Summary
"The Forgotten 500: The Untold Story of the Men Who Risked All for the Greatest Rescue Mission of World War II" by Gregory A. Freeman unveils a remarkable and largely unknown chapter of World War II. It's a tale of downed Allied airmen, primarily Americans, trapped in Nazi-occupied Yugoslavia after bombing raids on strategic targets like the oil refineries of Ploesti, Romania. These airmen, having bailed out of crippled planes, found themselves in a precarious situation, facing capture, betrayal, or death.
The narrative vividly portrays the harrowing experiences of these young men, their desperate attempts to evade German patrols, and their reliance on the kindness and courage of Serbian villagers. These villagers, despite facing severe repercussions from the occupying forces, risked their lives to shelter, feed, and protect the airmen. The book highlights the complexities of the Yugoslavian landscape, with its rugged terrain and divided loyalties between the Chetniks, loyal to General Draza Mihailovich, and the Partisans, led by Josip Broz Tito, adding layers of intrigue and danger to the airmen's plight.
As the number of stranded airmen grew, a daring plan was conceived by the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) in Italy: Operation Halyard. This audacious mission involved sending in C-47 cargo planes to land in the mountainous terrain of Yugoslavia, right under the noses of the Germans, and extract the airmen. The book meticulously details the challenges of organizing such an operation, from building a makeshift airstrip to coordinating with the local resistance while evading detection.
"The Forgotten 500" also delves into the complex political landscape of the time, revealing the shifting alliances and betrayals that shaped the course of the war. It exposes the Allied abandonment of Mihailovich, a once-celebrated hero, due to misinformation and the growing influence of Communist factions. The book sheds light on the heroic efforts of a dedicated team of OSS agents, led by George Vujnovich, who fought against bureaucratic obstacles and political machinations to carry out the rescue mission.
Ultimately, Operation Halyard became the largest rescue of downed airmen behind enemy lines in history, saving over 500 lives. However, the story remained largely untold for decades due to political sensitivities and the desire to downplay the role of Mihailovich, who was later executed by the Communist regime in Yugoslavia. Gregory A. Freeman's book rectifies this historical oversight, bringing to light a thrilling and inspiring story of courage, sacrifice, and the enduring bonds of humanity in the face of unimaginable adversity.