The Forgotten 500

By: Gregory A. Freeman

Narrated by: Patrick Lawlor

Length: 10 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

The astonishing, never-before-told story of the greatest rescue mission of World War II: when the OSS set out to recover more than 500 airmen trapped behind enemy lines.

During a bombing campaign, hundreds of American airmen were shot down in Nazi-occupied Yugoslavia. Local Serbian villagers risked their own lives to give refuge to the soldiers, and for months the airmen lived in hiding, waiting for rescue.

In 1944, Operation Halyard was born. The risks were incredible. The starving Americans in Yugoslavia had to construct a landing strip: without tools, without alerting the Germans, and without endangering the villagers. And the rescue planes had to make it through enemy airspace and back: without getting shot down themselves.

Classified for over half a century for political reasons, the full account of this unforgettable story of loyalty, self-sacrifice, and bravery is now being told for the first time. The Forgotten 500 is the breathtaking, behind-the-scenes look at the greatest escape of World War II.

©2007 Gregory A. Freeman (P)2007 Tantor Media Inc.

fascinating story well told!

listen to this story so that the brave men and women who helped the USA are remembered for what they did.

Amazing and convicting story

The greatest rescue story never told. A story of national shame on the part of western powers who turned their backs on a friend for political expediency.

my favorite so far

new to audible, I've only read about 5 or 6 books. mostly old mob stuff. a friend recommended this and I thought of give it a listen. loved it!

The Forgotten 500 (Unabridged

Very interesting providing a very important historical perspective and understanding on the Balkans from WWII to current and how the U.S. and Britan sold out the freedom loving people of that area.

Didn't care much for the reader - his voice always sounded strained and screechy.

Riveting Story - amazing peak into WWII Politics

Incredible story of the commitment of good people. Incredibly frustrating revelation of the dogged need of politicians to focus on anything but the truth.

Needed to be Written

One of many politically incorrect stories that requires publication. It is overly long (to the point where the author repeats facts of which the reader has already been informed) and has a great deal of filler. It is also written on a tenth grade level and assumes the reader requires simplistic explanations without depth. And, last but not least, the reader and the dialogue go together so that one exacerbates the other. Regardless, I am glad the story has been published and that some of us have been informed. For that, all involved have my gratitude.

Great History Lesson, told in an enjoyable manner

This is a great story of a WWII hero and the great men he rescued! It is a shame that the facts of the man and story were buried for so many years because of political expediency! It is a long audio book with much detail.

Amazing.

This should be made into a movie or documentary. Amazing and sad all at the same time.

Excellent history

Presenter was very good, kept it from being dry
I guess my only comment would have to be”and ya wonder why people don’t trust the government “
I can imagine how angry, frustrated and sad the airmen who lived this were. Another tragic part of American history unfortunately not well known
Recommend

The Forgotten 500

This is one of the most interesting audio books I have listened too. It was a history that I had never heard of until now. It explained a lot of our modern history of today. It was deeply moving. If you love history this book is for you.