In all the time I've known Arthur Jibilian personally, there's been one thing he's insisted on from Day One. He has been adamant that any and all attention that might come from his efforts to have 'Operation Halyard' recognized in the annals of history as the great and heroic WWII feat that it was to be focused on General Draza Mihailovich and his Serbian Chetniks. For Arthur Jibilian it was about Mihailovich, never about Jibilian.
Well, Arthur, my friend, I'm afraid I must disrespect your wishes. You are, bit by bit, day by day, receiving the acclaim that you so richly deserve for all of your efforts to bring Halyard into the light. This is all happening in your lifetime, while you are still here to enjoy it, so please enjoy it and know that you are truly a beloved man with many, many friends.
What you have done over the years for General Draza Mihailovich and his legacy goes above and beyond the call of duty. You are truly an honorable man, Arthur, and I'm grateful to know you and call you "Friend."
This weekend marks the 65th anniversary of the first 'Operation Halyard' evacuations of American and Allied airmen from Pranjane, Serbia. I believe I know where your heart and mind will be on August 9th and 10th, 2009. What glorious memories you have, and you have been so generous in sharing them with all of us. Thank you, Arthur.
May God Bless you forever.
Aleksandra Rebic
Ohio Congressman Robert Latta (R)
From Debi Jibilian, the proud and loving daughter of
O.S.S. Halyard Mission Radioman Arthur "Jibby" Jibilian:
"It is with no small amount of pleasure that I am now able to share with you that Ohio Congressman Latta has introduced a Bill (referred to Committee) that has recommended Dad receive the Congressional Medal of Honor! I know he won't toot his own horn, so I'll do it for him! Brian Mc Mahon, of the EAA, has worked tirelessly on this for the last few months, taking a germ of an idea to fruition. We never thought he'd get this far, and are so grateful to him for all his efforts."
WTOL Editorial: "JIBILIAN'S ACCLAIM LONG OVERDUE"
August 3, 2009
From Debi Jibilian, the proud and loving daughter of
O.S.S. Halyard Mission Radioman Arthur "Jibby" Jibilian:
"It is with no small amount of pleasure that I am now able to share with you that Ohio Congressman Latta has introduced a Bill (referred to Committee) that has recommended Dad receive the Congressional Medal of Honor! I know he won't toot his own horn, so I'll do it for him! Brian Mc Mahon, of the EAA, has worked tirelessly on this for the last few months, taking a germ of an idea to fruition. We never thought he'd get this far, and are so grateful to him for all his efforts."
August 4, 2009
WTOL Editorial: "JIBILIAN'S ACCLAIM LONG OVERDUE"
August 3, 2009
WTOL Vice President and General Manager Bob Chirdon:
"Art Jibilian, a native of northwest Ohio, was a hero in World War II. He was a key participant in the rescue of more than 500 downed US Airmen in the mountains of Serbia.
Because of the political nightmare that Eastern Europe became for the United States following the war, the remarkable story of this rescue was suppressed by the U.S. Government.
Recently a book, "The Forgotten 500" was published. This book documents Mr. Jibilian's selfless and heroic actions to save his fellow airmen.
Congressman Bob Latta has introduced a Bill to award Mr. Jibilian a Congressional Medal of Honor. Last week, Jibilian was also a featured star of the largest air show in America at Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
There is even talk that some huge stars in Hollywood are considering this true adventure for a movie.
It is heartwarming to see ‘Jibby' finally get the acclaim and honor he so richly deserves."
Click on the link below to see the video that aired on television on August 3rd, 2009:
The video below is from 2008:
WTOL: "LOCAL MAN WAS 1 OF 5 AGENTS WITH A DARING PLAN TO SAVE SOME AIRMEN DURING WWII"
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To get in touch with me, Aleksandra, please feel free to contact me at ravnagora@hotmail.com
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