Junaci Domovinskog rata #4

The fourth book in the acclaimed documentary-historical series Heroes of the Homeland War by Davor Runtić brings a new collection of poignant and authentic testimonies about the courage and sacrifice of Croatian defenders during the fateful year of 1991.

This volume explores and permanently records the war and life paths of fourteen participants in the defense: Zdenko Baričević, Goran Menges, Stjepan Mlakar, Steve Culej, Zoran Svitlanović, Katica Bandov, Branko Bošnjaković, Zvonko Ramač, dr. Adalbert - Valerijan Bjelik, Damjan Kraljević, Dubravko Dujić - Štruca, Karl Crk, Davor Kovačić and Ivica Šimunić.

Through archival materials, interviews with survivors, and family memories, the author reconstructs events on various battlefields, emphasizing the specific and extremely demanding roles of individuals — from frontline fighters and special forces, through medical personnel and doctors like Dr. Bjelik, to female veterans whose contribution to the war was invaluable, as confirmed by the moving story of Katica Bandov.

Runtić remains true to his recognizable style in this volume: instead of abstract military maps, he puts man at the center — his emotions, fears, moral strength, and selfless patriotism. The book is an invaluable historical record and a lasting monument to the people who, with their sacrifice, made the creation and preservation of the independent Republic of Croatia possible.