Novica M. ĐURASOVIĆ

NOVICA M. ĐURASOVIĆ, born in 1922 in Raštani near Mostar, was a squad commander. He was a fighter who died in battles near Odžak.

EXCERPT FROM LITERATURE

“After an artillery preparation, during which (according to enemy data) 800 shells were fired, infantry battalions launched an attack but, ‘due to strong enemy defense, withdrew to their starting positions without any losses.’ It seems that there was a change in the meantime because the commander of the 10th Brigade states the actual objective of this ‘raid’ was to discover enemy firing points and disrupt the enemy. The experiences from this night attack were the reason why the next day, on February 10th, the attack was launched a bit earlier. During the meeting of the 10th Brigade headquarters with battalion staff and reinforcement unit commanders, led by the Division Chief of Staff, all issues regarding the organization of the attack and coordination with tanks, artillery, and the 14th and 13th Brigades were resolved. The artillery preparation now lasted for one hour (5 to 6 PM), and at 6 PM, in the same combat formation, they launched the attack. After a three-hour battle, the attack was repelled, and the battalions were returned to their starting positions. The failure was attributed to the severe cold and weak coordination. In this attack, the 10th and 14th Brigades had 19 killed* and 39 wounded fighters, as well as a certain number of frostbite cases.”

Novica was among the 13 registered casualties from the 10th Brigade.