PEOPLE'S HEROES IN YUGOSLAVIA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80-00809A000700120502-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: R
• Document Page Count: 31
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: September 14, 2011
• Sequence Number: 502
• Publication Date: August 10, 1953
• Content Type: REPORT

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MAA 1 5Y Y1-a1.
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CLASSIFICATION RESTRICTED
SECURITY INFORMATION
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
INFORMATION FROM
FOREIGN DOCUMENTS OR RADIO BROADCASTS
COUNTRY Yugoslavia
SUBJECT Biographical - Military
Political
HOW
PUBLISHED Handbook
WHERE
PUBLISHED Belgrade
CD NO.
DATE OF
INFORMATION 1951
DATE DIST. / 0 Aug 1953
DATE
PUBLISHED Bk 2, Sec 1-3 1952 fmonth of publication
not specified SUPPLEMENT TO
LANGUAGE ,Serbian REPORT NO.
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[The following report on individuals decorated as People's Heroes
in Yugoslavia is based on an article in Informativni prirucnik o
Ju oslavi i, a handbook which has been issued in sections since late
195%7 the Yugoslav Directorate for Information.
In those cases where the present rank of a person is not specifi-
cally indicated as being in the Yu os1av Army, it may be assumed that
the rank is a reserve officer rank
The following persons were proclaimed People's Heroes on 20 December 1951,
the 10th anniversary of the Yugoslav Army.
Josip Antolovic: He was born on 5 March 1916 to a worker's family in Slavon-
ski Brod. He completed elementary school and 3 years in the artisans' school in
Slavonski Brod. He worked in Slavonski Brod as assistant boilermaker from 1933 to
1941. He joined progressive blue-collar workers in the factory in Slavonski Brod
and was active in organizing the URS (Ujedinjeni radnicki Savet, United Labor As-
sociation). He became a member of the Communist Party in March 1941.
Immediately after Yugoslavia's occupation, Antolovic became active in organiz-
ing an'armed uprising. At the end of July, he was arrested by the Ustashi for this
work but escaped from prison and went to Macva. He Joined the Macva Partisan De-
tachment and quickly become a platoon leader, and in'October 1941, a company com-
mander. In March1912, he+irae;'senttto Slaubni;la'ias~ia:>cDmpMU 6oiumhd''4i-"Because
of his ability as a. coimmander;, he!:was promoted-:to BattaliGn uoimander"=i~a July 1942,
and to,:commande} of iHe 12th'Fx ~eterlan,Slgvoaism Brt de in Jandd y? 9k ,.' It1'?
January: 1943, jsic7,;:he11beedmeueommnader Cfl=the S~A''Ld';Ybiontged .2ttei ideila1'this
post::until'iMarah 1948gn he vae sent to the advanced course for officers at General
Headquarters.
Antoovic' >, lR~~i n t 4 f ' the.,2ib xnii& ftsR? S bac
in September 1p4`l, vagge 4F, was ya,aa ql;~ f, s,~Gn c Rn kh .v{(tf5h
Spanovica in l(pHl' 1942; ann'as bilge commander. in the battle at-Susoar in'
STATE RAW
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April 1943, when his brigade destroyed an Ustashi and Home Defense unit. He was
commended by the headquarters of the 6th Slavoniap Corps for his able leadership
in battle. In the autumn of 1944, he participated in the major offensive of
Slavonian units for the liberation of Podravina and was commended by the head-
quarters of the X Corps for his part in this offensive.
At present, Antolovic is a major general (general-major) in the Yugoslav
Milan Antoncic: He was born 2 October 1918 to a worker's family in Gospic.
He completed elementary school and 4 years of secondary school in Gospic in 1934,
but was too poor to continue his studies. He graduated from the School of Non-
commissioned Officers in 1937 and served in various places after that date. He
was sympathetic to the Communist Party even before the war.
When Yugoslavia capitulated, Antoncic was captured by the Germans, but es-
caped and lived underground near Rankovicevo until he joined the Partisans. In
July 1941, he established contact with the Kraljevo Detachment and joined ' on
20 July. He distinguished himself early by his bravery and able leadership. he
was appointed company commander in October 1941. During the First Enemy Offensive
he showed exemplary bravery. When the 1st Proletarian Brigade was organized in
December 1941, he became a company commander in the brigade. He became a member
of the Yugoslav Communist Party in August 1942. During the Fourth Offensive, he
participated as artillery commander of the 1st Proletarian Division and became a
battalion commander in May 1943. In January 1944, he was appointed commander of
the 1st Brigade of the 6th Proletarian Division and in December 1944 became artil-
lery commander of the division.
Antoncic distinguished himself by his able leadership and heroism in the
battles for the liberation of Rankovicevo in 1941, in the Fourth and Fifth Offen-
sives, and in the battles for the liberation of Serbia in 1944.
At present, Antoncic is a colonel in the Yugoslav Army.
Miter Bakic: He was born on 7 November 1908 in the village of Berislavci,
Titograd Srez. He completed secondary school in Titograd in 1927 and the Law
Faculty in Belgrade in 1931. He worked as a lawyer's assistant in Belgrade and
later as an employee of the Ministry of Finance in 'Zagreb. He has been sympa-
thetic to the labor movement since his secondary school days. While attending
the Law Faculty he participated in the activities of Marxist circles and in vari-
ous demonstrations. He became a member of the Yugoslav Communist Party in 1932.
He helped organize party cells during his compulsory military training in Sarajevo
in 1932 and Tater7 worked in the local party organization in Belgrade. Later in
Zagreb he worked in the Commission for Recruiting Voluntee-s for Spain. While a
member of the Central Council (Centralni odbor) of Yugoslavia, he worked for the
unification of national movements into a single sbor party, and on the editorial
staffs of progressive publications,
Bakic was arrested for his revolutionary work in 1936. After 1938, he worked
very successfully in organizing party cells in the airy and later became a member
of the Military Commission of the Central Committee of the Yugoslav Communist Party.
In April 1941, Bakic was sent, by the Central Committee of the Yugoslav Com-
munist Party to Mcntenegro to do party work. Here, he worked on organizing the
uprising of the Montenegrin people. In July 1941, when the Provisional Supreme
Command of the National Liberation Army of Montenegro, Boka, and the Sandzak was
established, he became a member of it. He went to Supreme Headquarters in October
1941 and in November 1941 was elected member of the Main National Liberation Coun-
cil of Serbia. In March 1942, he was again sent to Montenegro as a delegate of
Supreme Headquarters. In April 1942 he was appointed ccmmissar of the Main Head-
quarters of the P~:tisan Detachments of Montenegro and Bdka. In June 1942, when
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the 4th Montenegrin Proletarian Brigade was organized, he was appointed its com-
missar and remained in this pcst until November 1942, when he was appointed com-
missar of the 2d Proletarian Division. In August 1943 he became commissar of the
II Shock Corps. In mid-1944 he was appointed secretary of the National Committee
for the Liberation of Yugoslavia. When the government of Yugoslavia was organ-
ized in March 1945, he was c?pointed general secretary of the federal government.
Bakic rendered extraordinary service in the liberation of Yugoslavia and of
the Yugoslav people with his tireless work in organizing the armed uprising of
the Montenegrin people, his heroism in battle, and his able leadership of units
which won a number of brilliant victories under his command.
Ante Banina; He was born to a farm family on 6 April 1915 in the village of
Iz Veli, Preko Srez. He completed six years in the elementary school in Iz Veli.
Because of his poverty, he went to learn a trade through the "Hrvatska Radisa"
organization. He completed his apprenticeship and 3 years in the artisans' school
in Cakovec in 1932. After that he }corked as a house painter in Zagreb, where he
came in contact with progressive blue-collar workers and immediately joined the
revolutionary labor movement. He participated actively in the work of the URS.
He became a member of the Communist Party in November 1939. He worked for vari-
ous enterprises in Split before the war started.
After Yugoslavia's capitulation, Banina worked on preparing an armed up-
rising in the Zadar area by collecting arms and organizing armed groups. Since
he was a known Communist, he went underground in July 1941 to avoid being ar-
rested by the Italians. In November 1941, he left Dalmatia for Lika with 30
Dalmatian Partisans and joined the "Marko Oreskovic" Battalion, which played an
important role in strengthening brotherhood and unity between Like and Dalmatia.
Because of his heroism, Banina soon became a company commissar, and in May
1942 commander of the let Proletarian Battalion of Croatia. He served with dis-
tinction, especially in the battles near Knin when he continued to fight against
the Italians although gravely wounded. In March 1943 he became commander of the
16th Brigade (Banija Brigade), and in August 1943 commander of the 9th Dalmatian
Division. During the German attack on Drvar in May 1944, he distinguished him-
self against the German paratroops.
At present, Banina Is a major general in the Yugoslav Army.
Rade Basic: He was born to a poor farm family on 21 March 1919 in the vil-
lage of Donji Garevci, Prijedor Srez. He completed elementary school in the vil-
lage of Orlovci in 1930 and secondary school in Prijedor in 1938? He studied
law in Belgrade until 1941. While in secondary school and in the university, he
sympathized with the labor movement and was active in progressive student organ-
izations. In April 1941 he became a member of the SKOJ (Savez Komunisticke om-
ladine Jugoslavije, Association of Communist Youth of Yugoslavia).
Immediately after Yugoslavia was occupied, Basic established connections with
party members and became active in preparing for an armed uprising in the villages
of Prijedor Srez. In June 1941 he became a member of the party. He joined the
Partisan Detachment in Kozara on 27 July 1941, participated in small skirmishes,
and proved to be a brave and well-disciplined soldier. In October 1941 he became
a company political delegate, and in January 1942 a company commissar in the 2d
Krajina (Kozara) Detachment. He distinguished himself as one of the bravest
leaders in the major enemy offensive against Kozara and was wounded. In November
1942 he was appointed battalion commissar in the 5th Kozara Brigade, and in Sep-
tember 1943 brigade commissar of the 11th Division. In December 1944 he was ap-
pointed commissar of the 10th Division and remained it this post until the end of
the war.
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Basic was awarded two decorations fur gallantry, for extraordinary bravery,
and leadership, and was elected People's Deputy for Prijedor Srez.
At present, Basic is a colonel in the Yugoslav Army.
Edi Brajnik: He was born on 16 August 1922 in Kamnik to a poor white-collar
worker's family. He completed elementary school in Kamnik and Murska Sobota and
the gymnasium in Muraka Sobota and Ljubljana in 1941. While in the gymnasium, he
was active in breaking up demonstrations of Fascist students and was active against
the Hitler Youth in the gymnasium. In 1939 he joined with progressive youth in
Ljubljana and became a member of the SKOJ in November. He became a member of the
party in May 1941.
After June, Brajnik participated in organizing figh~ing groups in Ljubljana
and in sabotage and diversionary activities. When the police heard of his w.rk
he vent underground in August 1941 as a member of the VOS (Varnusna obvescevalna
sluzba, Security Intelligence Service). In October 1941 he became commander of
the VOS group, and commander of a section the following February. In March 1942
he was appointed commander of the VOS for Slovenia and became a member of the
Central Commission of the VOS. In February 1944 he accepted a post in the Com-
mission of the Interior of the SNDS (Slovenski Narodni osvobodilni svet, Slovenian
National Liberation Council). In May 1944 he took a position in the OZN (Organ
Zastite Naroda, Organization For People's Security) of Yugoslavia.
Brajnik rendered great service to the VOS through his tireless work, great
devotion, and exemplary heroism.
At present, Brajnik holds the rank of colonel.
Petar Brajovic: He was born on 29 June 1915 to the family of a poor blue-
collar worker in the village of Rijeka Crnojevica, Cetinje Srez. After graduating
from the gymnasium, he enrolled in the Lower School of the Military Academy, from
which he graduated as an air force officer (pilot) in 1940.
Brajovic joined the progressive labor movement when he was in the sixth year
of the gymnasium and participated in various demonstrations with other youth. He
became a member of the party in February 1942.
Immediately after Yugoslavia's capitulation, Brajjovic participated actively
in preparing for an uprising under the leadership of the party organization
in the Kosmet. In July 1942 he helped organize detachments. He became company
commander of the Pee Detachment the same month, and battalion commander in
September. At the end of 1941 he was appointed commander of the Metohija De-
tachment. In 1942 he was consulting officer in the Operational Staff of the Kos-
met, and at the end of 1942 commander of the Sar Planina Detachment; during this
time he was very successful in mobilizing new soldiers and in developing the Na-
tional Liberation movement. In November 1943, when the first Macedonian-Kosovo
brigades were organized, he became their commander. He became commander of a
group of battalions in April 1944. The following September, he was appointed com-
mander of the 4th Operational Zone and commander of the 48th Division. In Octo-
ber 1944 he became commander of the XVI Macedonian Corps. After the liberation
of Macedonia, he went to the Kosmet and became deputy commander, at the end of
1944, of the Operational headquarters of the Kosmet, and in February 1945, ccm-
mander of the 52d Kosmet Division.
