Former opponents, now friends
24/11/2011
A US pilot and Serbian missile officer forged a unique friendship.
By Biljana Pekusic for Southeast European Times in Belgrade -- 24/11/11
 A documentary titled 21 seconds features former Yugoslav Army Colonel Zoltan Dani and US pilot Dale Zelko's story. [Biljana Pekusic/SETimes] |
Twelve years ago, Colonel Zoltan Dani commanded the 3rd Division air defence missile brigade of the Yugoslav Army. At the same time, US Air Force pilot Lieutenant Colonel Dale Zelko managed the "invisible" aircraft F-117A.
In March 1999, during the NATO air strikes over Serbia, Dani's brigade took down Zelko's plane, the first and only confirmed loss of the so-called stealth technology aircraft.
In October, the US pilot and Serbian missile officer met in response to Serbian film director Zeljko Mirkovic's initiative. In 2007, Mirkovic filmed a documentary of the event titled 21 seconds.
Mirkovic realised, he says, that both Dani and Zelko are exceptional people, who share some universal values.
"A lot of things coincided that we recognised as the 'road signs' -- and we all thought -- the [Zelko and Dani] story will actually be our story."
Email to a friend
Print Version 
Reportage
We welcome your comments on SETimes's articles.
It is our hope that you will use this forum to interact with other readers across Southeast Europe. In order to keep this experience interesting, we ask you to follow the rules outlined in the comments policy. By submitting comments, you are consenting to these rules. While SETimes.com encourages discussion on all subjects, including sensitive ones, the comments posted are solely the views of those submitting them. SETimes.com does not necessarily endorse or agree with the ideas, views, or opinions voiced in these comments. SETimes.com welcomes constructive discussion but discourages the use of copy-pasted materials, unaccompanied links and one-line slogans. This is a moderated forum. Comments deemed abusive, offensive, or those containing profanity may not be published.
SETimes's Comments Policy