“The Largest Rescue of American Airmen You've Never Heard Of”
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Title: The Forgotten 500
Author: Gregory A. Freeman
Category: World History, Philosophy & Big Ideas
In 1944, over 500 stranded American airmen were hidden and rescued by Serbian peasants and Chetnik guerrillas in Nazi-occupied Yugoslavia—so why has almost no one heard of Operation Halyard? Sam and Sophie walk through the incredible true story of how these airmen survived behind enemy lines, the underground railroad that moved them from safe house to safe house, and the audacious plan to land cargo planes on a makeshift airstrip carved out of a cow pasture. They also explore the tragic aftermath, where the Chetnik rescuers were abandoned by the Allies and their heroism erased from history. This episode is for anyone who loves untold war stories, acts of extraordinary courage, or reminders that humanity can shine even in the darkest times. The Forgotten 500 by Gregory A. Freeman. If you want the full written summary, the whole library is on 7minutebooks.com/app — unlimited access from $2.99 a month, $9.99 a year, or $19.99 lifetime.
Chapters
00:00The Forgotten Rescue00:53Hiding Airmen in Mountain Villages01:44The Underground Railroad02:28Building the Airstrip03:19The Rescue and Its Aftermath04:07Legacy of the Chetniks
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