In the Liberation War, Brajovic was always a brave and able commander who
very often led assaults against the enemy. He also fought in Greece and Albania.
In February 1944 he distinguished himself as brigade commander of the well-known
"Bogomil Expedition" of Macedonian units; for this service he was commended by
the Main Headquarters of Macedonia. Later, he distinguished himself in the bat-
tles for the liberation of Kicevo, Debar, Skoplje, and other places.
At present, Brajovic is a major general in the Yugoslav Army.
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university student he belonged to the p ogressive political group "Narodni Student"
(The National Student). He became a member of the party in 1939.
1
Af
lage of Sagrade, Cetinje Srez. He completed elementary school in Danilovgrad and
the gymnasium in Cetinje in 1934. Be studied law in Belgrade until 1941. As a
ter Yugoslavia s capitulation, Buric returned to his birthplace and par.
ticipated in organizing an armed uprising in Katunska Nahija. He commanded a
preparatory detachment until the start of armed operations. During the first
days of the uprising, he became a company commander in the Lovcen Battalion.
When the Monti:iegro-Sandzak Detachment was organized, he joined it. In December
1941 he became a company commander in the 1st Proletarian Brigade. In August
1942 he vas appointed battalion commander, in July 1943 commander of the 5th
Montenegrin Brigade, and then commander of the 4th Proletarian Brigade. In July
ft 1944 he became commander of the 3d Division.
Buric distinguished himself in the Liberation War as a courageous and able
commander. He distinguished himself especially in the battle for Plevlje in 1941,
during the march of the Proletarian Brigades to Bosaneka Krajina in 1942, during
the liberation of Konjic, Livno, and '.Jce in 1942, during the Fifth offensive,
in the fighting around Celebic, and as commander of the 3d Shock Division in Mon-
tenegro in 1943 and 1944. Being unassuming and gregarious, Buric soon became very
popular with both soldiers and civilians.
At present, Buric is a lieutenant colonel general
(general-pot pukovnik) in
the Yugoslav Army.
Nikola Vidovic: He was born to a farm family on 28 March 1917 in the village
of Stipan VVrgin Most Srez. He completed the elementary school in Stipan in 1928
and 3 years in the artisans' school in Glina in 1935. After completing his appren-
ticeship, he engaged in farming for a short time and was then employed in Zagreb
until 1938. After completing his military training, he worked in the Military
Technical Bureau in Kragujevac until 1941 and started working in the progressive
revolutionary labor movement in Kragujevac. After consistently carrying out all
its orders, he was admitted to the Yugoslav Communist Party in February 1940.
After Yugoslavia was occupied, Vidovic participated, under the direction of
the local party organization, in preparation for an uprising in Kragujevac. Later,
upon the party's orders, he went to his native village, where .e established con-
nections with party members, organized Partisan units, and conducted the first
attacks against the Ustashi in Vrgin Most Srez. From 23 July he commanded the
"Stipan" Detachment, which soon created a liberated area and successfully repulsed
Ustashi attacks. In December 1941 he was appointed a battalion commander in the
1st Partisan Kordun Detachment, and in June 1942 became its commander. When the
1st Kordun Brigade was organized in August 1942 he was appointed its first com-
mander, because he had distinguished himself as a gallant soldier and commander.
This brigade carried out a number of important and difficult assignments ordered
by the Main Headquarters of Croatia, such as the march to Zumberak for the purpose
of starting the National Liberation struggle near Zagreb, and the support given
Slovenian units during the major Italian offensive in Ljubljana Province. He is
responsible for the 1st Kordun Brigade's becoming one of the most popular units
in Croatia. In May 1944 he was appointed commandant of the Kordun area.
Vidoric was a brave soldier and commander in every battle in which he par-
ticipated. He distinguished himself especially in the fighting in Kordun in 1941,
in the fighting in Zumberak in 1942, in the liberation of Tusilovic, and in the
attack on Cazin. He was awarded the Partisan Star, First Class, and commended by
higher headquarters several times.
At present, Vidovic is a colonel in the Yugoslav Army.
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Dimitrije "Zeko" Vojvodic: He was born to a farm family on 8 May 1908 in the
village of Konjuhi, Andrijevica Srez. He completed elementary school in Konjuhi
in 1920, and the gymnasium in Ivangrad in 1929. He studied law in Belgrade until
1931 but had to give up his studies because of lack of funds. He engaged in farm-
ing until 1935, and from 1935 to 1940 was a b]?'e-collar worker in Djakovica. Being
a member of the progressive movement, he was arrested for distributing pamphlets
in 1938. He was captured when Yugoslavia capitulated but escaped and returned to
his village ZKonjuhi]
At the end of May 1941, Vojvodic began active work in the National Libera-
tion movement, trained youth in handling arms, and taught them basic military
science. He participated in the July uprising. Since he proved to be a brave
soldier and an able leader, he was admitted to the party in August. In September
1941 he was appointed battalion commander of the Andrijevica Detachment. When the
let Proletarian Brigade was organized, he joined it and was an instructor of youth
companies; in March 1942, he was appointed commander of a youth company. In No-
vember, he was appointed commander of the 1st Dalmatian Brigade. After the Fifth
Offensive, he became commander of the let Brigade of the 7th Division, then chief
of staff of the XI Corps, and in February 1945 commander of the 13th Shock Division.
Vojvodic participated in many battles during the Liberation War and dis-
tinpiished himself in the battle for Plevlje in 1941, in the liberation of Livno
and Jajce in 1942, and in the Fourth and Fifth offensives. He was commended for
his heroism at Jajce when he was surrounded by Germans.
At present, Vojvodic is a major general in the Yugoslav Army.
Mihajlo "Crni" Vukajlovic: He was born to a farm family in 1919 in the vil-
lage of Pogojevic, Arilje Srez. From the time he completed elementary school un-
til1941, he engaged in farming. After the uprising started, he was among the
first to join the Partisans. After the 2d Proletarian Brigade was organized, he
became a soldier in the 1st Battalion.
Vukajlovic was the bravest of the assault troops of the 2d Proletarian Bri-
gade. He became a member of the party in April 1942. His exploits in the fight
for Kupres in August 1942 are well known, when he led the assault and kept attack-
ing Ustashi positions on Plazenica and Velike Vrate and forced the enemy out of
the trenches. He distinguished himself in the fighting near Mrkonjic Grad and
on Mount Okruglo, where he cut the barbed wire, threw grenades into the enemy
trenches, and made it possible for his battalion to take enemy positions. He dis-
tinguished himself in the struggle for the liberation of Jajce in September 1942
and in taking the strong Ustashi position at Djusine, where he again led the as-
sault and took the enemy bunkers one after another. In November 1942, Vukajlovic
was seriously wounded by an air bomb and had to have a leg amputated. After this
he continued in the war as a hospital commissar. He was commended several times
for his heroism.
At present, Vukajlovic holds the rank of captain.
Radovan Vukanovic: He was born to a farm family on 1 June 1906 in the vil-
lage of Rogami, Titograd Srez. He completed 8 years in the gymnasium in Titograd
in 1925 and after that studied law at Belgrade University. While in the gymnasium,
he joined the progressive labor movement and became a member of the SKOJ in 1924.
In 1926 he was admitted to the party because of his very active work in the SKOJ.
As a known Communist, he was unable to obtain government employment, so he worked
as a private employee in Podgorica, Belgrade, and Pancevo.
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Immediately after Yugoslavia's capitulation, Vukanovic became active in or-
ganizing an armed uprising in the Titograd area. On the first day of the upris-
ing in Montenegro, he fought against the Italians as a company commander of the
Piperi Battalion. He distinguished himself and soon became chief of staff of
the Zeta Partisan Detachment. In November 1941 he was appointed deputy commander
of the Montenegro-Sandzak Detachment with which he fought for Plevlje. When the
1st Proletarian Brigade was organized, he became battalion commander. In Novem-
ber 1942 he was appointed commander of the 4th Proletarian Brigade, in March 1943
commander o? the 3rd Shock Division, in August 1944 commander of the II Shock
Corps, and. in May 1945 commander of the Sixth Army.
Vukanovic distinguished himself as a calm, cold, courageous, and tenacious
commander. He distinguished himself in the fight for the liberation of Livno in
August 1942, when he pushed to the center of the city; in the defense of Livno;
An the fighting at Arzano; in the second liberation of Livno in December 1942;
in the liberation of Jablanica in 1943; in the victory against the Germans near
Danilovgrad in 1944; and in the liberation of Sarajevo in April 1945. He was
commended several times for his gallantry and successful leadership.
At present, Vukanovic is a lieutenant-colonel general in the Yugoslav Army.
Ljubo Vuckovic: He was born to a farm family on 22 January 1915 in Ljubo-
tinje, Cetinje Srez. He completed elementary school in Ljubotinje and 4 years
in the gymnasium in Cetinje in 1930. He graduated from the Lower School of the
Military Academy in 1935. He was on duty in Mostar until 1941.
When Yugoslavia capitulated, Vuckovic was arrested by the Italians in Nik-
sic and by the Ustashi in Mostar Laid but escaped and returned to his birth-
place. On the first day of the uprising in Montenegro, he was elected sergeant
of the Lovcen Partisan Detachment, and distinguished himself by his bravery and
leadership. He became a candidate for party membership in July 1941 and a party
member in September. In October 1941 he was acting commander of the Lovcen
Partisan Detachment and commander of the "13 Juli" Battalion. When the 4th Mon-
tenegrin Proletarian Brigade was organized, he was appointed commander of a
battalion in the brigade. In October 1942 he was appointed commander of the 2d
Dalmatian Brigade, and in June 1943 commander of the 4th Montenegrin Proletarian
Brigade. In December he was appointed commander of the 2d Proletarian Division,
in September 1944 commander of the XIII Serbian Corps, and later chief of staff
of the Second Army.
Vuckovic distinguished himself especially as a soldier and commander in the
action on the Sarajevo-Mostar railroad line in July 1942; in the fighting near
Kupres in August 1942, for which he received a letter of commendation from Tito;
in the Fourth and Fifth Offensives; with the Second Proletarian Division in the
invasion of Serbia in April 1944; and in the liberation of Serbia.
At present, Vuckovic is a lieutenant-colonel gener.'L in the Yugoslav Army.
Milos Vuckovic: He was born to a farm family on 4 September 1914 in Ulcinj.
After he completed elementary school and one year of secondary school in Ulcinj,
he enrolled in the Military Music School in 1928.
After Yugoslavia's capitulation, Vuckovic escaped from a prisoner-of-war
camp and joined Zecevic's and Martinovic's Chetnik Detachment which cooperated
with the Partisans. After July 1941, he was in the Uzice Partisan Detachment
and-worked at persuading Chetniks to join the National Liberation struggle. In
September 1941 he and six comrades joined the Valjevo Detachment. On this oc-
dasion he reported that a Chetnik group was preparing to attack the Macva De-
tachment. As company commander in the Valjevo Detachment, he ps? icipated in
the liberatio" of Krupanj and in the attack on Sabac. F!e becem- a member of the
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party in October 1941. At the end of December, he was appointed a compe-?r com-
mander in the let Proletarian Brigade then being organized. In April 43
he became a battalion commander, and in October, chief of staff of the 13th
Proletarian Brigade. At the end of the war he was chief of a section in the
headquarters of the First Army.
Vuckovic distinguished himself by his heroic conduct at Bugojno, at Kupres,
and at the Neretva. Ten days before the attack on Belgrade, he'entered the city
with radio equipment, captured two German officers, and transmitted invaluable
information on the disposition and intentions of the enemy, for which he was
awarded the Partisan Star.
At present Vuckovic is a colonel in the Yugoslav Army.
Petar Gracanin: He was born on 22 August 1923 to a poor blue-collar worker's
family in Svetozarevo. He completed elementary school in 1933 and then began a
trade apprenticeship. From 1936 to 1941 he worked as a butcher's helper in Sveto-
zarevo, Belgrade, and Kragujevac, and was active in the URS. Heeding the call
of the party in July 1941, he was among the first to join the 2d Sumadija De-
tachment. When the 2d Proletarian Brigade was organized, he became a corporal
,io the 3d battalion. In March 1942, because of his heroism against the Ustashi
4t Han PiJesak, he became a member of the Yugoslav Communist Party. In August
1942 he was appointed a company commander, and at the beginning of 1944 a bat-
talion commander. In June 1944 he was seriously wounded and sent to Italy for
treatment. After his recovery and return, he became chief of the OZN for Morava
Okrug.
Gracanin distinguished himself at Kupres, Stozer, and Koprivnica, during
the Fourth Offensive in the liberation of Kalinovik; in the crossing of the
Drina; and in the battles at Kolasin, Ivangrad, and KosJeric. He was wounded
five times. For his bravery in the Fifth Offensive, he was awarded the Partisan
Star.
