Junaci Domovinskog rata #12

The twelfth book from the well-known monographic series "Heroes of the Homeland War" by Davor Runtić represents another extremely important cornerstone in documenting the historical truth about the creation and defense of the Republic of Croatia. In this volume, the author combines touching personal destinies, military journeys of prominent commanders and warriors, and family tragedies with an overview of fateful events that marked the dramatic summer of 1991.

The first part of the book is dedicated to the detailed biographies of individuals and families who bore an immense burden in the fight for freedom. A special place is occupied by the poignant and heroic stories of the Vukovar families — Šoljić (headed by mother Kata Šoljić, a symbol of suffering and courage), Cirb and Vidaković — whose sufferings bear witness to the depth of the sacrifice of Vukovar and eastern Croatia. Runtić also brings stories about legendary pilots and commanders, such as Mirko Vukušić, and commanders and fighters such as Jasna Grlica, Mario Jadreško, Dragutin Bedžula, Zlatko Kopić, Željko Buljan, Mijo Čegrlj, Josip Tomašić - Osa, Zlatko Menges and Željko Živanović - Plavi Nula. Also, the war journeys of Vinko Jović - Biko, Ivan Vekić, Marija Lukić, Neven Martić, Ivan Nađ and Katica Osrečki are also covered. An important part is dedicated to key figures of the special police and the commanding elite, among them Zdravko Janić, Alen Klabot and Josip Lucić, whose role was crucial in the organization and management of the defense forces.

In the second part, under the chapter "Summer 1991", the author provides a broader historical and military context of the key months in which open war broke out. It analyzes the period in which Croatia, under a heavy arms embargo and pressure from the JNA, rapidly organized defense, the transition of police units into the National Guard Corps, and the first major defense operations across the battlefield.

With this work, Davor Runtić continues his mission of preserving the memory of the people and events that shaped Croatian history, leaving a lasting monument to the patriotism, courage and indomitable spirit of Croatian defenders.