Tribute
TRIBUTE
So all may know these few are not forgotten, that they are the true heroes:
- General William J. Donovan, US Army, first and only director of the OSS, the only recipient of our nation’s four highest medals: the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross and Medal, the National Security Medal, and numerous others, both American military and foreign, too numerous to name here. Without you, Wild Bill, a man of foresight and courage, the OSS would never have been born. It was an honor to have served under you.
- William J. Casey, friend and business partner, US Navy, appointed OSS – SI (Secret Intelligence) Chief for Europe by Gen. Donovan, recipient of the Bronze Star, appointed chairman of the SEC by President Nixon, and Director of the CIA under President Reagan. Bill, you were truly a great man.
- George Doundoulakis, my brother and business partner, US Army, OSS – SI, recipient of the Legion of Merit. Your guiding force helped to steer my life long before and after the war, without which I would not be who I am. As I recall your incomparable judgment and actions, I miss you now more than ever, George.
- Patrick Leigh Fermor, whose display of bravery and skill with the enemy I tried to follow and to whom my brother George and I owe our lives.
- Cosmas Yiapitzoglou, friend and Salonica’s chief Greek undercover operative, Greek Naval Intelligence. Without you, Cosmas, our “cell” would never have been successful.
- To the specially-trained men and women of the OSS, who served their country with distinction, honor and bravery.
- To the thousands of Greek civilians of Salonica, Christians and Jews, who suffered tremendously, were sent to German concentration camps, and were killed under Axis barbarity.