In 1943, Gracanin was promoted to the rank of captain. At present, b? holds
the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Cedo Grbic: He was born to a farm family on 8 April 1921 in the village of
Rajic, Okucani Srez. He completed elementary school in Rajic, and the gymnasium
in Nova Gradiska in 1939. He studied forestry in Zagreb. While a gymnasium stu-
dent, he belonged to the progressive youth movement and became a member of the
SKOJ in 1937. In 1939 - 1940 he was twice arrested for his work among youth in
Zagreb.
When Yugoslavia capitulated, Grbic was in Zagreb, he fled to his native vil-
lage and started preparing for the resistance against the occupation and the
.Ustashi. After May 1941 he worked on organizing an armed uprising and became
a member of the party. In November 1941 he Joined the Psunj Partisan Company
and after several days was appointed commissar. Distinguishing himself by his
able leadership and heroism, he was appointed battalion commissar in August 1942,
and in February 1943 became commissar of the 12th Proletarian Slavonian Brigade.
During 1943 he was commissar of a group of Partisan Detachments in Slavoniaa, and
at the end of 1943 was appointed commissar of the 28th Slavonian Division. In
1944 he worked for a short time in the Slavonian Oblast Committee and then was
sent to study. In May 1945 he was assigned to the Yugoslav Navy's Detachment for
Protection of the People.
Grbic distinguished himself by his heroism and leadership in the liberation
of Vocin, Podravska, Slatina, Lepoglava, Virovitica, and other places. In 1945
he was elected to the Federdl Assembly from Novska-Okucani Srez.
At present, Grbic is a colonel in the Yugoslav Army.
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Branko Dude: He was bcrn on 7 August 1913 to a farm family in Solin, Split
Srez. He completed elementary school in Solin and a year in the gymnasium in
Split. From 1934 - 1941, he worked in various factories and enterprises. When
the war started in 1941, he was in Belgrade from where he went to Solin.
After June 1941, under the direction of the Split Party organization, Dude
worked on organizing an uprising in Solin and participated in the first diversion-
ary actions. He joined the Solin Partisan Company on 11 August 1941. In November
1941 he was arrested by the Italians in Solin, where he and several of his company
had been active in diversionary actions and mobilizing new soldiers. In February
1942 he was released from jail for lack of evidence and again joined the Solin
Company, where he was admitted to party membership. In April 1942 he became
sergeant, in June commander of the 1st Dalmatian Shock Battalion, and later a
battalion commander in the 1st Dalmatian Brigade. In November he was appointed
brigade commander. During the Fourth and Fifth Offensives he served with units
of the 9th Dalmatian and 2d Proletarian Divisions. In 1943 he was appointed com-
mander of a group of detachments, and in 1945 deputy division commander.
Dude distinguished hemself by his heroism and leadership in a number of ac-
tions in 1942, including the annihilation of the Chetnik regimental headquarters
in Priskupija, the battle for Livno, the battles on the Neretva and Sutjeska
rivers, the defense of Split in 1943, and the breaking up of the German landing
on Drvar in 1944. He was commended several times for his bravery and able leader-
ship by Supreme Headquarters, by the Main Headquarters of Croatia, and by the
Headquarters of the VIII Corps.
At present, Dude is a colonel in the Yugoslav Army.
Pane Djukic: He was born to a poor farm family on 8 August 1922 in the
village of Kapljuh, Bosanski Petrovac Srez. His parents died when he was very
young. After completing elementary school, he went to Krusevac, where he learned
the tinsmith's trade, came in contact with progressive youth, and became active
in the revolutionary labor movement.
When Yugoslavia was occupied, Djukic participated actively in the struggle
against the people's enemies. He and a group of Communist youth set fire to a
German gasoline storage depot in Krusevac in August 1941. Shortly afterwards he
joined the Rasina Partisan Detachment. Because he distinguished himself by his
gallantry he was admitted to membership in the Yugoslav Communist Party in No-
vember 1941. During the war he was a company commander, commander of a shock
battalion, and a brigade commander.
Djukic was very popular with both civilians and soldiers because of. his out-
standing heroism and leadership. He distinguished himself especially in the re-
peated raids to burn the factory in Krusevac and to liquidate agents and traitors.
He led his battalion in the battle on Javor Planina. After assaults failed in the
battle with the Germans in Lomnica, he led an assault of shock groups, overran
German positions, and made it possible to destroy the enemy He also distinguished
himself in the fighting in Gornji Stepos, Mackovac, and Kosancic.
Vojin "Kostja" Djurasinovic: tie was born or, 27 December 1919 to a pool farm fam-
ily inthe village of Bastaji, Daruvar Srez. After completing elementary school in
Bastaji, he went to Belgrade to learn the installation trade. He worked in Bel-
grade until 1940 and belonged to the progressive labor movement. He was serving
his conscription pfriod when Yugoslavia capitulated, by he avoided capture by the
Germans and went to Belgradti'
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In t.ily 1941, Djurasinovic burned German trucks as ordered by the party
organization. He joined the Kosmaj Partisan Detachment in the middle of August.
He distinguished himself by his bravery and was wounded in the battle in Gat.
While lying wounded in Moravac, he was captured by Chetniks but escaped by swim-
ming across the Kolubara. When some Partisan units were withdrawn from Serbia,
he joined the Uzice Battalion. Being a progressive worker and an excellent
soldier, he was admitted to membership in the Yugoslav Communist Party in De-
cember 1941 and soon became deputy company commissar. When the 2d Proletarian
Brigade was organized, he joined it and became a company commissar in June 1942.
In October 1943 he vac appointed deputy battalion commissar. He became commis-
sar of the 4th Battalion in July 1944, and in August deputy commissar of the
2d Proletarian Brigade.
Djurasinovic distinguished himself especially by his heroism in the attack
on Kupres in August 1942, where he penetrated a fortified position as commander
of a tank. The tank was put out of commission, and seven of his comrades were
wounded. Although he too was seriously wounded, he and his comrades saved the
tank and all the wounded. He also distinguished himself in the battles for
Serbia in April 1944.
Atanas Zabasnovski: He was born on 25 January 1925 to a farm family in
Prilep. After completing elementary school, he was unable to continue his
education because of lack of funds and engaged in farming. In 1941 he was
admitted to membership in the SKOJ. He was very active in the National Libera-
tion Movement, for which he delivered pamphlets, gathered arms, and worked among
youth. Although twice arrested for this activity, he was released without dis-
closing anything to the enemy.
In October 1943, Zabasnovski joined the Partisans and soon became a soldier
in the 1st Macedonian-Kosovo Brigade. He always set a heroic example while he
was a brigade gunner and, later, a youth leader in the 41st Division. In his
first battle in October 1943 he was the first to'begin the assault against Bul-
garian positions near Pusta Reka and almost singly forced the enemy to retreat.
In 1944 in the battles in Klinska Less near Fustani, he again proved his ex-
emplary courage. In May 1944, in the battles near Kavadar, he stopped a German
assault with 10 volunteers. Although all of his comrades were killed and he was
wounded by three bullets, he continued to fight until the brigade was able to
move up to fighting positions. He became unusually popular with soldiers and
civilians because of his heroism in the battles for the liberation of Macedonia
and later in the battles on the Srem front.
Milan Zabukovec: He was born on 27 April 1923 to a farm family in the vil-
lage of Zadobrovi, in Celie Srez. He became a blue-collar worker.
Immediately after Yugoslavia's capitulation, Zabukovec joined the youth or-
ganization in his area and started gathering arms and ammunition, distributing
pamphlets, and engaging in similar activities. In recognition of his devoted
work, he was admitted to membership in the SKOJ in the summer of 1941. In August
1941 he joined the first Partisan groups in Moljnik and Pugled near Ljubljana.
He proved to be a very brave, intelligent, and able soldier. In November 1941
he became a rifleman in the 1st Battalion of the 2d Group of Detachments. In
May 1942 he was sent to the Headquarters Guard Company of the Main Headquarters
and Central Committee of the Communist Party of Slovenia. He distinguished
himself in this company as one of its bravest soldiers, served as a top secret
courier, and became personal bodyguard for Leskosek, Kardelj, and other top
leaders in the National Liberation struggle in Slovenia.
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As a courier, Zabukovec often had to fight his way through enemy traps and
positions, but he always carried out his work with the greatest devotion. He
distinguished himself as a fighter and gunner in the Headquarters Guard Company
during the Italian offensive in 1942. As Leskosek's bodyguard, he participated
in the German offensive in the Primorje in 1943 and later fought at Ponikve na
Krasu, where his heroism enabled his surrounded comrades to escape. On that oc-
casion he killed the German commander of the unit concerned. In 1944 he escorted
the delegation from ;he Slovenian Main Headquarters to Drvar and again proved his
bravery by destroying German paratroopers. He was known as the best courier in
Slovenia and was very well liked by soldiers and their leaders.
At present, Zabukovec is a major in the Yugoslav Army.
Milos Zekic: He was born on 2 February 1915 to a farm family in the vil-
lage of Sekovici, Vlasenica Srez. Zekic completed elementary school in Sekovici
and 4 years in the gymnasium in Tuzla in 1931. He studied in the teachers'
schools in Sarajevo, Mostar, and Petrinja. He was expelled from the fourth year
of teachers' school because he organized a student strike. He then engaged in
farming in Sekovic, until his conscription period began. After completing his
military training, be was unemployed until 1941, when he found a job as day la-
borer in Kosovska Mitrovica. He joined the progressive labor movement while he
was still attending teachers' school but became a member of the party after the
war.
After Yugoslavia's capitulation, Zekic returned to his birthplace and
started to work on preparations for an armed uprising under the directives
of the party organization in Tuzla. In July 1941 he was arrested by Ustashi
in Tuzla but escaped to Birac, where he began organizing armed groups and was
one of the chief organizers of the uprising in Birac. He was active in the
first uprisings in Vlasenica Srez. In 1941 - 1943, he was deputy commander
and later commander of the Bircane Detachment, which held when all other de-
tachments in eastern Bosnia were destroyed by the Chetniks. When the 6th Bri-
gade of Eastern Bosnia was organized in August 1942, he became deputy battalion
commander, and in 1942 commander of the 1st Fruska Gera Battalion. He became
commander of the Birac Detachment in January 1943, and in March 1943 deputy com-
mander of the 6th Proletarian Brigade of Eastern Bosnia. In July, he was ap-
pointed brigade commander, and in March 1944 commander of the 38th Division, and
later commander of the 27th Division.
Zekic distinguished himself by his bravery and able leadership, for which
he was twice commended by Tito. He distinguished himself especially in the
battle in Malesevci in November 1942, as brigade commander in the liberation and
defense of Tuzla in October 1943, and in Karica Caire at the end of 1943.
Pavle Jaksic: He was born on 2 February 1913 to a farm family in the vil-
lage of Blatusa, Vrgin Most Srez. He completed elementary school in 1925, the
gymnasium in 1933, and graduated from the Philosophy Faculty of the University of
Belgrade. After completing his military training, he was employed as an instruc-
tor in the gymnasium in Rankovicevo. Known in Rankovicevo as an anti-Fascist,
he participated in preparations for an uprising as soon as Yugoslavia was oc-
cupied. In June 1941 he went to Goc Planina, wfygre, under the directives of the'-
party organization in Rankovicevo, he organized armed groups, a company, and
later the Kraljevo Detachment. He became a member of the party in July 1941.
When the Kraljevo Detachment was organized in July 1941, he became its commander.
Under his leadership, this detachment achieved significant results against the
Germans until its withdrawal from Serbia. Jaksic participated personally in ?
many battles. Disguising himself as a farmer, he would penetrate enemy garrisons
6y
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to learn their strength. When the 1st Proletarian Brigade was organized in
December 1941, he became commander of its 4th Battalion, with which he fought
until the beginning of December 1942. Then he became commander of the 7th
Banija Division, which acted as rear guard for the main Partisan forces and,
during the Fourth Offensive, escorted a large number of wounded from Banija to
the Neretva.
In December 1944, Jaksic was appointed commander of the 11th Corps, and
in May 1944 chief of the General Headquarters of Croatia. When the Fourth
Army was organized, he was appointed its chief of staff. He deserves much of
the credit for this army's successes in the liberation of the western parts
of Yugoslavia and Trieste
At present, Jaksic is a lieutenant-colonel general in the Yugoslav Army.
Vlado Janic: He was born on 3.4 July 1904 to a blue-collar worker's family
in Sisak. He learned the trade of mechanic in Sisak in 1920 and worked in the
locomotive depot there until 1941? He became a member of the party in 1931.
Since he was a very active party member, he was elected secretary of the Sisak
Okrug Committee in 1935. At the Fifth Provincial Conference in 1949 he was elec-
ted to the Plenum of the Central Committee of the Yugoslav Communist Party. In
1934 and 1936, he was arrested for his work in the revolutionary labor movement
and several times was imprisoned for 10-20 days.
