rescued more airmen. Entire rescue was not well known during communist era, because it is not one of the larger episodes of liberation war. At the time, much larger and important events took place. Since nowadays chetnik movement is getting sort of rehabilitation in Serbia, this event became well known, since it is largest operation chetniks made with allies during 1944. British cut their connections with chetniks at the end of 1943. and channeled all their support to Tito's partisans. Americans had their mission until end of Halyard mission.
