2004 Press Releases

U.S. Embassy and Magnet Press Christen Slovak Translation of "World War II: OSS Tragedy in Slovakia" By Mr. Jim Downs In Honor of the 60th Anniversary of the SNP

Bratislava, August 26, 2004

In honor of the 60th anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising, the U.S. Embassy and Magnet Press will christen the Slovak translation of the book, "World War II: OSS Tragedy in Slovakia," by Jim Downs, which tells the stories of Americans involved in the events of the SNP.

The book will be christened at two receptions: on August 27 at 2:00 p.m. at the Radisson SAS Carlton Hotel in Bratislava, and on August 30 at 5:00 p.m. at the SNP Museum in Banska Bystrica. These events are open to the press.

Mr. Downs recently retired from a long career teaching history and wrote this book due to his passion for the subject. He will be present at both venues to sign the book. The book, which describes American and Slovak cooperation during the SNP, underlines a strong and enduring friendship, and is the first book on this topic to appear in the Slovak language.

The book tells the stories of American airmen shot down over Slovakia while fighting the Nazis. When the SNP broke out, many were assisted in their escape by Slovaks, who risked their lives to help them. The book also describes the missions of the U.S. Office of Strategic Services (OSS), which sent in teams of personnel and supplies to assist the uprising and rescue the freed airmen. The book relates tales of heroism and dramatic escapes from Germans as well as stories of capture, torture and death. It is a valuable addition to the historical record of the SNP.