After Yugoslavia was occupied, Janic began preparing for an arxed struggle
and organizing diversionary groups. On 23 July 1941 he organized near Sisak
the 1st Partisan Detachment in Croatia, After attacks on the Zagreb-Sisak rail-
road line and against Ustashi and gendarmerio stations near Sisak and Petrinja,
he and his detachment went to Banija, where they joined the Benija Partisans.
When the Banija Okrug Committee was organized, he became its secretary, besides
being a member of the operational military leadership of the Sisak Okrug Com-
mittee and commander of the Banija Detachment In 1942 the party sent him to
Slavonija, where he was commissar of the 12th Proletarian Brigade. In May 1943
he became commissar of the 28th Division, and in Scptember commi=ssar of the
VI Slavonian Corps He was also a member of the Oblast Committee of the Com-
munist Party of Slovenia and a member of the Commission of the Central Committee
of the Communist Party of Croatia for northern Croatia In the autumn of 1944
he was appointed commissar of the National Defence Corps
Janic proved his great heroism in the fight against the people's enemies.
He is very popular with the people, especially with blur-collar workers who
know him as a well-known revolutionary and organizer of th.- upr?::ing near Sisak.
He was commended several tines for successful Lead"rship and has received Yugo-
slavia's highest awards.
At present, Janie is a 1xcutenant-cu'onel , ;n?=; a1 in thy- Y'.goslaw Army and
a member of the Yugoslav Army Constituent of the Central Committee of the Yugo-
slav Communist Party.
Mato Jerkovic^ He was born on 19 February 1915 to a farm family in Novo
Selo, Brinje reez He completed elementary school in tiovo Pracno in 1927. Un-
til 1929 he tended livestock for rich farmers. By tutoring wealthy children, he
completed the gymnasium in Sisak in 1937. in 1938, he joined progressive stu-
dents at the University of Zagreb and became active in the revolutionary labor
movement. He started to work for the National Lih ra*._on Movement in Sisak in
July 1941 and became a member of the party in January 1942. During 1942, before
he joined the Partisans, he maintained contact between Partisan units in Samarica
and Brezovica. He was forcibly inducted into the Croatian Army, but he and his
entire unit and equipment joined the Partisans on 6 May 1942. He was a soldier
in the Banija Partisan unit until June, when he was appointed battol.ion com-
mander, because he had distinguished himself by his bravery and able leadership.
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In October 1942 he was sent to the Croatian Zagorje, where he became commander
of the Kalnik Detachment. In March 1943 he became deputy commander of the
12th Slavonian Division, and in May chief of staff of the VI Slavonian Corps.
In April 1944 he was appointed commander of the VI Corps and after that deputy
commands" of the Third Army. At the end of the war, he was commander of the
X Zagreb Corps.
Jerkovic was commended by Tito for his leadership. He distinguished him-
self in the destruction of the "Braun" offensive, in the April 1943 victory of
the Slavonian units over the Uatashi and Home Defense Regiment near Susn,jar,
and In battles for the liberation of Podravina,.
At present, Jerkovic is a vice admiral.
D oko Jovanic: He was born on 9 October 1917 to a farm family in the
village of Suva,ja, Donji Lapac Srez. His family moved to the Backa in 1922,
where he completed elementary school in Zednik in 1928. He studied in the
gymnasium in Subotica and Bijeljina, where he came in contact with progressive
youth and became active in the revolutionary labor movement In 1936 he was
sentenced to 10 months in jail for his revolutionary activity among students
and was excluded from every gymnasium in Yugoslavia, After completing his Jail
sentence, he completed his military training in Nis, where he continued his
revolutionary activity, After this he went to Subotica, where he became bureau
member of the Okrug Committee of the SKOJ and editor of the progressive news-
paper, Narodni glas. In 1941 he was arrested again but was released on 5 April
because of the war. In May 1941 he went to Lika.
In Lika, Jovanic worked with several members of the party in organizing an
armed uprising in Donji Lapac Srez On 27 July 1941, armed actions were started
under his leadership near Srb, where he had been appointed commander of the Srb
Guerrilla Detachments. When the "Marko Oreskovic" Battalion was organized, he
joined it and was appointed its commander in November 1941 Since he was very
brave and intelligent, he quickly developed into a good commander. In May 1942
he was appointed commander of the 3d Lika Detachment, and in September deputy
commander of the Main Headquarters of Croatia. In March 1943 he wab appointed
commander of the 6th Proletarian Division and remained in this position until
the end of the war.
Jovanic distinguished himself in the attack or. the Ustaehi motorized column
r
near Kulen Vakuf in October 1941, when he and his group kill ever , high-
ranking Usta~hi and Home Defense officers; in the battle Sr. Sljanavi Klanac,
where an Italian battalion was completely destroyed; and in the struggle for the
liberation of Lapac on 27 February 1942, where he was serious y wounded. He
rendered extraordinary service in the liberation of Yugoslavia as commander of
the 6th Proletarian Division, which achieved its greatest victories under his
command in the liberation of Serbia and Belgrade, and on the Srem front. He was
commended several times by Tito for his leadership of this division,
At present, Jovanic is a ;leutenant.-colonel g neral in the Yugoslav Army.
Milan Joka. He was born on 18 February 1922 to a farm family in the vil-
lage of Gage, Dvor Sr,-z He completed elementary school in the village of
Rujovac and went to Caprag near Sisak to ;earn the mechanic- trade. After com-
pleting his apprenticer,hip, he worked in C;:pray a< a m_chaal 's helper until
1941,
After Yugoslavia capitulated, Joka returned to his 'nirthplace and partici-
pated in preparations for an armed uprising. He luined the. Partisans at the
beginning of October 1941 When the Proletarian Company was organizer) in Ba._MMa,
he joined it.
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Joka became a member of the SKOJ in May 1942 and was admitted to the Yugo-
slav Communist Party the next October. In 1942 he was sent with a selected
group to Kalnik to support the development of the National Liberation struggle.
He participated in the first actions in Slavonija, first as a soldier and later
as platoon leader and commander. In November 1942 he was appointed a battalion
commander in the Kalnik Detachment because of his bravery and able leadership.
In October 1943 he was appointed commander of the "Jan Ziska" let Czechoslovak
Brigade. At the end of the war, he was appointed chief of staff of the 28th
Slavonian Division.
Joka distinguished himself especially in the attack on Miokovicevo, in
the battles in breaking through the enemy encirclement, in the battle against
tanks near Orahovica in 1943 (for which he was commended by the headquarters of
the 6th Corps), and during the crossing of the Sava River near Ivanjski Bok,
where he had to battle against enemy tanks and strong infantry. For this last
action, he was also commended by VI Corps Headquarters. He also distinguished
himself in the battles for the liberation of Podravina in 1943; in the attacks
on Ludbreg and Novi Marof; and in the liberation of Belgrade, Bijeljina, and
other cities.
At present, Joka is a lieutenant colonel in the Yugoslav Army.
Nikola Karanovic: He was born on 14 December 1914 to a farm family in
the village of Prkosi, Bosanski Petrovac Srez. He completed elementary school
in Kulen Vakuf in 1927 and was engaged in farming until 1929. In 1931 he
graduated from the Yugoslav Army School for Noncommissioned Officers and served
in various places until 1941. He completed 4 years in the gymnasium in Pristine
while serving as a noncommissioned officer.
After Yugoslavia capitulated, Karanovic returned to his birthplace and par-
ticipated in preparations for an armed uprising. During the first days of the
uprising he became commander of the "Covka" Partisan Detachment. He soon dis-
tinguished himself as a brave soldier, for he was the first to start every at-
tack. In September 1941 he was appointed deputy commander of the Drvar-Petrovac
Battalion. In April 1942 he took over as commander of the 5th Krajina Detach-
ment, and in August he became the first commander of the 3d Krajinn Proletarian
Brigade. In August 1943 he was appointed commander of the 10th Krajina Division.
After that he was deputy commander of the V Corps, and in January 1945 com-
mander of the 5th Shock Division.
Karanovic distinguished himself in the battles near Vrtor_ and Kulen Vakuf
in 1941, against the Italians near Bosanski Petrovac in February 1942 (where he
was seriously wounded), in the liberation of Jajce and BShac in 1942, in the
Fourth and Fifth Offensives near Prozor, on the Neretva and Sutjeska rivers, and
at Balinovac. He was commended several times and received high awards for his
bravery.
At present, Karanovic is a major general in the Yugoslav Army
Joze Klanjscek: He was born on 29 April 1917 to a blue-collar worker's
family in the village of Drtija, Kalnik Srez. He completed elementary school
..in Studenec-Ig and 3 years in the artisans' school in Ljubljana in 1935. As
early as his elementary school days, he had to make his living by working for
rich farmers. He learned the installer's trade in Ljubljana. Unable to find
employment in his trade, he worked as bell boy and porter in hotels. After 1940
he was employed as a locksmith in Jesenice.
,Klanjscek became active in the National Liberation Movement in the autumn
of 1941. He joined the "Ljubo Sercer" Battalion in December 1941, and ploved to
be a brave and able commander. In April 1942 he became a company commander, in
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May a battalion commander, and in June commander of the Kocevje Detachment. In
March 1943 he was appointed commander of the "Ljubo Sercer" Brigade. In Novem-
ber he became commander of the 14th Proletarian Division, and in January 1945,
deputy corps commander. He distinguished himself especially in the Italian of-
fensive against Rog in 1942 and in the destruction of the White Guard in Suha
Krajina. He showed his leadership during the 14th Division's march to Styria
and deserves much credit for the development of the liberation struggle in
Styria and Carinthia. Klanjscek was wounded in action five times.
At present, Klanjscek holds the rank of colonel.
Veljko Kovacevic: He was born on 19 December 1912 to a poor farm family
in Grabovo, Niksic Srez. He completed elementary school in Grahovo, attended
the gymnasium in Niksic, and graduated from the Teachers' School in Cetinje in
1935. He studied at the Philosophy Faculty in Zagreb, where he actively partici-
pated in the progressive student movement. In 1937 he went to Spain and par-
ticipated in battles on various fronts with the Spanish Republican Army. He
became a member of the party in 1938. From 1939 to 1941 he was in various con-
centration camps in France.
After Yugoslavia capitulated, Kovacevic escaped and returned home. He par-
ticipated in preparations for an armed uprising in the Croatian Primcrje and
Gorski Kotar. In July 1941 he was appointed commander of the Primorje-Gorski Kotar
units. When the First Primorje-Gorski Kotar Detachment was organized in October
1941, he became its commander and in November was appointed a member of the
Main Headquarters of Croatia. When the operational zones were organized in
Croatia in April 1942, he was appointed commander of the 5th Operational Zone
for the Croatian Primorje and Gorski Kotar. When the 13th Primorje-Gorski Kotar
Division was organized, he became its first commander. He performed various
functions during 1944. In January 1945 he was appointed commander of the VI Corps,
and in May 1945 deputy commander of the 1st Tank Division.
Kovacevic was commended several times for his able leadership and bravery.
At present, Kovacevic is a lieutenpnt-colonel general in the Yugoslav Army.
Pero Kosoric: He was born on 5 February 1918 to a farm family in Sokolac
near Sarajevo. He completed elementary school in Sokolac and the gymnasium in
Bosanska Gradiska and Sarajevo in 1937. He studied law in Belgrade. He joined
the progressive labor movement in 1937 while still a student. U the direc-
tives of the party, he worked in a group of farm youth and achconsiderable
success in reeducating the youth at Sokolac and in the Romanija mountains.
After Yugoslavia was occupied, Kosoric returned to his birthplace. After
May Slobodan "Seljo' Princip, Slavisa "Cica" Vajner, and Kosoric participated in
the preparation and organization of an uprising in the Romanija mountains. Ka"cu?ic
became a member of the Communist Party in May 1941. Since he had distinguished
himself as a brave soldier, he was appointed deputy commander of the Jahorina
'?etachment in August 1941, and in February 1942 member of the Operational Staff
for eastern Bosnia. In August 1942, when the 6th Eastern Bosnian Proletarian
Brigade was organized, he became its deputy commander. In March 1943 he was ap-
pointed commander of the 15th Majevica Brigade, and in September commander of
27th Division. In October 1944 he became commander of the 3d Eastern Bosnian
Corps and remained in this post until the end of the war.
Kosoric distinguished himself in the defeat of the Chetniks in the Maleske
mountains in November 1942, during the Fifth Offensive in the Celebic sector,
and in the liberdtion of,Sarajevo in April 1945 'there he was wounded. Kosoric
was commended several times for his extraordinary bravery and able leadership. I
At pre,g t nKosoric is a major general in the Yugoslav Army.
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Otmar Kreacic: He was born in 1913 to a blue-collar worker's family in
Bugojno, Bosnia-Hercegovina. In 1925 his family moved to Zagreb, where his
father obtained a job in the repair shop of the State Railroads and Kreacic
attended the gymnasium. After 1931 he worked as a blue-collar worker on the
railroad, in the Zagreb theater, and in the Osijek locomotive depot.
