Operation Halyard: WWII's Largest Air Rescue

Have you ever heard of a secret World War II mission that saved hundreds of Allied pilots? Did you know that this incredible rescue operation was kept under wraps for decades?

In his book The Forgotten 500, Gregory A. Freeman unveils the thrilling story of Operation Halyard. This covert mission, carried out in Nazi-occupied Yugoslavia, rescued over 500 Allied airmen who had been shot down during bombing raids.

Keep reading to discover the unsung heroes, daring escapes, and political intrigue behind Operation Halyard's remarkable success.

The Daring Rescue Mission That Saved 500 Allied Pilots

Operation Halyard stands as one of the most remarkable yet lesser-known rescue missions of World War II. This covert operation, carried out in Nazi-occupied Yugoslavia, saved the lives of over 500 Allied airmen who had been shot down during bombing raids on Romanian oil fields. If you've never heard of Operation Halyard, you're not alone – it's a fascinating piece of history that's often overlooked in discussions about the war.

Stranded Behind Enemy Lines

As Allied forces targeted crucial German oil supplies in Ploesti, Romania, many American pilots found themselves in a perilous situation. Shot down over Yugoslavia, these airmen faced the constant threat of capture, torture, or execution by enemy forces. Their survival hinged on the bravery and compassion of local villagers who risked severe repercussions to help them.

The downed pilots often had to navigate between villages, relying on the kindness of strangers for food, shelter, and protection from German patrols. It was a precarious existence, with the threat of discovery looming at every turn.

Enter Operation Halyard

In response to this crisis, a daring plan was hatched. Operation Halyard, orchestrated by Serbian guerrilla leader Draza Mihailovich in collaboration with the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), aimed to rescue these stranded airmen and return them safely to Allied territory.

The operation centered around a makeshift airstrip hastily constructed in the small village of Pranjane. This improvised runway would serve as the launching point for a series of bold nighttime rescue missions using C-47 transport planes.

Despite numerous obstacles and setbacks, the operation persevered. The success of Operation Halyard was a testament to the collective efforts of American military personnel, Yugoslav resistance fighters, and brave local residents who put their lives on the line to save Allied pilots.

The Unsung Hero: Draza Mihailovich

At the heart of Operation Halyard was Draza Mihailovich, leader of the Chetnik resistance movement. Mihailovich and his forces played a crucial role in protecting and sheltering the downed Allied airmen.

A Two-front Battle

Mihailovich found himself fighting on two fronts: against the Nazi occupiers and against Communist forces led by Josip Broz Tito. Despite this challenging position, Mihailovich remained steadfast in his commitment to resisting German control and preserving Serbian culture and lives.

His strategy focused on gathering his forces and avoiding early confrontations that could lead to unnecessary casualties. Mihailovich firmly rejected German offers of collaboration, insisting that no negotiations could take place while Serbs were persecuted in their homeland.

A Safe Haven for Allied Airmen

Under Mihailovich's leadership, the Chetnik forces and local Serbian villagers provided food, shelter, and protection to the downed Allied pilots. These acts of kindness came at great personal risk, as helping the Americans could draw the attention of German troops and lead to severe reprisals.

Mihailovich made it clear to his men that the safety of the airmen was paramount. He declared that any harm befalling the Americans under Chetnik protection would result in severe consequences, underscoring the depth of his commitment to the Allied cause.

The Betrayal of Mihailovich

Despite Mihailovich's crucial role in saving hundreds of Allied lives, the shifting tides of war would soon turn against him. In a tragic turn of events, the very Allies he had helped would abandon him, and the details of Operation Halyard would be deliberately suppressed for decades.

A Change in Allegiance

Initially supported by the Allies, Mihailovich found himself increasingly sidelined as support shifted to Tito's Communist partisans. This change was largely influenced by James Klugmann, a Soviet mole within British intelligence who worked to undermine Mihailovich's reputation.

Klugmann exaggerated Mihailovich's alleged misdeeds, downplayed his resistance against the Germans, and highlighted Tito's accomplishments. This misinformation campaign successfully swayed British policy in favor of Tito, leaving Mihailovich isolated.

The Suppression of Operation Halyard

In the aftermath of the war, the U.S. government chose to downplay and keep Operation Halyard secret. Concerned about diplomatic relationships, they avoided acknowledging the support received from Mihailovich. This cover-up extended well into the post-war period, with government records classified and the operation largely hidden from public knowledge.

Even when President Harry Truman posthumously awarded Mihailovich the Legion of Merit, one of the highest military honors for foreign nationals, the award was kept secret due to political sensitivities. It would take nearly two decades and the efforts of Congressman Edward J. Derwinski to bring this recognition to light.

The Airmen's Pledge

The American pilots rescued during Operation Halyard never forgot the bravery and sacrifice of Mihailovich and the Serbian people. Upon their return home, they made a solemn pledge to honor Mihailovich and set the historical record straight.

Fighting for the Truth

The rescued airmen became staunch advocates for Mihailovich's character and innocence. They wrote articles, spoke to the press, and actively campaigned to counter accusations of collaboration with the enemy. Arthur Jibilian, one of the rescued airmen, famously declared, "If he is to be called a collaborator, then I must be regarded in the same way."

After Mihailovich's execution, the pilots redoubled their efforts to clear his name. They lobbied politicians, pushed for legislation to erect a monument in his honor, and worked tirelessly to counter false narratives about his actions during the war.

A Lasting Legacy

The impact of Operation Halyard and Mihailovich's sacrifice continued to resonate with the rescued airmen and their descendants for generations. Many returned to the Serbian villages to express their gratitude and participated in events honoring Mihailovich's historical importance.

The Air Force has also recognized Mihailovich's legacy, commemorating the operation that saved so many American lives. The descendants of the rescued pilots continue to honor Mihailovich, visiting sites significant to their forebears' rescue and working to preserve the memory of this complex historical figure.

Operation Halyard stands as a testament to the power of human compassion and bravery in the face of overwhelming odds. It's a story of unlikely allies coming together to save lives, and of the enduring bonds forged in the crucible of war. Despite attempts to suppress it, the truth of Operation Halyard and the heroism of Draza Mihailovich have finally come to light, ensuring that this remarkable chapter of World War II history will never be forgotten.