Col. Paul Brotzen, U.S. Embassy Belgrade defense attaché, lays a wreath at the Halyard Mission memorial in Pranjani, Serbia September 24, 2012. The memorial pays tribute to the friendship and alliance developed between U.S. airmen and the people of Serbia in 1944. During World War II more than 500 Airmen were shot down over occupied Serbia and rescued by local Serbians who ultimately assisted in the largest evacuation of troops behind enemy lines in the war. The people of Pranjani were instrumental in the success of the Halyard Mission rescue, as a small token of thanks, the U.S. European Command, U.S. Embassy and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Europe District delivered a new gymnasium to the Ivo Andric Primary School and the children of Pranjani.