Book Description About the Author Michael Palaich is a third-generation Croatian-American and producer of the documentary film “The Bleiburg Tragedy.” He is a contributor to several documentaries on the subject of Yugoslav war crimes. His role in Croatia’s liberation movement began in 1979 when he was recruited at the age of twenty-five. That recruitment led him on a long journey that began with anti-Yugoslav street demonstrations and ended with him becoming a Registered Foreign Agent for the Republic of Croatia during Croatia’s Homeland War. During Croatia’s War of Independence, he created the Pan National News Agency, served as a correspondent for the Croatian Information Center, WXYT Radio and Soldier of Fortune magazine. Ultimately, Palaich was indicted by the American government in 1996 and charged with smuggling weapons and night-vision equipment destined for Croatian forces during Croatia’s Homeland War. Palaich graduated Cum Laude from Wayne State University where he earned a BA degree in Political Science and Psychology. He is a father to two grown children and a grandfather to two grandchildren. Palaich is retired and lives in Croatia and Arizona with his wife, Sandra. He actively serves in the Prison Ministry for the Catholic Diocese of Phoenix. Read more Customers Review: Unbelievable story and so well written! I feel like I was taken right back to the time of the Croatian freedom for independence along with the author. What an incredible journey Michael Palaich traveled, I can only imagine how difficult it was for his family at the time. But when you believe in something so passionately, you will stop at nothing to see it through. Thank you so much for the history lesson, I enjoyed it immensely and I pray that someday I will get to visit this beautiful country by the Adriatic Sea.
This book is a must read for anyone interested in history. The collapse of the iron curtain seemed like background news to me as I passed through the 90s , living in the Detroit area. I was not connected to it. I did not how it would affect the Balkan and Eastern European immigrants living in my community. This book demonstrates the determination and conviction of those living in the Croation diaspora and their decades long struggle for independence in the former Yugoslavia. I grew up with the author on the Northwest side of Detroit, playing sports , partying. We went our separate ways. How fascinating it is to read of his direct and often dangerous involvement. Here is a man I knew. We shared humble roots but his life of involvement and commitment to the cause of his family’s homeland took him on a vastly different path. It is well written and provides a clear explanation of the Croation geopolitical history leading to its independence as well as an entertaining narrative of his deep and personal involvement in that history.
The author does a fine job for the reader of fitting the chronology of his own experiences along side the many elements of the fight for Croatian independence. The book traces how Michael Palaich became interested in the independence movement, how he became active in it in the US and abroad, and how it grew into a central focus for him, with details about some of the other important individuals in the struggle. Well-written and passionate. Highly recommended.
Defending Baka’s Homeland is a wonderful book written by Michael Palaich about not only an account of the Croatian War for Independence, but also a well-written, heartwarming story of one man’s growth from childhood to adulthood learning valuable life lessons while defending his principles. I strongly recommend it
This book is the incredible story of Mr. Palaich’s personal involvement in the fight for Croatia’s freedom. It is at times historical, at times personal, and at times a page turning thriller, all woven together in a very readable account. I highly recommend it.
This book is an amazing heartfelt historical journey that describes Michael Palaich’s love of family and country. It brings out courage and strength of character that no one could write about unless they were there. This is a book to save and read again.
Once I started reading it i could not stop . Thank you Micheal Palaich for writting this book . I really enjoyed it and highly recommended it.
Michael Palaich’s book is not only an insider’s story of Croatia’s struggle for independence, it serves as a window on patriotic obsession and commitment to do the right thing–something every citizen of every nation who values freedom should be reminded of. I enjoyed it immensely. |
10 reviews