[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 110 (Wednesday, August 10, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 10, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
       COMMEMORATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HALYARD MISSION

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                             HON. JIM KOLBE

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, August 10, 1994

  Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Speaker, today marks the 50th anniversary of one of 
the most courageous rescues of American servicemembers in our Nation's 
history, and I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to those 
involved in the Halyard Mission--the largest rescue of American lives 
from behind enemy lines in American history.
  Hundreds of American servicemembers from the Office of Strategic 
Services and the U.S. Army Air Force were shot down in Nazi-occupied 
Yugoslavia during their return from raids on Axis communications 
facilities and the Ploesti oil complex in Romania--Hitler's most 
important source of oil during World War II. But instead of being 
captured by Axis forces, the American airmen were escorted to safe 
haven by Yugoslavian Chetniks.
  The Chetniks were members of a Yugoslavian resistance force, led by 
Gen. Draza Mihailovich, who orchestrated one of the largest rescue 
missions, of World War II. After providing safe haven for American and 
Allied airmen, Mihailovich made it possible for three waves of C-47's 
to rescue all 432 airmen by use of makeshift, secret airstrips a mere 
80 miles from Belgrade.
  It is important that this day be remembered, and I appreciate the 
efforts of the National Committee of American Airmen Rescued by General 
Mihailovich, Inc., who have worked diligently to inform the public 
about the Halyard Mission and the contribution of General Mihailovich.
  Mr. Speaker, this year has been marked with numerous celebrations for 
our World War II veterans, and I want to be sure that the survivors and 
rescuers of the Halyard Mission are remembered.

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