52 pages • 1 hour read
The Forgotten 500: The Untold Story of the Men Who Risked All for the Greatest Rescue Mission of World War II
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Book Brief
313
Book • Nonfiction
Yugoslavia • 1940s
2007
NAL Hardcover
Adult
16+ years
Super Short Summary
The Forgotten 500 by Gregory A. Freeman recounts the 1944 rescue mission Operation Halyard, where American and Allied forces collaborated with General Draza Mihailovich's Chetnik soldiers in Yugoslavia to save 512 downed American airmen during World War II, challenging the pro-Tito narrative and highlighting the sacrifices of local villagers and fighters.
Inspirational
Adventurous
Suspenseful
Emotional
Informative
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Forgotten 500 by Gregory A. Freeman receives acclaim for uncovering a little-known WWII rescue mission with compelling narrative and meticulous research. Critics applaud the vivid portrayal of heroism but note occasional disjointed storytelling and a slow start. Overall, it's a gripping historical account that educates and entertains.
Who Should Read The Forgotten 500?
Readers fascinated by World War II history, gripping rescue missions, and tales of heroism akin to Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand or Band of Brothers by Stephen E. Ambrose will deeply enjoy The Forgotten 500 by Gregory A. Freeman. It's ideal for those who appreciate meticulously researched, adrenaline-charged true stories.
George Vujnovich
George Vujnovich
An OSS agent important to Operation Halyard and stationed at the Fifteenth Air Force base in Italy, responsible for organizing and directing the operation.
Mirjana Lazic Vujnovich
Mirjana Lazic Vujnovich
The wife of George Vujnovich, whose vital information about stranded American airmen in Yugoslavia played a significant role in Operation Halyard.
General Draza Mihailovich
General Draza Mihailovich
The leader of the Chetnik army who ordered the protection of downed US airmen in Nazi-occupied Yugoslavia, playing a critical part in the operation's success.
George Musulin
George Musulin
An OSS agent who led Operation Halyard on the ground in Yugoslavia, noted for his no-nonsense approach and connection to the Chetnik forces.
Arthur Jibilian
Arthur Jibilian
A radio operator for the OSS who parachuted into Yugoslavia as part of the three-man team directing Operation Halyard from the ground.
Richard Felman
Richard Felman
A B-24 pilot who after being rescued in Operation Halyard worked to defend General Mihailovich's reputation post-war.
Clare Musgrove
Clare Musgrove
A ball turret gunner who survived being shot down over Yugoslavia and was rescued during Operation Halyard, later sharing his story with the author.
Tony Orsini
Tony Orsini
A B-24 navigator who survived after being shot down, participated in Operation Halyard and made efforts to publicize the true story of Mihailovich.
Robert Wilson
Robert Wilson
A navigator on a B-17 who was rescued by Chetniks and participated in Operation Halyard, focusing his efforts on ensuring Mihailovich's story was remembered.
Josip Broz Tito
Josip Broz Tito
Leader of the Partisans in Yugoslavia who rose to power post-World War II, having opposed both the Nazis and Mihailovich's Chetniks during the war.
Major General William J. “Wild Bill” Donovan
Major General William J. “Wild Bill” Donovan
The founder and head of the OSS, instrumental in getting presidential approval for the rescue mission of downed airmen in Yugoslavia.
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Franklin D. Roosevelt
The U.S. President during World War II who approved the mission to rescue American airmen in Yugoslavia as part of the war effort.
Winston Churchill
Winston Churchill
The British Prime Minister during World War II, initially misled regarding Yugoslav resistance and later acknowledged errors in Allied support choices.
James Klugmann
James Klugmann
A Soviet agent within British intelligence, who played a role in influencing the Allied support away from Mihailovich's forces.
Chetniks
Chetniks
Serbian soldiers loyal to General Mihailovich, crucial to the protection and eventual rescue of stranded American airmen in WWII.
Partisans
Partisans
Followers of Josip Broz Tito who opposed both the Nazi occupiers and Chetnik forces, receiving Allied support during the war.
OSS (Office of Strategic Services)
OSS (Office of Strategic Services)
A wartime intelligence agency that played a key role in Operation Halyard, with agents supporting different sides of the Yugoslav conflict.
313
Book • Nonfiction
Yugoslavia • 1940s
2007
NAL Hardcover
Adult
16+ years
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