Gregory A. Freeman

1967 - The aircraft carrier USS Forrestal was preparing to launch attacks into North Vietnam when one of its jets accidentally fired a rocket into an aircraft occupied by pilot John McCain. A huge fire ensued, and McCain barely escaped before a 1,000-pound bomb on his plane exploded, causing a chain reaction with other bombs on surrounding planes. The crew struggled for days to extinguish the fires, but, in the end, the tragedy took the lives of 134 men. For thirty-five years, the terrible loss of life has been blamed on the sailors themselves, but this meticulously documented history shows that they were truly the victims and heroes.… (más)

"The Forgotten 500" provides interesting insights into Nazi-occupied Yugoslovia in WW II, while telling a little known story of a rescue of hundreds of downed airmen behind enemy lines. The book may not be quite as "breathtaking" as the book jacket implies, but the details of the airmen rescued and the Serb people who helped protect them at their own peril is an excellent story. Freeman also includes details of other behind the scenes players, and discusses how poor political decisions led to Allied forces being duped into believing that General Draza Mihailovich was collaborating with German forces, and therefore abandoning support for him in favor of Communist leader Tito. The results of that decision had long lasting implications in post-war Yugoslovia. All in all, "The Forgotten 500" tells a good story, shows what dedicated people can do to overcome bureaucratic bungling and poor political decisions, and also provides background on the ethnic rivalry and diversity in the Balkan region.… (más)