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.

The plight of the bomber crews

Didn’t like all the main character background life details. Expected more details about saving the air crews.

Great story, wrong narrator

This is a very good story. A compelling piece of WWII history and the eastern European politics of that era that show through today.

My issue is the narrator sounds really young. The really strong characters and story lose something when told via a 12 year old. With Audiobooks the Narrator is key to a good "read", this one misses. The great story carries it, so its fine but could have been much better.

On the edge of my seat!

This is an awesome book! The rescue of these flyers is an incredible heroic feat. It was interesting to learn about the dedication of many Yugoslavians to helping downed American flyers, and the risks taken to do so. Why this story has not been given more attention escapes me, but it is an inspiring, gripping tale. I mostly listen to books in the car. I nearly had to pull over a couple times to cry or cheer!!!! The narrator does a good job...a fairly straightforward read, which I've decided is my preferred style. Too many theatrics on the part of the narrator often get in the way of the story. This narrator strikes a good balance in that regard, and is easy to listen to.
The sense of commaderie as portrayed among the flyers and their rescuers is inspiring and helpful for those of us who are military families. Somehow it is comforting to hear! Listen to this one...you'll love it. No one could make up a better story!!!!

Courage, Adventure, and Betrayal.

This is the kind of story that should be a movie, but never is. The courage and generosity of the Serbian people is unbelievable. The story is well told and gripping as a thriller novel -- but much, much better.

Thrilling adventure and very amazing story

I asked my grandparents (grandfather served in WWII) if they remember anything about these events. They do not. The story is thrilling and exciting, the information very palatable, and the impact on your knowledge of WWII history undeniable.

A wonderful and little known story.

What did you like best about this story?

The magnitude of this story and its exclusion from WWII documentaries makes it truly amazing. The timeline and buildup to the climax made this a compelling book.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

The Army Air Corps' finest hour.

Any additional comments?

The Stalinist in Britain did a great disservice to American Airmen and true patriots fighting both the Nazis and the Communists.

lost history story of the brave

If you could sum up The Forgotten 500 in three words, what would they be?

Typical accounting of an event in history that our government would cover-up

Who was your favorite character and why?

No one in particular. They were all heros

What about Patrick Lawlor’s performance did you like?

Good

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Maybe not in one sitting but for sure wanted to finish

Should be taught in every school

Had never heard of this rescue before. I have read many books on World War II, But this one had me from the beginning. My mother in law was set to marry an Army Fly Boy during WWII, but he was shoot down on his last mission over Germany in 1944. He was

Captivating

This book accurately captures foreign relations, political bureaucracy, clandestine operations, propaganda, and valor all with intense attention to detail. It seamlessly switches points of view between a number of protagonists without ever giving the impression that the author is roaming rapidly between topics without explanation. It’s an emotional ride that inspires feelings of American pride as well as arousing suspicion of propaganda and how incredibly effective it can be, even on one’s own nation. An incredible and true story.

Great story

I enjoyed finding out about real events. I always thought that Tito was a great man. Sorry to find out what truly a bad guy he was.