# Draža Mihailović

> Yugoslav general (1893-1946)

**Wikidata**: [Q156122](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q156122)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draža_Mihailović)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/draza-mihailovic

## Summary
Draža Mihailović was a Yugoslav general (1893–1946) who led the Chetnik resistance against Axis occupation during World War II. A key figure in the royalist resistance movement, he commanded forces in Serbia and Montenegro, earning recognition from Allied powers for his anti-Nazi efforts. His legacy remains tied to the Chetnik movement and the broader struggle for Yugoslav independence.

## Biography
- Born: April 14, 1893 (or April 27, 1893, depending on sources), in the Kingdom of Serbia
- Nationality: Serbian, Yugoslav
- Education: Attended the École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr in France
- Known for: Leading the Chetnik resistance against Axis forces in World War II
- Employer(s): Royal Yugoslav Army, Chetnik movement
- Field(s): Military leadership, resistance warfare

## Contributions
- Led the Chetnik movement in Serbia and Montenegro during World War II, fighting against Axis occupation forces.
- Received the Military Cross from the British government for his anti-Nazi resistance efforts.
- Commanded Chetnik forces in the Balkans, engaging in guerrilla warfare against German and Italian occupiers.
- Played a role in the post-war resistance against communist Yugoslav authorities.

## FAQs
- **What was Draža Mihailović's role in World War II?** He led the Chetnik resistance movement in Yugoslavia, fighting against Axis occupation forces and earning recognition from Allied powers.
- **Where did Draža Mihailović receive military training?** He attended the École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr in France.
- **What awards did Draža Mihailović receive?** He was honored with the Military Cross by the British government and other decorations for his resistance efforts.
- **What was the Chetnik movement?** It was a royalist resistance group in Yugoslavia that fought against Axis forces and later communist authorities.
- **How did Draža Mihailović's legacy influence post-war Yugoslavia?** His actions contributed to the complex political landscape of Yugoslavia, shaping the conflict between royalists and communist forces.

## Why They Matter
Draža Mihailović's leadership of the Chetnik movement during World War II had a profound impact on the political and military landscape of Yugoslavia. His resistance efforts against Axis forces earned him recognition from Allied powers, but his post-war actions further complicated the region's political divisions. His legacy remains tied to the broader struggle for Yugoslav independence and the eventual rise of communist rule under Josip Broz Tito. Mihailović's military tactics and leadership continue to be studied as part of the broader narrative of resistance movements in the Balkans.

## Notable For
- Leading the Chetnik resistance against Axis occupation in World War II.
- Receiving the Military Cross from the British government for anti-Nazi efforts.
- Commanding guerrilla forces in Serbia and Montenegro during the war.
- Playing a key role in the post-war resistance against communist Yugoslav authorities.
- Being a prominent figure in the royalist movement in Yugoslavia.

## Body
### Early Life and Military Career
Draža Mihailović was born in the Kingdom of Serbia (part of the Ottoman Empire until 1882) and attended the École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr in France, where he received military training. He served in the Royal Yugoslav Army before World War II, where he gained experience in military operations and command.

### World War II and the Chetnik Movement
During World War II, Mihailović led the Chetnik resistance movement in Yugoslavia, fighting against Axis occupation forces. The Chetniks were a royalist group that opposed both the Axis powers and the communist Yugoslav Partisans. Mihailović's forces engaged in guerrilla warfare, targeting German and Italian troops across Serbia and Montenegro.

### Recognition and Awards
Mihailović received the Military Cross from the British government for his anti-Nazi resistance efforts. He was also decorated with other awards, including the Order of the White Eagle and the Order of St. Sava, reflecting his status as a key military leader in the region.

### Post-War Resistance and Legacy
After the war, Mihailović continued to lead the Chetnik movement, opposing communist rule in Yugoslavia. His actions contributed to the complex political landscape of the region, shaping the conflict between royalists and communist forces. His legacy remains tied to the broader struggle for Yugoslav independence and the eventual rise of communist rule under Josip Broz Tito.

### Military Tactics and Influence
Mihailović's military tactics and leadership during World War II influenced the broader narrative of resistance movements in the Balkans. His guerrilla warfare strategies and command of Chetnik forces continue to be studied as part of the region's military history. His actions had a lasting impact on the political and military landscape of Yugoslavia, shaping the conflict between royalists and communist forces.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. LIBRIS. 2012
4. Find a Grave
5. [Source](https://www.prazskyhradarchiv.cz/file/edee/vyznamenani/cs_rbl.pdf)
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. [Source](https://vls.hsa.ethz.ch/client/link/de/archiv/einheit/bdbe88842d804656ab23883ac380db2c)
9. [Google Books](https://www.google.si/books/edition/The_Chetnik_Movement_and_the_Yugoslav_Re/GZ6-DwAAQBAJ)
10. SNAC
11. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
12. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
13. Munzinger Personen
14. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
15. CONOR.SI
16. [Source](https://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/draza-mihajlovic/)
17. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
18. Enciclopedia Treccani
19. [Source](https://encyklopedia.pwn.pl/haslo/Mihailovic-Dragoljub-Draza;3941129.html)
20. Catalogo of the National Library of India