Freeman Gregory A. Book order (chronological)

A stunning story of heroism and survival during World War II, this book inspired an international film. “A must-read …. Intrigue, suspense, and adventure."—The Norwegian American. Author Astrid Karlsen Scott reflects on her experience with the narrative, stating, "I had to find the truth." The true story follows Jan Baalsrud, who, after a betrayal during a mission in Nazi-occupied Norway, becomes the sole survivor of an attack on his group. In late March 1943, four Norwegian saboteurs arrive in northern Norway to establish a base, but their plans are thwarted when a German boat ambushes them. Wounded and alone, Baalsrud embarks on a harrowing journey to escape the Gestapo, navigating icy fjords, climbing snow-covered mountains, and facing treacherous snowstorms and avalanches. Despite suffering from snow blindness and frostbite, over sixty locals risk their lives to aid his escape. Meticulously researched for over five years, Scott and co-author Haug unveil the gripping details of this real-life survival story, capturing the essence of courage and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds.

The astonishing, never before told story of the greatest rescue mission of World War II--when the OSS set out to recover more than 500 airmen trapped behind enemy lines in Yugoslavia... During a bombing campaign over Romanian oil fields, hundreds of American airmen were shot down in Nazi-occupied Yugoslavia. Local Serbian farmers and peasants risked their own lives to give refuge to the soldiers while they waited for rescue, and in 1944, Operation Halyard was born. The risks were incredible. The starving Americans in Yugoslavia had to construct a landing strip large enough for C-47 cargo planes --without tools, without alerting the Germans, and without endangering the villagers. And the cargo planes had to make it through enemy airspace and back --without getting shot down themselves. Classified for over half a century for political reasons, the full account of this unforgettable story of loyalty, self-sacrifice, and bravery is now being told for the first time ever. The Forgotten 500 is the gripping, behind-the-scenes look at the greatest escape of World War II. Amazing [and] riveting.--James Bradley, New York Times bestselling author of Flags of Our Fathers