After 1935, Kreacic vas active in the political and cultural work of the
URS. He became a member of the Yugoslav Communist Party in 1937? He went to
Spain and fought as a member of the International Brigades until 1939. With
other members of the brigades, he was transferred from Spain to France and held
in various concentration camps.
In 1941, with the help of the Central Committee of the Yugoslav Communist
Party, Kreacic returned to Yugoslavia and immediately became active in the Na-
tional Liberation struggle, first in Zagreb with the underground publication and
distribution of party material, and then in the liberated area. Until the end
of 1943, he worked in the Propaganda Section of the Central Committee of the
Yugoslav Communist Party. Here he organized the procedures which the Central
Committee of the Yugoslav Communist Party and of the Main Headquarters of Croatia
followed in the liberated area; worked on the ideological, political, and cul-
tural education of party members, soldiers, and civilians; edited and published
the first central newspapers in Croatia, such as the V esnik, Partizan, Dnevne
novine, Na ri ed, and others.
During this period, he distinguished himself on several occasions in de-
fending hospitals when,with 20 armed Partisans, he repulsed the attacks of
several Italian Fascist battalions and inflicted heavy losses on the enemy. In
February 1944 he was appointed commissar of the 12th Slavonian Division, and in
the summer was appointed commissar of the VI Slavonian Corps of the National
Liberation Army of Yugoslavia. He distinguished himself by his bravery and by
his able leadership of large military units. The VI Corps achieved great re-
sults under his leadership during the liberation of Slavonija and became the
shock corps of the National Liberation Army. Kreacic remained in this post un-
til the end of the war. In 1945 he was appointed deputy chief of the Main Po-
litical Administration of the Yugoslav Army. Kreacic was awarded the highest
Yugoslav decorations for his meritorious service during the National Liberation
War.
At present, Kreacic holds the rank of lieutenant-colonel general. He is
chief of the Main Political Administration of the Yugoslav Army and deputy leader
of the central Committee of the Yugoslav Communist-Party of the Yugoslav Army
Constituent. At the Fifth Congress of the Yugoslav Communist Party, he was
elected a member of the Central Inspection Commission of the Yugoslav Communist
Party and at the Second Congress of the Croatian Communist Party, a member of
the Central Committee of the Croatian Communist Party.
Danilo Lekic: He,wV born on 23 June 1913 to a teacher's family in the
village of Kralje,AndrijAvica Srez. He completed elementary school in Kralje
and the gymnasium in Podgorica, Ivangrad, Bitolj, and Tetovo in 1931. He studied
philosophy at Skoplje and then worked as a copy reader on newspapers. He was
active in the labor movement while still a student, and he was politically sus-
pect while a conscript. In 1937 he went to Spain, where he was battalion politi-
cal commissar and deputy brigade political commissar. He participated in actions
on various fronts and proved to be a very good soldier and an able party worker.
At the beginning of 1939 he was transferred to concentration camps in France and
later to Germany.
In July 1941, Lekic escaped from Germany and returned home, where he started
work on the organization of the National Liberation struggle. In August 1941 he
was appointed political commissar of the Macva Partisan Detachment and was suc-
cessful in increasing its site and in liberating Macva in September 1941. In
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February 1942 he was appointed deputy commander of the lot Proletarian Division
and in November became its commander. In July 1943 he was appointed commander
of the newly organized 16th Vojvodina Division, and in February 1944 commander
of the XII Vojvodina Corps.
Lekic was a very brave and able commander. He distinguished himself es-
pecially in the heavy battles along the Drina in April 1943 and in the Fifth
Offensive near Foca and Balinovac, where he and his brigade destroyed far stronger
German forces and made it possible for the main forces of the National Liberation
Army to break out of enemy encirclement. While commander of the XII Corps, he
crossed the Drina, penetrated into Serbia in September 1944, and won great vic-
tories against the Germans and the Chetniks. He was commended several times by
Tito for his bravery and able leadership.
At present, Lekic is a lieutenant-colonel general in the Yugoslav Army.
Milutin Lukovic: He was born on 22 July 1919 to a poor farm family in the
village of Verelez, Takovo Srez. He completed elementary school in Gornji
Milanovac in 1930. After 1932, he had to go to work because he was very poor.
He worked as a merchant's apprentice, a waiter, and a farm worker; after 1938,
he worked in the Brusnik mine.
When Yugoslavia capitulated, Lukovic was serving his military training
period. After June 1941 he actively participated in preparations for an up-
rising. In August he joined the Cacak Partisan Detachment and became a member
of the party in November 1941. When the 2d Proletarian Brigade was organized,
he joined its 2d Battalion. He soon became corporal, then sergeant, and, in
September 1942, deputy company commander. He participated in the Fourth and
Fifth Offensives as a company commander. He was seriously wounded near Sjenica
in November 1943 and was transferred to Italy for treatment in 1944. After his
return he was appointed deputy commander of the Cacak area, where he remained
until the end of the war.
Lukovic was very brave and devoted ar' therefore, was very popular among
the soldiers. He distinguished himself especially in the battles for the lib-
eration of Gornji Milanovac in 1941; in the liquidation of the Chetniks at
Borike (for which he was commended and decorated); in the battles for the lib-
eration of Bugojno, Kupres, Mrkonjic Grad, and Jajce in 1942; and in the bat-
tles near the Neretva, Humic, and Berane. He was wounded five times.
Bogdan Mamula: He was born on 13 April 1918 to a farm family in Gomirje,
Ogulin Srez. He completed elementary school in Gomirje in 1929 and then engaged
in farming. In April 1939 he began his military training period. After Yugo-
slavia was occupied, he participated in the destruction of railroad lines, in
the liquidation of prominent Fascists, in gathering arms, and in other actions.
He joined the "Marko Trbojevic" Battalion. He became a member of the party at
the beginning of 1942. In April 1942 he was appointed platoon leader in the
Headquarters Guard in the Main Headquarters of Croatia. In June 1942, after
completing the officers' course in Korenica, he was appointed company commander
in the 1st Proletarian Battalion of Croatia, with which he fought bravely and
ably in Lika, Dalmacija, Gorski Kotar, and Zumberak. When the 13th Proletarian
(Croatian) Brigade was organized in November 1942, he was appointed a battalion
commander. During 1943 he was an infantry instructor in the coastal sector. In
November 1943 he was promoted to the rank of captain. In January 1944 he was
appointed commander of the 3d Brigade of the 13th Division and, In May 1945, chief
of staff of the 13th Division. For his heroism and able leadership, he was com-
mended several times by the headquarters of the 2d Operational Zone, of the
XI Corps, and of the 13th Proletarian Division.
At present, Mamula is a colonel in the Yugoslav Army.
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Radenko Mandic: He was born on 5 June 1917 to a farm family in the village
of Biljusi, Trnava Srez. He completed elementary school in Biljusi and studied
in the gymnasium for a short time, but being poor he had to give up his studies.
He learned lathe-operating in the Military Technical Bureau in Cacak, where he
worked until he had to begin his military training. After 1938, he was active
in the revolutionary labor movement.
Mandic became a member of the party in April 1941, and soon after secretary
of the SKOJ for Trnava Srez and a member of the Srez Party Committee. He par-
ticipated in organizing and preparing an armed uprisini; in Trnava Srez. In Au-
gust 1941 he joined the Cacak Partisan Detachment, where he soon distinguished
himself by his bravery. When the main Partisan forces had to retreat from Serbia,
he was ordered to remain in Serbia to recruit soldiers and to establish new units.
During the war he served as deputy company commander, battalion commander, de-
tachment commander, and brigade intelligence officer.
Mandic distinguished himself in the attack on the gendarmes at Guca and, in
August 1941, in the battles against the Germans on the Rankovicevo-Cacak road
near Lipnica bridge and near Zablace. In February and March 1942, encircled by
Chetniks, he fought his way out of the encirclement with hand grenades and a
pistol. He distinguished himself especially in June 1943, when he forced his
way among the Chetniks in Kukici, destroyed them, and liberated a party worker;
and in July, when he led a squad and destroyed enemy positions near Rucici.
Petar Matic: He was born in 1920 to a farm family in Irig and was a farm
worker. Before the war he joined the revolutionary labor movement and became
a member of the party in 1940.
After Yugoslavia capitulated, Matic was one of the organizers of the up-
rising in his birthplace. I 1941 he was secretary of the Srez Committee in
Irig. When the first Partisan units were formed in Fruska Gora, he was appointed
commissar of the Irig Company. During the war, he was a battalion commander, a
detachment commander, commander of the 3d Vojvodina Brigade, and commander of
the 51st Vojvodina Division.
He distinguished himself in the destruction of the enemy offensive against
Fruska Gora in 1942; in the battle against the Germans in the Bosut forests in
October 1942; and in the winter of 1942, when, single-handed, he attacked Ustashi
and gendarmes who were escorting Communists and sympathizers of the National
Liberation Struggle, killed the gendarmes, and liberated his comrades. He was
known as one of the bravest soldiers in the Srem units and was very popular with
the people.
Milan Miljevic: He was born in 1909 to a farm family in the village of
Jelasinovac, Sanski Most Srez and was a farm worker.
After Yugoslavia was occupied, Miljevic participated in preparations for
an ermed uprising in his birthplace. He organized an armed group with which he
attacked the Ustashi garrison at Donji Kemengrad. Being brave and able, he soon
became a leader. In 1941 he was appointed company commander, at the beginning
of 1942 deputy battalion commander, and battalion commander in the second half
of l9'>2. He successfully led his unit during the Fourth Enemy Offensive. Af-
ter the retreat, of the main Partisan forces, he remained with his battalion in
the Podgrmec sector. When the battalion grew into a detachment, he became its
commander. In 1944 and 1945 he was a brigade commander.
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He distinguished himself nee" Sanski Most in 1941, in 1942 in the battles
against the Italians near BOSanskl Petrovac and the liberation of Sanica and
Prijedor, and in 1943 in the battles near Kamengrad, where, with one company,
he destroyed strong elements of the "Tigar" Division. He proved his leadership
in the attack against Banja Luka in January 1944; in the attack against Drvar;
and in the battles for the liberation of Travnik and Kakanj, where, aided by
a few soldiers and a field piece, he destroyed an armored train thus enabling
units to cross a bridge.
At present, Miljevic is a lieutenant colonel in the Yugoslav Army.
Milutin Moraca: He was born on 7 July 1914 to a farm family in the vil-
lage of Stekerovci, Glamoc Srez. He graduated from the gymnasium in 1933 and
from the Law Faculty in Subotica in 1940. After 1937 he was active in the pro-
gressive student movement, and worked in the "Svetlost" Progressive Student
Association and in the "Preporod" Cultural and Educational Cooperative. He
became a party member in 1939.
When Yugoslavia was attacked, he was captured by the Hungarians but es-
caped and went to Drvar at the beginning of June 1941 and began preparations
for an armed uprising. In June 1941 he became a member of the staff of the
Drvar Partisan Detachments, organized Partisan units, and took part in the up-
rising in the Drvar sector. In November 1941 he was appointed a battalion
commander in the Drvar Partisan Detachment. In August 1942, when the 1st
Krajina Brigade was formed, he became its commander and remained in this post
until May 1943, when he became commander of the 5th Krajina Division. In March
1945 he was appointed chief of staff of the First Army.
Moraca was commended several times for his bravery and able leadership, as
evidenced in the liberation of Drvar on 27 July 1941; in the battles at Bosanski
Petrovac and near Glamoc in 1941; in the Sixth Offensive in eastern Bosnia; in
the breakthrough of the 2d and 5th Divisions in Serbia in March 1944; and in the
fighting for the liberation of Serbia, where he commanded the Northern Divisions
Group which accomplished the breakthrough on the Srem front.
At present, Moraca is a lieutenant-colonel general in the Yugoslav Army.
Kosta Nadj: He was born on 13 May 1911 to a blue-collar worker's family in
Petrovaradin. He completed elementary school and 4 years of vocational secondary
school in Petrovaradin in 1926. From 1926 - 1929 he was learning a trade in the
"Ikarus" Factory in Novi Sad. After that he enrolled in the Yugoslav Army School
for Noncommissioned Officers but was arrested for his revolutionary activity in
1936. After his release from jail, he went to Spain in 1937, where he soon
proved to be a very brave soldier and an able commander. He commanded a bat-
talion and attained the rank of captain in the Spanish Republican Army. From
1939 to 1941 he was imprisoned in various camps in France and Germany before he
escaped to Yugoslavia.
After his return, Nadj was active in organizing armed uprisings in Kordun,
Bosanska Krajina, and eastern Bosnia by giving Partisans the benefit of his ex-
tensive war experience. In August 1941 he became a member of the Main Head-
quarters Staff of Bosnia-Hercegovina. In February 1942 he went to Bosanska
Krajina. In December 1942 he was appointed commander of the I Bosnian Corps,
in July 1943 commander of the III Bosnian Corps, in September 1944 commander
of the Main Headquarters of the Vojvodina, and in October 1944 commander of the
Third Army.
