Junaci Domovinskog rata #10

The tenth book in the extremely valuable monographic series "Heroes of the Homeland War" by Davor Runtić continues to systematically and in detail record the historical truth about the people who bore the burden of defending the Republic of Croatia during the Serbian aggression. Through authentic testimonies, military records and family memories, Runtić in this volume deals with the personal, professional and war journeys of prominent individuals, soldiers and civilians, whose names have remained permanently engraved in the foundations of the modern Croatian state.

A special focus of this book is placed on the fates of some of the most prominent heroes of the Homeland War, with an emphasis on the Vukovar and East Slavonia fronts, but also other battlefields throughout Croatia. The book thoroughly documents the lives of fighters such as Žarko Manjkas - Crvenkapa, the legendary HOS member and hero of the defense of Bogdanovci and Vukovar who gave his life penetrating minefields, and Alfred Hill - Attila, the first commander of the Military Police Company in Vukovar.

Runtić also brings stories of fearless defenders such as Drago Kasalo - Tank Terminator, a man known for his incredible courage in the fight against enemy armor on the Trpinjska Road, and Andrija Marić and Ivo Šoljić, whose comradeships testify to the indomitable spirit of defense. In addition to them, the book also covers the poignant biographies of defenders such as Zdravko Bezuk, Ivan Krajnović - Ića, Ivo Vučić - Dalton, Zvonimir Čutura, Boris Erdelji - Židov, Ivan Kovač, Ivan Poljak, Milan Štefanec, Krešimir Đaković, Toma Nikolić, and the Istrian defenders Sergij Šimec and Atos Eugenij Načinović.

A special emotional and human dimension is given to the volume by chapters dedicated to the wartime suffering of families and civilians, such as the tragic fates of Franc, Marica and Goran Vodenik, Jasna Šipoš and Jurica Džinić, Janko Sopka and Miroslav Busjak. Their fates depict not only the military aspect of warfare, but also the immense family sacrifice, personal loss, and selflessness.

With this work, author Davor Runtić manages to snatch from oblivion the memory of people who showed supreme courage in the most difficult moments. The book represents an invaluable historical and documentary source, written in an accessible and dignified style, thus paying due tribute to the heroes and ensuring that their patriotism remains a lasting inspiration for future generations.