The Forgotten 500 by Gregory A. Freeman

Last updated: Aug 24, 2023

Summary of The Forgotten 500 by Gregory A. Freeman

The Forgotten 500 by Gregory A. Freeman is a gripping account of a little-known World War II rescue mission that took place in the Balkans. The book sheds light on the incredible bravery and determination of a group of American airmen and the local Serbian people who risked their lives to save them.

The story begins in 1944, when the Allied forces were conducting bombing raids over Nazi-occupied Europe. Many American planes were shot down, and their crews were forced to bail out over enemy territory. One such crew was that of a B-24 Liberator bomber, which crash-landed in the mountains of Yugoslavia.

Unbeknownst to the Americans, the Serbian people were fiercely anti-Nazi and sympathetic to the Allied cause. They formed a secret resistance movement known as the Chetniks, led by General Draza Mihailovich. When the downed American airmen stumbled upon a Chetnik camp, they were welcomed with open arms and given shelter.

However, the situation soon became dire. The Germans launched a massive offensive against the Chetniks, forcing them to retreat and leaving the American airmen stranded. The Chetniks managed to establish contact with the American Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the precursor to the CIA, and requested assistance in rescuing the airmen.

Enter Captain George "Buzz" Burlingame, an OSS officer who was tasked with organizing the rescue mission. Burlingame recruited a team of brave Serbian guerilla fighters and devised a plan to airlift the airmen out of Yugoslavia. The only problem was that the nearest airfield was in enemy territory.

Undeterred, Burlingame and his team embarked on a daring mission to construct a makeshift airfield in the mountains. They cleared a landing strip, repaired damaged planes, and even built a control tower out of tree branches. Meanwhile, the airmen endured harsh conditions and constant danger, relying on the Chetniks for protection.

After weeks of preparation, the rescue mission was launched. The American planes flew into enemy territory, dodging German anti-aircraft fire, and successfully evacuated the airmen. The operation, codenamed "Halyard," was a resounding success, with over 500 airmen rescued.

The Forgotten 500 not only highlights the heroism of the American airmen and the Serbian resistance fighters, but also explores the political complexities of the time. The Allies had initially supported the Chetniks, but later switched their allegiance to the communist Partisans, led by Josip Broz Tito. This shift in support had dire consequences for the Chetniks, who were abandoned by the Allies and left to fend for themselves.

In conclusion, The Forgotten 500 is a captivating and inspiring true story of courage, resilience, and the power of human compassion. It sheds light on a little-known chapter of World War II history and pays tribute to the forgotten heroes who risked everything to save others.

1. The Untold Story of the Forgotten 500

The Forgotten 500 by Gregory A. Freeman sheds light on a little-known chapter of World War II history. The book reveals the incredible story of Operation Halyard, a daring rescue mission conducted by the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) to save over 500 downed American airmen in Nazi-occupied Yugoslavia. This forgotten operation not only showcases the bravery and resourcefulness of the OSS agents and the local Serbian villagers who risked their lives to help, but also highlights the importance of collaboration and unity in times of crisis.

The book provides a detailed account of the challenges faced by the rescue team, including navigating through treacherous mountain terrain, evading enemy patrols, and coordinating with partisan forces. It also highlights the resilience and determination of the American airmen, who endured harsh conditions and constant threat of capture or execution. The Forgotten 500 serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by ordinary individuals during wartime and the power of collective action in the face of adversity.

2. The Role of Serbian Partisans in the Rescue Mission

One of the most intriguing aspects of The Forgotten 500 is the role played by the Serbian Partisans in the rescue mission. Led by General Draža Mihailović, the Partisans provided crucial support to the OSS agents and American airmen, acting as guides, protectors, and providers of vital intelligence. This collaboration between the Partisans and the OSS was instrumental in the success of Operation Halyard.

The book delves into the complex dynamics between the Partisans and the Chetniks, another resistance group in Yugoslavia. It explores the political and ideological differences that divided these groups and the challenges faced by the OSS in navigating these alliances. Despite these complexities, the Partisans proved to be invaluable allies, demonstrating their commitment to the common goal of liberating Yugoslavia from Nazi occupation.

3. The Importance of Intelligence Gathering

The Forgotten 500 emphasizes the critical role of intelligence gathering in wartime operations. The OSS agents relied heavily on information provided by local Serbian villagers, who risked their lives to gather intelligence on enemy movements and activities. This intelligence was crucial in planning rescue missions, evading enemy patrols, and ensuring the safety of the American airmen.

The book highlights the resourcefulness and bravery of these Serbian villagers, who used their knowledge of the local terrain and their connections within the community to gather information discreetly. Their contributions demonstrate the power of grassroots intelligence gathering and the impact it can have on military operations. The Forgotten 500 serves as a reminder of the importance of valuing and leveraging local knowledge and expertise in intelligence gathering efforts.

4. The Resilience of the American Airmen

The Forgotten 500 pays tribute to the resilience and courage of the American airmen who were stranded in Nazi-occupied Yugoslavia. The book recounts their harrowing experiences, including surviving plane crashes, evading capture, and enduring harsh conditions in the mountains.

Despite the constant threat of capture or execution, the American airmen displayed remarkable resilience and determination. They formed strong bonds with the local Serbian villagers and relied on their support for survival. The book highlights the camaraderie and mutual trust that developed between the airmen and the villagers, showcasing the power of human connection in times of crisis.

5. The Impact of Collaboration and Unity

The Forgotten 500 underscores the importance of collaboration and unity in achieving common goals. The success of Operation Halyard was made possible by the collective efforts of the OSS agents, the Serbian Partisans, and the local villagers.

The book highlights the challenges faced by the rescue team and the need for effective communication, coordination, and trust among the various groups involved. It emphasizes the power of collaboration in overcoming obstacles and achieving extraordinary outcomes.

6. The Sacrifices Made by Ordinary Individuals

The Forgotten 500 brings to light the sacrifices made by ordinary individuals during times of war. The Serbian villagers who risked their lives to help the American airmen exemplify the courage and selflessness of everyday heroes.

The book highlights the dangers faced by these villagers, including the risk of betrayal and execution by the Nazis. It explores their motivations for helping the airmen, ranging from a sense of duty to a desire for freedom and justice. The Forgotten 500 serves as a reminder of the immense sacrifices made by ordinary individuals in the pursuit of a greater cause.

7. The Power of Hope and Determination

The Forgotten 500 showcases the power of hope and determination in the face of adversity. Despite the seemingly insurmountable challenges, the OSS agents, the American airmen, and the Serbian villagers never lost hope and remained determined to achieve their mission.

The book highlights the moments of despair and uncertainty faced by the rescue team, but also the unwavering belief in their cause that kept them going. It serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the ability to find strength in the most challenging circumstances.

8. The Legacy of Operation Halyard

The Forgotten 500 sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of World War II history and leaves a lasting legacy. The book not only honors the bravery and sacrifices of those involved in Operation Halyard but also serves as a reminder of the importance of remembering and learning from the past.

By sharing this untold story, The Forgotten 500 encourages readers to reflect on the lessons of history and the impact of individual actions. It inspires a deeper appreciation for the power of collective action, the resilience of the human spirit, and the potential for ordinary individuals to make a difference in extraordinary circumstances.