[Old Crow]

Anyone read this book yet? I stumbled on it and was unfamiliar with the story. Here is a link to the author's website about the book: http://http://www.sailorstotheend.com/500.html

Just wondering if it is worth picking up.

[Captain Eddie]

Perhaps it's my computer, Old Crow, but I clicked on it (twice) and nothing came up!

[dilligafocau]

Try this addy Capt http://www.sailorstotheend.com/500.html

[Captain Eddie]

Thanks, dilligafocau. The book sounds very interesting.

[STARMAN 352ND]

That the story about "Operation Halyard" . This would make a great Movie......
One of the most daring OSS missions in history resulted in the rescue of more than 450 American airmen who had been shot down following air raids on oil installations and communications in Romania. Three waves of C-47's lifted the men to safety from a makeshift airfield only 90 miles from nazi occupied Belgrade, Yugoslavia. In subsequent missions, the total of rescued airmen reached 800.
During the first part of 1944, hundreds of Allied sorties were flown from Italian bases against the Ploesti oil complex in Romania, Hitler's most important source of oil during World War II. The losses were heavy. Since the route home led across Yugoslavia, and because the Serbian area was under the control of General Draja Mihailovich, Royal Yugoslav resistance leader, hundreds of American airmen who had to bailout over Yugoslavia were picked up by Mihailovich's fighters. The rescued airmen were thus saved from capture and imprisonment by German troops who occupied Yugoslavia.
Under cover of darkness, C-47's flew the men from the airfield. Within a radius of 20 to 30 miles from there were half a dozen German garrisons ranging in size from several hundred to several thousand men. A Luftwaffe unit was stationed at an airfield just 30 miles away.
It is believed the rescue--code named `Operation Halyard'--was one of the largest and most daring operation of its kind conducted anywhere in Axis-occupied Europe during World War II.

[jim]

I learn something new every day when I log onto this site.
I was aware that many airmen were picked up by small boats from hideouts along the coast but I dont remember reading about the airlifts.
Considering the proximity of the enemy those flew those airlifts were very brave men indeed.

[Old Crow]

Perhaps it's my computer, Old Crow, but I clicked on it (twice) and nothing came up!

My bad, Cappy. One too many http in the link.

One of the things I find really interesting about this story is the apparent impact of political considerations (Allied support for Tito in 1943 rather than Mihailovich) on the subsequent decision to suppress the story. Guess I will have to get this book.

[Captain Eddie]

Originally Posted by Old Crow

My bad, Cappy. One too many http in the link.

One of the things I find really interesting about this story is the apparent impact of political considerations (Allied support for Tito in 1943 rather than Mihailovich) on the subsequent decision to suppress the story. Guess I will have to get this book.

Be sure to let us know what you think of it!