Under his command the Kra,,,ina units were significantly successful in the
liberation of Jajce, Prijedor, Bihac, and other places. In 1943, when he was
commander of the III Bosnian Corps, in less than two months be liberated eastern
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Bosnia, except Broke. He crossed the Drava River, liberated a large part of
Slavonija, and destroyed strong enemy concentrations near Dravograd. He was
commended five times by Tito for his able leadership.
At present, Nadj is a colonel general in the Yugoslav Army.
Radojica Nenezic: He was born on 23 September 1921 to a farm family in the
village of Bracanac, Nikeic Srez. He completed elementary school in Markusica,
one year of vocational secondary school, and 4 years in the gymnasium in Osijek.
Since he was poor, he had to give up his studies and engage in farming in Ada,
Slavonija. As a farm worker, he came in contact with' progressive youth and be-
came a member of the SKOJ in 1938. Being a very active and tireless worker for
the party, he became a party member in May 1940.
In June 1941, Nenezic had to flee because of the Ustashi. He went to Klenje,
Bogatic Srez, where he participated in preparations for an uprising under the
leadership of the party organization. When the Macva Partisan Detachment was
formed, he joined it, became corporal, and then sergeant. In April 1942 he was
appointed to the Headquarters Guard of the Supreme Headquarters and remained with
it until he was sent to Slavonija in September 1942. He became a battalion com-
mander in the 1st Slavonian Partisan Detachment. When the 12th Proletarian Bri-
gade was formed, he was appointed deputy brigade commander. In December 1942
he was appointed commander of the 17th Brigade. In May 1943, after successfully
commanding the brigade in the "Braun" Offensive in Slavonija, he was appointed
deputy commander of the 28th Division. In September 1943 he was appointed chief
of staff of the VI Slavonian Corps, and in February 1944 commander of the 28th
Division, a post in which he remained until the end of the war.
Nenezic distinguished himself by his bravery and able leadership in the
battles in Macva in 1941; in the assault against Ustashi garrisons in Orljavac
and Spanovica in 1942; in the battles for the liberation of Serbia, Belgrade,
and Bijeljina in 1944; and in the liberation of Kostajnica, Petrinja, and other
places.
Vangel "Tunel" Pecevski: He was born on 17 March 1922 to a blue-collar
worker's family in Bitolj. He lost his father very early. After completing
elementary school, young Pecevski found a job in the tobacco station in Bitolj
and was active in the progressive labor movement before the war. In 1941,
Pecevski was a member of the SKOJ and was very active in the National Liberation
Movement, acting as courier, distributing pamphlets, and carrying arms and other
materiel. At the beginning of 1942, he was arrested and interned in northern
Bulgaria because of his work In the National Liberation Movement. Immediately
after his release in July 1942, he joined the "Damjan Grujev" Partisan Detach-
ment, where he served as a soldier and top-secret courier. Because of his de-
pendability and bravery, he became a party member in January 1943. Necevski be-
came one of the best couriers in Macedonia and was assigned as courier to the
Main Headquarters of Macedonia.
Necevski distinguished himself especially in December 1942 when he was
carrying party material and mail from Greece to Bitolj. Although surrounded
by frontjer guards, he broke through with his material. In 1943, while execut-
ing an order of the Main Headquarters of Macedonia, he was able to establish
contact with Kavadar Detachment, which had crossed over into Greece, by making
his way for 9 days through completely unknown territory. Durjng 1944 he suc-
ceeded several times in establishing connections between the Central Committee
of Macedonia with party organizations in the cities, despite Bulgarian `-lockades.
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Gojko Nikolia: He was born on 11 August 1911 to a priest's family in the
village of Sjenicak, Vrgin Most Srez. He completed elementary school in Sjenicak
in 1920. He graduated from the gymnasium in Sremski Karlovci and studied medi-
cine in Belgrade University, from which he graduated in 1936. While at Belgrade
University, he came in contact with progressive students and joined the revolu-
tionary labor movement. He became a member of the SKOJ in 1934 and was admitted
to party membership in May 1935. In 1937 he went to Spain, where he was di-
rector of a hospital. and later was a battalion physician with the rank of let
lieutenant to the 11th International Brigade. He returned to Yugoslavia in
1939 and was upemployed until 1941.
Immediately after Yugoslavia was occupied, Nikolis began to prepare for
an uprising in his area. He organized a May Day celebration in Sjenicak and
then went to Belgrade, where he began to work on preparations for an armed up-
rising under the direction of the party. He was given the task of organizing
a medical service for Partisan units. In July 1941 he went from Belgrade to
Rankovicevo, where he participated in consolidating the Kraljevo Partisan De-
tachment. At the end of 1941 he was appointed Medical Administrator in the
Supreme Headquarters and remained in that post until the end of the war. He
deserves much credit for organizing the medical service in Partisan units and
later in National Liberation Army units.
At present, Nikolia is a lieutenant-colonel general in the Yugoslav Army.
Stevo Opacic: He was born on 15 October 1921 to a poor farm family in
the village of Biocic, Knin Srez. Until 1941 he was a farm worker.
In July 1941, Opacic became active in the National Liberation movement.
In October he joined Partisan units in the Knin area. When the 2d Dalmatian
Proletarian Brigade was formed, he joined it. He became a member of the Yugo-
slav Communist Party in November 1942. In January 1943 he was appointed cor-
poral of the "Groin Desetine" (Thunder Platoon) of the 3d Battalion, which was
known for its courage and ability to carry out all assignments. He and his
platoon were the first to cross the Neretva during the Fourth Offensive. Un-
der heavy Chetnik fire, he led his soldiers in the assault and destroyed a
Chetnik machine gun and bunker with hand grenades, thus making it possible for
his brigade and the main forces of the National Liberation Army to cross the
Neretva. In the battle at Bare during the Fifth Offensive, single handed,
killed seven Germans. Although wounded in the leg, he was the last to leave
the fight, covering the retreat of his unit. Because of this heroic action, he
became known as one of the bravest soldiers in the brigade. At the end of 1943
he became a company commander. In May 1944 he was transferred to the 19th Dal-
matian Division as a battalion commander and remained in that post until the
end of the war.
At present, Janie is a major in the Yugoslav Army.
Marko Pericin: He was born on 4 March 1912 to a poor farm family in the
village of Grgurevci, Sremska Miltovica Srez. He completed elementary school in
Grgurevci and then engaged in farming. He completed his wheelwright apprentice-
ship in Sremaka Mitrovica in 1928 and worked as wheelwright in various villages
in the Vojvodina until 1941.
Pericin became active in the National Liberation Movement in July 1941 by
helping to organize underground armed groups in Srem. He was among the first to
join the Fruska Gore Partisan Detachment in August 1941. He helped political
prisoners escape from the prison in Sremska Mitrovica. He distinguished himself
by his extraordinary bravery and became very popular among both civilians and
soldiers. He joined the Yugoslav Communist Party in March 1942. The next month
he became a company commander and in June a battalion commander. In March 1943
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he was appointed commander of the Srem Detachment and shortly afterwards became
commander of the 1st Vojvodina Brigade. In March 1944 he was appointed a di-
vision commander and remained in this post until the end of the war.
Pericin was commended three times by Supreme Headquarters for his bravery
and able leadership. He distinguished himself especially in the battle in
Fruska Gore, where he contributed to the destruction of a whole Ustashi unit;
in the battle against the Germans near Dvorac in October 1942, where although
wounded, he led the assault of his unit and thus contributed greatly to the
victory of the Partisan units over the Germans in Bosut forests; in the fight
against the Chetniks in Malesevci in November 1942; in the attack on Vlasenica
in 1943; and during the crossing of the Drina by the XII Corps in September 1944.
At present, Pericin is a major general in the Yugoslav Army.
?Dragoljub Petrovic: He was born on 18 November 1919 to a farm family in
the village of Petrovac, Leskovac Srez. He completed elementary school in
Boskovci and one year in the gymnasium to Leskovac. After that he was a farm
worker *~ntil 1941. He was a progressive anu took part in the work of the SKOJ
in Leskovac Srez.
After June 1941, Petrovic was active in the National Liberation Movement,
participating in sabotage and organizing armed groups. The following October
he joined the Jablanica Partisan Detachment and in November was admitted to
party membership. At the end of 1941 he became a company commander in the
Jablanica Partisan Detachment. During 1942 he was assigned to various duties.
When the let South Morava Detachment was formed in February 1943, he became
battalion deputy political commissar. In November he became a political com-
missar in the 2d South Morava Brigade. During 1944 he was deputy commander and
commissar of the 21st Division, and later was sent to school.
Petrovic proved to be an extraordinarily brave and very able commander.
He was commended several times for his able leadership during the enemy offen-
sive against the units of southern Serbia. He was wounded four times during the
National Liberation War.
D.lurad.l Predolevic: He was born on 15 April 1915 to a poor. farm family in
the village of Luska Palanka, Bihac Srez. He completed elementary school in
Luska Palanka in 1925 and did farm work until 1934. In the latter year he en-
rolled in the Yugoslav Army School for Noncommissioned Officers and served as
a noncommissioned officer in various places until 1941.
After Yugoslavia capitulated, he returned home with his arms. After Yugo-
slavia was occupied, Predojevic participated in preparations for an uprising.
When it began on 27 July 1941, he joined the Podgrmec Partisan Detachment. Be-
cause he distinguished himself by his bravery and able leadership, he soon be-
came a company commander and then a battalion commander. He became a party
member in April 1942. In August he was appointed commander of the 2d Krajina
Brigade, in 1943 deputy commander of the 11th Division, and in March 1944 com-
mander of the 53d Division.
Predojevic was commended four times for his bravery and able leadership.
He distinguished himself especially in the battles in Suvaca and Ljubi.ja in
1941, in the battles for the liberation of Jajce in September 1942 (for which
he was commended by Tito), in the assault on Bosanska Krupa in August 1942, in
the attack on Sanski Most in December 1942, in the liberation of Derventa in
1944, in the final operations for the liberation of Yugoslavia, and in the
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fighting against the Germano in the Bosna River valley. He was seriously
wc,:nded three times. He was very popular in the Krajina units nti among the
people of Podgrmec. a
At present, Predojevic is a colonel in the Yugoslav Army.
Dako Puac: He was born on 27 November 1919 to a farm family in the vil-
lage of Krusevo, Slavonska Pozega Srez. He completed elementary school in
Strezevica in 1930 and did farm work until the beginning of his military
training period in 1940.
After Yugoslavia's capitulation, Puac returned to his native village.
In May 1941, he became active in preparations for an uprising under the di-
rection of the party organization. On 27 October 1941, he joined the Slavo-
nian Partisan Detachment, which was being formed at that time, and soon be-
came a company commander. In June 1942 he was appointed battalion commander,
and then deputy commander of the 12th Slavonian Brigade. He became a member
of the Communist Party in 1942. In May 1943 he took over the post of com-
mander of the 21st Brigade if the 28th Slavonian Division, which was newly
forced. He was seriously wounded at Podvornica in Pokuplje in January 1944
and was sent to Italy for treatment. The following August, although still
disabled, he joined fighting units and in November 1944 was appointed commander
of the 24th Serbian Division, where he remained until the war ended.
Puac distinguished himself especially in the attack on Gornji Vrhovci in
December 1941 and in the fighting for the liberation of Vocin, Virovitica,
Koprivnica, and other places.
At present, Puac is a colonel in the Yugoslav Army.
Ili,ja Radakovic: He was born on 6 April 1923 to a blue-collar worker's
family in the village of Josani, Udbina Srez. He completed elementary school
in Otric near Gracac, spent 4 years in the gymnasium in Gospic, and studied in
the teachers' school in Gospic. While attending the last-named school, he was
working for the party. He worked with progressive youth organizations after
1937. Because of his progressive ideas, he was expelled from the teachers'
school but continued his studies in Petrinja.
After the occupation, Radakovic returned to Otric, lived underground, and
helped prepare for an uprising and organize armed groups. On the first day of
the uprising in Lika, he became commissar of the Guerilla Detachment and par-
ticipated in the battles near Gracac and Srb, where he distinguished himself
by his bravery. He became a member of the party in December 1941. In November
1941 he joined the "Marko Oreskovic" Battalion, in December he became a company
commissar, and in April 1942 a battalion commissar. When the Knin Brigade was
formed in August 1943, he became its commissar, and in January 1945 commissar
of the 19th Division, where he remained until the end of the war.
Radakovic was wounded several times and was commended for bravery and able
leadership on several occasions. He distinguished himself in the first armed
uprising near Graeae, in the liberation of Donji Lapse in February 1942, and in
the liberation of Srb in March 1942.
At present, Radakovic is a colonel in the Yugoslav Army.
