Press Release

 Consul General Vladimir Božović attended the special event titled "American-Serbian Defense Partnership: From Operation Halyard to Today"

New York, March 06, 2024.

Vladimir Božović, Consul General of the RS in New York, at the invitation of the Embassy of the RS in Washington, attended the special event titled "American-Serbian Defense Partnership: From Operation Halyard to Today." This event took place in the ceremonial hall of the Capitol building in Washington, the seat of the US Congress. As part of this commemorative gathering, the film "The Heroes of Halyard," directed by Radoš Bajić, was screened.

Operation "Halyard," conducted during the Second World War on the territory of present-day Serbia, remains the largest rescue operation of American airmen in history. In 1944, American bombers targeted German oil supplies in Romania. While flying over Nazi-occupied Yugoslavia, around 1,500 pilots and aviators were shot down. For months, Serbs in the Pranjani region provided assistance to these downed Americans for months. The Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the predecessor of the CIA, devised a plan to evacuate American pilots in a daring mission coordinated with the Serbian resistance. By August 1944, more than 500 of them had been safely returned behind Allied lines.

The event commenced with a panel discussion moderated by retired Colonel John Capello, president of the Halyard Foundation. The discussion included Serbian Ambassador to the USA Marko Đurić, members of the US House of Representatives, and co-chairs of the Serbian Congressional Caucus Claudia Tenney and Emanuel Cleaver. Also participating were Major General John Harris, commander of the Ohio National Guard, and Nemanja Starović, State Secretary in the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Serbia.

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney emphasized the significance of remembering Operation "Halyard" as a testament to the friendship and alliance between the Serbian and American peoples during challenging historical moments. Congressman Emanuel Cleaver highlighted that the shared heroic past should serve as a pledge for the future partnership between the two nations.

Ambassador Đurić particularly underscored that the historical alliance of the two nations in two world wars obligates the continuation of developing their relations based on common achievements and the joint struggle for freedom and democracy.

The screening of "Heroes" evoked strong emotions among the audience, particularly among family members of the real heroes of the Halyard Mission, such as Xenia Wilkenson, daughter of George Voinovich; Stephanie Adams, daughter of Nick Lalich; and JoAnne de la Vera, daughter of George Muslin. All three were American officers of Serbian origin in the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) and played significant roles in the rescue mission of American and allied pilots from occupied Serbia.

On this occasion, Consul General Dr. Vladimir Božović had the special honor of expressing deep respect for the historical and family heritage of their fathers. He conveyed that the Consulate General he leads will be actively involved in organizing a similar event for the relevant audience in New York in the near future.

Consulate General of Republic of Serbia in New York

For media inquiries, please contact:

(Marija Nikolic, +1 212 596-4241, officecgnyc@mfa.rs)