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.

Uncovering a Unique Period of WWII History

This books gives a great account of what life was like for the select pilots and bombers who were shot down and supported by locals in Yugoslavia. It reveals a perspective on the politics between England, US, Germany and Russia and how it affected the power structure on the ground during precarious time. I was shocked by the divide and the treachery between England and US on the rescue. It really helped open my eyes to even more of the nuanced complexities during the war. It is also interesting to see how even our government was affected by those hastily cast alliances with Tito even to this day. I have read a number of different perspectives on the war and this truly was a refreshing one that is worth the read/listen.

amazing

a fantastic book of an even more spectacular story of a true war time hero.

Read this book!!!!

Very informative. taught me so much. Incredible bravery by villagers, general and soldiers.

More powerful than a headline

Stories untold are usually more powerful than the headlines of international newspapers. Deeds done because they are the right thing to do, ground themselves into the very fabric of a human beings genes. Somehow someway Right! Truth! Transcends to future generations. Keep telling YOUR story and those of the people around you.

Wow!!! What a great story!

I loved this book. I did not know of this part of WW2's history, about these men, and how they were stranded and rescued. It was just so interesting, and exciting. After I listened to the book, I had to go and Google these men, and learned as much as I could about this time in our history. Facinating tale of very courageous men. Highly recommended! Great listen! Uplifting :)

truth wins

abloutely lesson in our history that you will nto rad in any history books but you will flip when you hear what happened. Excellent.

And, by this, not forgotten

An important piece of history is conveyed in this entertaining, enlightening, and stirring account of WWII and the largest - yet largely unknown - rescue of downed airmen in history.

Great story.

Wonderful story. Too bad this was kept such a secret for so long.

Geat Story

Greatest story I listened to and is worth listening to again. Makes one really think about the hero's and people that fought for our FREEDOM.

I cried a lot more than I expected

The author did a good job of conveying the emotions. The story is suspenseful too. I love history. US History/Military/WW1&2 the most. This is a must read or listen if you do as well. Have your kids listen, so they can appreciate this nation and freedoms and what their fellow Americans and foreigners did to stay free. Unfortunately many have fallen to the communist after the war, and that communism has spread globally and its here. Being informed and having knowledge is the first phase to win the battle against communism, globalism, etc. You can conquer an informed people.