Lazo Radakovic: He was born on 12 April 1913 to a farm family in the vil-
lage of Mogoric, Gospic Srez. He completed elementary school in Mogoric in
1923 and studied in the gymnasium in Gospic but left school in the sixth year
because of disagreements with the professors. He graduated from the Yugoslav
Army School for Noncommissioned Officers in 1934 and served in various places
until 1941. During the capitulation, he was arrested by the Ustashi but escaped
and returned to his birthplace.
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Because the Ustashi made several attempts to arrest him again, Radakovic
lived underground until the uprising started. In July 1941 he participated with
the "Velebit" Detachment in the first battles against the Ustashi in the Gospic
sector. Because of his bravery, he was admitted to membership in the Yugoslav
Communist Party in October 1941. He was appointed a battalion commander in
December 1941, and at the beginning of 1942 deputy detachment commander. In
January 1943 he became commander of the let Brigade of the 6th Proletarian Di-
vision, and in November 1944 chief of staff of the division. In 1943 he was
promoted to the rank of major. He was wounded four times and was awarded three
medals for bravery.
At present, Radakovic is a colonel in the Yugoslav Army.
Peter Radevic: He was born on 29 June 1918 to a farm family in the vil-
lage of Rogami, Titograd Srez. He completed elementary school in Rogami in
1929, graduated from the gymnasium in Titograd in 1938, and enrolled in the
Lower School of the Military Academy. When the war began, he held the rank of
second lieutenant in the Air Force.
After the Yugoslav Royal Army capitulated, Radevic fought his way to his
village and immediately became active in preparations for an uprising under the
direction of the party organization. He taught military science and the han-
dling of arms to youth. He joined the Rogami Guerilla Detachment on 13 July
1941 and distinguished himself by his bravery. In December 1941 he was ap-
pointed sergeant and then company commander in the 1st Proletarian brigade. He
became a member of the party in 1942. In September 1942 he became a battalion
commander in the let Dalmatian Brigade, with which he went through heavy fight-
ing during the Fourth and Fifth Offensives. Because he was a former Air Force
officer, he was assigned to take an aeronautical course in 1944. After its com-
pletion, he was appointed commander of an air regiment.
Radevic was commended several times for his bravery and leadership.
At present, Radevic is a colonel in the Yugoslav Army.
Steve Raus: He was born on 26 October 1916 to a farm family in the vil-
lage of Brezicani, Prijedor Srez. He completed elementary school in Brezicani
and then did farm work. He began his military training in 1937. From 1939 -
1941 he was again engaged in farm work. He participated in party work and
joined the labor movement. Because of his revolutionary work and a conscien-
tious fulfillment of party tasks, he was admitted to party membership in Janu-
ary 1941.
After Yugoslavia capitulated, Raus participated in preparations for an up-
rising and lived underground until the uprising began. He joined the Partisans
'in August 1941. Proving to be very brave and intelligent, he was appointed
sergeant in the 2d Krajina Detachment in October 1941, and at the beginning of
1942 company commander. When the 1st Krajina Proletarian Brigade was formed,
he was appointed battalion commander, in October 1942 deputy brigade commander,
and in September 1943 brigade commander. At the end of 1944 he was appointed
deputy commander of the 4th Krajina Division, and in April 1945 commander of the
24th Division.
Raus proved to be an able, steady, and excellent commander. His brave con-
duct and his presence in the front lines inspired soldiers with confidence. He
distinguished himself in the battles for the liberation of Kljuc in August 1942
and for the liberation of Bihac in November 1942, in the battles on Kopaonik in
August 1944, and in the liberation of Arand,jelovac in September 1944.
At present, Raus is a colonel in the Yugoslav Army.
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Ante Rastegorac: He was born on 8 September 1923 to a farm family in the
vi]Lage of Zloselo near Kupres. He completed elementary school in Zloselo and
spent 2 years in the gymnasium in Travnik. After 1935 he worked as a hired
hand in Sarajevo. The next year he entered the railroad repair shop in Sara-
jevo as an apprentice. After completing his apprenticeship, he worked as an
electrician until 1941. He became a member of the SKOJ in 1939.
After Yugoslavia was occupied, Rastegorac became active in the National
Liberation Movement, collecting arms and ammunition, delivering pamphlets, and
performing similar tasks. He was arrested twice but went underground after
his second arrest and then joined the Kalinovik Detachment. In March 1942 he
was transferred to the let Proletarian Brigade, in which he became a r:rgeant
in July;,in December 1942 he was admitted to party membership. He became a
deputy company commander in January 1943, and in May deputy company commissar.
After the Fifth Offensive he was appointed electrician in Supreme Headquarters,
and was later sent to Italy and appointed company commander in the National De-
fense Battalion. After the liberation of Belgrade, he and his company went
there and became a part of the Guard Brigade. In March 1945 he was appointed
a battalion commander of the KNOJ (Korpus Narodrie odbrane Jugoslavije, Yugo-
slav National Defense Corps).
Rastegorac was seriously wounded three times. He distinguished himself
especially during the crossing of the Drina in April 1943, when he and several
comrades volunteered to cross the Drina on a small raft under heavy enemy fire,
took the Chetnik positions with hand grenades, and made it possible for the
rest of the brigade and the 1st Proletarian Division to cross. He also dis-
tinguished himself in the fighting in Kocino Brdo, Zlatni Bor, and in other
places.
At Present, Rastegorac holds the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Ivan Rukavina: He was born on 26 January 1912 to a blue-collar worker's
family in Otocac. He completed the gymnasium in Ogulin and studied medicine in
Zagreb University, where he came in contact with progressive students and was
admitted to membership in the SKOJ in 1933. Because of this revolutionary ac-
tivity he had to terminate his studies in 1934 and go abroad. He became a party
member in 1935. At the end of 1936 he went to Spain, where he distinguished
himself as a brave soldier and able leader, became a battalion commander with
the rank of captain, and was seriously wounded. In 1939 he returned to Yugo-
slavia and served his military training period. He was unemployed until 1941,
but he worked for the party. Since he was an anti-Fascist, he was sent to a
concentration camp at the beginning of 1941 but was released after Yugoslavia
capitulated.
After Yugoslavia was occupied, Rukavina, who was a member of the Military
Committee for Croatia, helped organize armed units in Pokuplje, Kordun, Banija,
and Zagreb. In August 1941 he was appointed commander of the Partisan Units
for Kordun and Banija. When the Main Headquarters of Croatia was formed in
November 19411 he was appointed its commander and remained at that post until
the end of 1943. During 1944 he was commander of the IV Croatian Corps on
duty at Supreme Headquarters and in November became commander of the Military
Administration of the Vojvodina. Shortly before the war ended, he was appointed
head of the Yugoslav Military Mission in Paris.
Rukavina deserves much credit for the organization of the uprising and for
the stabilization of military units in Croatia. He was a brave and able com-
mander.
At present, Rukavina is a lieutenant-colonel general in the Yugoslav Army.
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Janko Sekirnik: He was born on 18 May 1921 to a farm family in the vil-
lage of Sveta Katarina, Rogaska Slatina Srez. He completed elementary school
in Rogaska Slatina in 1933 and completed 3 years in the trade school and his
apprenticeship in Ljubljana in 1939. He was employed as a chimney sweep in
Ljubljana until 1941. While still a youth he joined the progressive labor move-
ment, popularizing the Spanish Civil War, gathering contributions, and dis-
tributing pamphlets. When Yugoslavia was attacked, he joined the army as a
volunteer by order of the party.
Sekirnik became active in the National Liberation Movement under the
direction of Ljubo Sercer in July 1941. At the end of that month he became
a courier between the Main Headquarters of Slovenia and Partisan units. Be-
cause of his bravery and devotion to duty, he became a member of the party in
October 1941. As a courier he was twice arrested by the Italians but bore up
well in the resulting interrogations. He became a sergeant in December 1941
and then a company commander in the Styrian Battalion. In June 1942 he was
appointed a battalion commander, in the middle of 1943 a brigade commander, and
in May 1944 a division commander.
'Sekirnik was wounded nine times. He distinguished himself at the Sava
River in May 1942, when he continued to fight although twice wounded. He was
commended for this feat by the Main Headquarters of Slovenia. He deserves much
credit for his leadership in the march to Styria. He was commended for bravery
and leadership several times in 1943 and 1944.
At present, Sekirnik is a colonel in the Yugoslav Army.
Ratko Sofijanic: He was born on 4 March 1915 to a farm family in the vil-
lage of Dubrava, Moravica Srez. He completed elementary school and then studied
the tailoring trade; he completed the latter study in 1933. He worked as a
tailor's helper in Cacak and Ivanjica. While serving his apprenticeship, he
came in contact with progressive workers, joined the revolutionary labor move-
ment, and worked in URS organizations. He participated in strikes and was ar-
rested in 1939 for having participated in demonstrations. Because he was a
progressive blue-collar worker, he was admitted to membership in the Yugoslav
Communist Party in September 1941.
After Yugoslavia was occupied, Sofijanic was among the first to join the
Moravica Company of the Uzice Partisan Detachment in July. He distinguished
himself by his bravery and became a company commander in the Uzice Partisan De-
tachment. At the beginning of 1942 he was appointed commander of the 2d Uzice
Battalion. When the 2d Proletarian Brigade was formed, he-was appointed bri-
gade commander in March 1942. During 1942 - 1943 he worked in various positions.
In August 1944 he was appointed commander of the 24th Serbian Division, and then
commander of the 22d Serbian Division. At the end of 1944 he was sent to school.
Sofijanic distinguished himself during the march of the Proletarian Bri-
gades to Bosanska Krajina, in the liberation of Jaee on 25 September 1942, and
during the Fifth Offensive at Gornje Bare and Ijonje Bare, one of the most bril-
liant operations of the 2d Dalmatian Brigade. He was commended for his bravery
several times.
At present, Sofijanic is a major general in the Yugoslav Army.
Dragutin Stanic: He was born on 13 February 1913 to a poor' miner's family
in the village of Gornje Vodicevo, Bosadkl Vovi Srez. He completed elementary
school in?Dobrljin in 1925. He did farm work and later worked as a miner. He
became a party member in 1941.-
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After Yugoslavia was occupied, Stanic collected arms and prepared for the
uprising under the direction of party organization. He was among the first to
join the Partisans. Being very brave, he soon became a corporal, then a ser-
geant in the 2d Krajina Partisan Detachment. In April 1942 he was appointed
a company commander. Because he distinguished himself during the offensive on
Kozara Mountain, he was appointed a battalion commander in the lot Krajina Bri-
gade immediately after the offensive. In June 1943 he was appointed a brigade
commander and promoted to the rank of major.
Stanic proved his extraordinary bravery In February 1942 in a battle against
a strong German column which was moving from Dubica toward the liberated area;
in the battles near Piskavica in 1942, where he led his platoon against an enemy
battalion; and in the battles for the liberation of Jajce, Bihac, Tuzla, and
other places.
Trajko Stojkovski: He was born on 10 January 1923 to a poor farm family
in Kumanovo. After completing elementary school, he began to learn a trade.
While a young worker, he joined progressive labor youth. As a member of the
SKOJ since 1941, he worked among youth, collected arms, distributed pamphlets,
and performed similar duties. He joined the Kumanovo Partisan Detachment on
10 June 1943. When the 3d Macedonian Brigade was formed, he joined it and soon
became a company commander, and then battalion commander. In September 1944 he
was appointed commander of the 12th Macedonian Brigade.
Stojkovski distinguished himself as a soldier, a gunner, and a leader,
very often playing the main role in defeating enemy units. He distinguished
himself in the battle in Dragomanci in September 1943; in the battle near Drenek
in December 1943, where he made it possible for the Kumanovo Battalion to hold
its position and launch a counterattack against the "Lojane" mine, where he at-
tacked although wounded; and in the battles of the liberation of Skoplje, where
he made a breakthrough and prevented the Germans form destroying the bridges
across the Vardar River.
At present, Stojkovski holds the rank of captain.
Niko Strugar: He was born on 21 May 1901 to a farm family in the village
of GornJi Ceklin, Cetinje Srez. He completed elementary school in GornJi Ceklin
in 1912 and enrolled in the gymnasium in Cetinje but had to give up his studies
because of World War I. He engaged in farming until 1941, except for short in-
tervals when he worked as a day laborer. He was a Communist Party sympathizer
and was arrested for participating in the Belvedere demonstrations in 1936.
After Yugoslavia was occupied, Strugar participated in the first uprisings
in the Cetinje area, was soon appointed a platoon leader, then, at the beginning
of 1942 a company commander, and in March a battalion commander in the Lovcen
Detachment. He became a member of the party in May 1942. When the 4th Monte-
negrin Proletarian Brigade was formed, he was appointed a battalion commander.
In November 1943, when a group of battalions was sent to Montenegro to develop
the National Liberation struggle and to destroy the Chetniks, he was appointed
commander of the Battalion Shock Group. In January 1944 he was appointed com-
mander of the 7th Montenegrin Brigade.
