Halyard Mission Foundation

02/17/2026

Join us for a special presentation on the Halyard Mission - a powerful story of heroism and courage.

Presenter: John Cappello. Event starts at February 24, 2026 7:00 PM EST

10/11/2025

🇺🇸 Finding 500: Continuing the Mission 🇷🇸

Finding 500 is one of the main campaigns led by the Halyard Mission Foundation, focused on locating descendants of all airmen rescued during the Halyard Mission and connecting them with the descendants of the Serbian families who sheltered and helped save them.

After attending the 81st Anniversary commemoration events in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denise Riegel represented the Foundation at The 449th Bomb Group (WW2 B-24) in Rapid City, SD. She shared stories from the ceremonies in Galovica and Boljanić fields, the warm hospitality of local communities, and the unveiling of the bronze memorial donated by the 449th Bomb Group at the Pranjani Airfield, where most of the rescued airmen were airlifted to safety.

At the reunion, Denise connected with historians from other 15th Air Force groups who are now joining the effort to locate more American families whose loved ones were part of this rescue. “This is just the beginning,” Denise shared. “By the 82nd anniversary, I hope we’ll have located new families and bring them to Serbia to be part of the next Halyard commemoration.”

10/03/2025

At its heart, Halyard is not only history—it is connection, gratitude, and friendship carried forward.

As we commemorated the Halyard Rescue Mission this September, we began in Belgrade with the opening of the Halyard Exhibit at the Art Gallery, where local artists shared paintings and installations inspired by the mission. We spoke with them about what Halyard means today.

The next day brought a Serbian-American Friendship Day event in Parliament, where Halyard’s John Cappello received the Award. From there, we traveled to Galovica Field to lay a wreath, honor the heroes, and witness a powerful flyover and parachute jumps.

We closed the day at Rajski Konaci with unforgettable food and music, just after gathering there the night before to watch the film about Draža Mihajlović under the open skies.

The journey continued to Boljanić Polje in Republika Srpska for the commemoration at the site of the last flights, followed by the dinner with Serbian counterparts in Doboj.

Even though the official program ended, the story continues. The descendants of American airmen from The 449th Bomb Group (WW2 B-24), Major Steven Smith and Phyllis Smith, traveled to Topola and spent time with local Chetnik groups, listening to their stories and learning how their fathers and grandparents helped rescue American airmen. It was a powerful reminder that this history lives on through memory, connection, and shared legacy.

09/23/2025

On September 21, we gathered on Boljanić Field in Republika Srpska to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the Halyard Mission, the site of the final rescue flights. This year, the Halyard Mission Foundation, together with descendants of the American airmen and representatives of the 449th Bomb Group, paid tribute to the courage and sacrifice that made these rescues possible.

We extend heartfelt thanks to the Government of Republika Srpska, the Municipality of Doboj, and the people of Boljanić and Republika Srpska for their warm welcome and remarkable turnout. Also special thanks to the U.S. Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina for their participation.

We look forward to continuing this tradition of remembrance and future cooperation.

09/23/2025

As we commemorate the 81st anniversary of the Halyard Mission, we continue our campaign “Finding 500” — an effort of the Halyard Mission Foundation to connect Serbian families with American descendants of the rescued airmen.

This year, we are honored to welcome special guests Major Steven Smith, his wife Phyllis, and Denise Riegel representing the 449th Bomb Group.

Major Smith’s uncle was among those rescued. Through the Foundation, we helped connect him with a descendant of the Serbian Chetniks under the command of General Mihajlovic who stood by his uncle 81 years ago. Major Smith and his wife, will also visit Topola to meet with these families to hear their stories firsthand.

For Denise Riegel, this is her first visit to Serbia. She represents the 449th Bomb Group, from which more than 40 airmen were rescued. Over the past decade, Denise has worked tirelessly to find veterans and descendants of the 449th in the United States.

Together, we honor the past and build lasting friendships for the future.

09/21/2025

On October 19, at Galovica Polje in Pranjani, we marked the 81st anniversary of the Halyard Mission, a lasting reminder of courage, sacrifice, and friendship.

We remember the past and look to the future by bringing together Serbian and American people.

This year’s commemoration was joined by representatives of the Government of Serbia, the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade, the Embassies of Canada and Poland, and other distinguished guests.

Special thanks to the 352nd Special Operations Wing out of Mildenhall, who flew the MC-130, and to the Ohio National Guard, 19th Special Forces Group, whose jumpers paid tribute to the mission’s legacy.

Together, we honor those who came before us and keep their memory alive for generations to come.

#Србија #САД #Савезници #ГорњиМилановац #Чачак

09/18/2025

The Halyard Mission Foundation is proud to honor the friends who make our work possible. This year, we are pleased to welcome new support from CheckitLabs, Градар, and Zastava Arms USA.

https://gradar.rs

https://zastavaarmsusa.com

https://www.checkitlabs.com

04/14/2025

More and more Americans are discovering the incredible story of Operation Halyard. The Halyard Mission Foundation recently held another successful event — thanks in large part to our amazing partners at the Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum in Mesa, whose support and hospitality helped bring history to life.

We’re also deeply grateful to the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Arizona Band, the Arizona Civil Air Patrol Falcon Composite Squadron, the Serbian Embassy in Washington, D.C., and the talented dance group from St. Nikola Serbian Orthodox Church for their heartfelt contributions.

Together, we continue to honor and preserve this powerful legacy.

04/12/2025

04/12/2025

The Halyard Mission Foundation, in partnership with the Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum, will hold an event commemorating Operation Halyard.

If you are in Arizona it will be great to see you at the event.

01/01/2025

Срећна Нова година!
Happy New year!