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Download The Forgotten 500 book PDF Free by Gregory A. Freeman

Delve into one of the last great untold stories of World War II with Gregory A. Freeman's "The Forgotten 500." This gripping narrative nonfiction book unveils the incredible true story of Operation Halyard, the largest and most successful rescue mission of American airmen behind enemy lines. For decades, this remarkable tale of heroism, sacrifice, and political intrigue was buried in classified documents, but Freeman brings it to light with meticulous research and compelling storytelling that reads like a fast-paced novel. Prepare to be captivated by the daring exploits of the downed airmen, the brave Serbian villagers who risked everything to help them, and the audacious OSS agents who orchestrated a seemingly impossible escape.

About the Author Gregory A. Freeman

Gregory A. Freeman is an accomplished and award-winning author with over two decades of experience in journalism and nonfiction writing. He is renowned for his ability to craft meticulously researched true stories into gripping, fast-paced narratives that resonate with readers. Freeman has received numerous accolades for his work, including the prestigious Sigma Delta Chi Award for Excellence from the Society of Professional Journalists.

The Forgotten 500 Summary PDF

"The Forgotten 500" chronicles the astonishing true story of Operation Halyard, a daring rescue mission that took place in Nazi-occupied Yugoslavia in 1944. The book begins with American airmen being shot down during perilous bombing runs over the German-controlled oil fields in Ploesti, Romania. These downed aviators found themselves stranded in hostile territory, facing capture and death. However, they were discovered by Serbian villagers, loyal to the guerrilla leader General Draza Mihailovich, who risked their own lives to shelter and protect the Americans.

As the number of downed airmen grew to over 500, the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the forerunner to the CIA, devised a bold and perilous plan for their rescue. Under the leadership of OSS agents, the airmen and local villagers worked together to secretly construct a makeshift airstrip in the mountainous terrain, all while evading German patrols. The tension and suspense build as C-47 cargo planes attempted daring night landings on this crude runway to evacuate the stranded men. Freeman’s narrative not only highlights the incredible bravery of the airmen and their rescuers but also delves into the complex political landscape of the time, revealing why this incredible story remained classified for so long. The book is a testament to the courage and resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Frequently Asked Questions about The Forgotten 500

1. What is the book "The Forgotten 500" about?

   "The Forgotten 500" by Gregory A. Freeman tells the true story of Operation Halyard, the largest rescue of downed Allied airmen in World War II. It details how over 500 American aviators were saved from behind enemy lines in Nazi-occupied Yugoslavia with the help of Serbian civilians and the OSS.

2. Who was Draza Mihailovich and what was his role in the rescue?

   General Draza Mihailovich was the leader of the Chetniks, a Yugoslav nationalist guerrilla force. He and his followers played a crucial role in the rescue by finding, sheltering, and protecting the downed American airmen at great personal risk until a rescue could be organized.

3. Why was the story of Operation Halyard kept secret for so long?

   The details of Operation Halyard were classified for decades due to political reasons. Shifting allegiances during and after the war, particularly the Allied support for the communist leader Tito over Mihailovich, led the U.S., British, and Yugoslav governments to suppress the story.

4. Is "The Forgotten 500" a fiction or nonfiction book?

   "The Forgotten 500" is a work of narrative nonfiction. Gregory A. Freeman meticulously researched the events, drawing on declassified documents and interviews with survivors to tell the true story in a compelling, novel-like style.

5. What was Operation Halyard?

   Operation Halyard was the codename for the rescue mission to evacuate more than 500 Allied airmen trapped in Nazi-occupied Yugoslavia during World War II. Organized by the OSS, the operation involved the construction of a secret airfield and the coordination of risky airlifts to bring the men to safety.