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Description
Scope Note
Dragoljub "Draža" Mihailović (April 1893-07/17/1946) was a Yugoslav Serb general during World War II. He was the leader of the Chetnik Detachments of the Yugoslav Army (Chetniks), a royalist and nationalist movement and gurellia force established following the German invasion of Yugoslavia in 1941. He engaged in guerilla warfare alongside soon-to-be communist leader of Yugoslavia, Josep Broz Tito.
Mihailović's wartime activities have been a subject of questions. His Chetniks were known to collaborate with the Nazi occupying force and accusations of ethnic cleansing in Bosnia and Croatia. Mihailović may or may not have been involved with these activites. Mihailović went into hiding after the war, but was captured in March 1946. He was tried, convicted and shot by a firing squad for high treason and war crimes by the new communist authorities of the now Federal People's Republic of Yugoslavia.
Mihailović was important to US forces during World War II for Operation Halyard. Mihailović and his forces cooperated with the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) and 60th Troop Carrier Squadron (TCS) in the successful rescue of hundreds of downed Aliied airman between August and December 1944. For Mihailović's part in this operation, he was posthumously awarded the Legion of Merit by President Truman.
This topic guide includes material regarding the efforts by the veterans of Operation Halyard to recognize Mihailović's assistance with a statue commemorating his role placed in Washington, DC. Other persons of Serbian descent also supported these efforts.
Last Updated: 07/18/2024 03:40PM