Strugar proved his extraordinary bravery and distinguished himself as a
battalion commander during the Fourth Offensive on Bileca Guvno Mountain in
his struggle to protect the wounded. By his extraordinary heroism and the
heroism of his soldiers, he succeeded in protecting 4,000 wounded from Ustashi
and German units. Tito, in a written commendation, cited him for his heroism.
Strugar also distinguished himself in the battles for Plevlje in 1941, in the
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battles for Kupres in 1942, in the liberation of Dreznica and Jablanica in 1943,
and in the Fifth Offensive. He was several times commended by Supreme Head-
quarters and the Main Headquarters of Montenegro for his heroic conduct and able
command.
At present, Strugar is a colonel in the Yugoslav Army.
Vojin Todorovic: He was born on 12 March 1914 to a blue-co12ar worker's
family in Mostar. He had graduated from the gymnasium and had learned the
saddlery trade in Sarajevo by 1933. He studied veterinary medicine and agricul-
ture in Zagreb University, where he joined progressive youth and became a mem-
ber of the SKOJ in October 1933 and a member of the party in March 1934. He
was active among working youth in Sarajevo during school vacations, was arrested
for this activity in 1936, but was released for lack of evidence in 1937. In
August 1937 he went to Spain. In 1939 he was transferred to France and then to
Germany, where be was a committee member of the National Party Group of Spanish
Volunteers.
After Yugoslavia was occupied, Todorovic succeeded, through party connections,
in returning to Yugoslavia in July 1941 and went to Bosanska Krajina. Soon after,
he was appointed commander of the "Gavrilo Princip" Battalion in the Grahovo area,
and then commander of the Grahovo Battalion. In December 1941 he became deputy
commander of the 1st Krajina Detachment. In February 1942 he was appointed com-
mander of shock battalions. The following May he was appointed deputy commander
of the let Krajina Brigade, and at the end of 1942 its commander. In 1943 he
was deputy commander of the 4th Krajina Division, and in March 1944 commander of
the 39th Banja Luka Division. At the end of the war he was commander of the 10th
Division.
Todorovic proved to be a very brave soldier and an able commander. He dis-
tinguished himself in the battles near Bosanski Novi at the beginning of 1942,
near Budimlic Japra in February 1942, and in the attack on the Rajlovac airfield
in August 1943, for which he was commended by the Supreme Commander. He deserves
much credit for the significant successes of the let Krajina Brigade in the liber-
ation of Jajce, Bihac, and other towns. 'In the final struggle for the liberation
of Yugoslavia, he penetrated deep into enemy positions and forced many enemy units
to surrender. He was commended several times.
At present, Todorovic is a lieutenant-colonel general in the Yugoslav Army.
Mate U,jevic: He was born on 26 April 1920 to a blue-collar worker's family
in the village of Krivodol, Imotski Srez. He completed elementary school in
Krivodol in 1932, completed 3 years in the secondary vocational school in Imotski,
and then enrolled in the technical school in Nis but had to give up his studies
because of poverty. In 1934 he got a job in the Bogovina mine, where he completed
his apprenticeship in 1938. He worked as a mechanic at Ivanjica until 1940. He
joined the progressive labor movement durinC, his apprenticeship and in July 1940
became a party member.
After Yugoslavia capitulated, UJevic lived in Krivodol for a short time, but
being persecuted by the Ustashi, he escaped to Serbia where he went underground
because the Germans knew he was an active Communist. Upon his arrival in Serbia,
he became active in preparing for the armed uprising and helped organize the
Moravica Company of the Uzice Detachment, first becoming its deputy commissar,
and in November 1941 its commissar. When the 2d Proletarian Brigade was formed,
he was appointed a battalion commissar. In April 1943 he was appointed commissar
of he 2d Dalmatian Proletarian Brigade, with which he fought through the Fourth
and Fifth Offensives. In June 1944 he worked in the Oblast Council of the National
Liberation Front of Dalmatia.
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Ujevic became an example of bravery in his unit. Although he was wounded
four times, he always returned to duty before he was well. He distinguished him-
self in the battle on Zivanj Mountain on 13 June 1942, in the struggle for the
liberation of Kupres, on the Neretva River, and in the operations at Gornje Bare
and Donje Bare, where his brigade accomplished one of its most brilliant feats
by resisting continuous attacks of ten times stronger Germans, making it possible
for the main Partisan forces to break through at Sutjeska and Zelengora.
At present, Ujevic is a colonel in the Yugoslav Army.
Franjo Herljevic: He was born on 21 June 1915 to a poor blue-collar workers
family in Tuzla. After completing elementary school, he attended the gymnasium
but had to give up his studies because of poverty. From 1932 - 1936 he studied
printing in Tuzla and then worked as a printer in Tuzla, Sarajevo, and Belgrade.
He participated in URS activities and became a member of the Yugoslav Communist
Party in 1940.
After Yugoslavia was occupied, Herljevic helped prepare for the uprising un-
der the directives of the party organization in Tuzla, and on 22 June 1941 he left
Tuzla for the field. In August 1941, as platoon leader of the Bircane Detachment,
he participated in the first battles against the Ustashi and Home Defense troops
in the Vlasenica and Zvornik areas. In October 1941 he was appointed a company
commander in the Majevica Detachment. When the Chetniks made a surprise attack
on the headquarters of the Majevica Detachment and he was ordered to inform the
Ozren Partisans of the situation, he did so by making his way through numerous
Chetnik ambushes. In July 1942 he became commander of the Proletarian Company
in the Bircane Detachment, and in October commander of the 6th Eastern Bosnian
Proletarian Brigade. In February 1943 he was appointed a battalion commander
of the 6th Brigade, and in May deputy commander of the 15th Majevica Brigade.
In September 1943, when the 18th Croatian Brigade was formed, he became its com-
mander, and in October 1944 commander of the 38th Division.
Herljevic distinguished himself by his personal bravery and able leadership
in the battles with the Germans in the Bosut forests in November 1942, during the
Fifth Offensive, in the battles on Zlatni Bor Mountain, in the liberation and de-
fense of Tuzla in October 1943, in the battles at Borogovo near Sekovic, in the
liberation of Sarajevo, and in a number of other operations. He was commended
twice and was wounded several times.
At present, Herljevic is a major general in the Yugoslav Army.
No Sibl: He was born on 28 October 1916 to a white-collar worker's family
in Virovitica. He studied in secondary and teachers' schools in Virovitica,
Zagreb, Cakovec, and Vrsac until 1937. He was unemployed until 1939 because he
belonged to the progressive youth movement. After completing his military train-
ing, he was employed in Bujanovci and later became librarian in the Advanced Eco-
nomic School. in Zagreb.
After Yugoslavia capitulated, Sibl, as a member of the SKOJ, helped organize
an armed shock group in Zagreb. In September he and the group accomplished sev-
eral missions in Zagreb, such as slaying the known Ustashi spy, Meyerhold (for
which Sibl was admitted to party membership), and killing German airmen. These
actions contributed greatly to the development of the National Liberation Movement
in Zagreb. Because he was in danger of being arrested by the Ustashi police for
these activities, he went underground and was transferred through party connections
to liberated Banija in January 1942. He participated in the first skirmishes in
Barija and soon became political delegate of a platoon and a company commissar in
the Banija Partisan Detachment. In July 1942 he was appointed a battalion commis-
ear of the Kalnik Partisan Detachment. In May 1943 he was appointed commissar of
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the 17th Slavonian Brigade, then commissar of the 28th Division, and in October
1943 commissar of the 2d Operational Zone. In January 1944 he was appointed
commissar of the X Zagreb Corps.
Sibl participated in many battles in Banija, Slavonija, and the Croatian
Zagorje and distinguished himself as an unusually brave soldier and very able
commander. He deserves much credit for the successes of Partisan units in
Slavonija and the Croatian Zagorje. He was commended several times.
At present, Sibl is a major general in the Yugoslav Army.
Bosko Siljegovic: He was born on 6 May 1915 to a priest's family in the
village of Mirkovac, Bosanska Dubica Srez. He completed elementary school in
Medjuvodje and Dvoriste and 4 years study in the gymnasium in Prijedor and
Banja Luka in 1930. He attended teachers' schools in Banja Luka, Karlovac, and
Negotin. He studied philosophy in Skoplje and Zagreb, but he was expelled from
the Zagreb Faculty because of his revolutionary activity in 1939. After that,
he worked on recruiting youth and farmers for the revolutionary movement. Be-
cause of his progressive work and devotion to party duties, he became a party
member in September 1940.
After Yugoslavia was occupied, Siljegovic had to go underground because the
Ustashi were looking for him because he was a Communist. He helped prepare for
the armed uprising on Kozara Mountain. He joined Partisan units on 27 July 1941.
The next month he became the political delegate of his platoon, in September
battalion commissar, and in December commissar of the 2d Krajina Detachment.
From March to October 1942, as a member of the Okrug Council of the People's
Front, he helped organize the people's government and the People's Front. In
October 1942 he was appointed commissar of the 5th Kozara Brigade. At the end
of 1942 he was elected a member of the Oblast National Liberation Council of
Bosanska Krajina and a member of the Oblast Committee of the Yugoslav Communist
Party of Bosanska Krajina. In May 1943 he became commissar of the 4th Krajina
Division, in June 1944 commissar of the VIII Corps, and in March 1945 commissar
of the Fourth Army. Siljegovic deserves much credit for organizing the armed up-
rising on Kozara Mountain and for consolidating military units. As brigade, di-
vision, and corps commissar he achieved significant results in reeducating fight-
ers rpoliticalIZ7 and in developing morale, with the result that units under his
leadership achieved great successes in liberating Yugoslavia. He was commended
several times by Tito.
At present, Siljegovic is a lieutenant-colonel general in the Yugoslav Army.
Vitomir Sirola: He was born on 16 September 1904 to a farm family in the
village of Brnasi, Susak Srez. He completed 6 years in the elementary school in
Sveti Matej in 1929 and 2 years in the artisans' school in Kastav in 1931. After
completing his apprenticeship, he worked as a commercial salesman in Susak until
1941.
After Yugoslavia capitulated, he became active in the National Liberation
Movement in September 1941. In November 1941 he joined the Tuhobici Company and
proved to be a brave and intelligent soldier. He was admitted to membership in
the party in 19142. He was appointed company commander in the 2d Primorje-Goranski
Detachment, and in June battalion commander. At the end of 1942 he was appointed
detachment commander of the 5th Operational Zone, in September 1941, brigade com-
mander, and in December 1944 commander of the Operational Staff of Istria.
Sirola distinguished himself in the battles in Tuhobici in 1941, where he
contributed greatly to the destruction of strong Italian forces, and where, in
November 1941, unarmed, he attacked an Italian guard and took his rifle. He also
distinguished himself as an able commander in defeating the offensive against
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Dreznica in 1943. He deserves much credit for the development of the National
Liberation Movement in Istria. He likewise distinguished himself in attacks on
enemy strongholds in Gracisce, Sumbreg, Sveta Nedelja, Moscenice, and in other
places. He became very popular with both the soldiers and the Istrian people.
At present, Sirola is a colonel in the Yugoslav Army.
Milan Sijan: He was born on 15 September 1944 to a poor farm family in the
village of Kumrovo, Donji Lapac Srez. After he completed elementary school in
Kumrovo, he left Kumrovo when he was 17 to find a job. He worked in various
parts of Serbia and after 1933 did manual labor in Belgrade. He became active
in trade union activities especially among waterfront workers. He was arcepted
as a candidate for party membership in 1939. In December 1939, he was arrested
for his participation in demonstrations, and in January 1940 was arrested for
distributing pamphlets and sentenced to 14 months in prison. In April 1941, af-
ter his release from prison, he was escorted to Kumrovo.
After Yugoslavia was occupied, he became active in organizing an uprising
near Srb and was admitted to party membership. Shortly before the uprising, he
became a member of the Headquarters of the Guerilla Detachments of Srb and Vi-
cinity and also detachment commissar, and in September 1941 he became commissar
of the "Capajev" Partisan Detachment. He participated in the uprising and
proved to be a very brave soldier and an able leader. At the end of 1941 he be-
came commissar of the "Marko Oreskovic" Battalion, and in the spring of 1942
deputy commander of the 3d Lika Detachment. When shock battalions were formed,
he was appointed commander of the Lika Shock Battalion, then commander of the
1st Lika Brigade, and at the end of the year commander of the 3d Lika Brigade.
After the liberation of Belgrade, he became a member of the Bureau of the Local
Committee of the Yugoslav Communist Party for Belgrade and president of the
Local Trade Union Council.
Sian proved to be an extraordinarily bra soldier and able commander,
always at the head of each assault. He distinguished himself in the attack
against Ustashi and Home Defense Troops near Kulen Vakuf in October 1941, in
the liberation of Donji Lapac in February 1942, in the battles in the Knin area
in May 1942, in the Fourth Offensive at Zulesevica and Boricevac, in the des-
truction of the German attack against Drvar, and in other battles. He was
wounded four times.
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