by Nikos Ligidakis

During World War II a bomber crew was shot down in enemy territory. The crewmembers made a heroic run for freedom that spanned over 700 miles and 34 days. It was a run that bonded them in life and death.

This crew of brave Americans endured the steep mountains of Yugoslavia and the harrowing German occupied valleys while a vicious storm of guerilla warfare, political maneuvering, and ethnic cleansing raged around them.

Some of the crewmembers were able to survive this adventurous journey. Others did not. William Kollar was one of the lucky ones who lived to tell his story, a story that recounts human tragedy and captures the triumph of the human spirit.

William Kollar

William Kollar was born in Middleville, Michigan in 1920, and joined the United States Army in 1942, in the aftermath of the Pearl Harbor attack.

William retired from the Air Force in 1966 after serving in World War II, Korea, France, England, and Formosa.  Mr. Kollar served with integrity and honor.

His story is a fascinating freedom walk of hundreds of miles while eluding the enemy for over a month.  In his book you will meet an extraordinary hero, yet a humble man, who will insist that it was his duty to defend freedom.

Mr. Kollar has been decorated with the Purple Heart, Air Medal, Good Conduct Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbons, and Korean War Service Medal.

Mr. Kollar lives in Mesa, and has been married to his wife, Polly for 57 years.  They have a son and a granddaughter.