| The Berlin Candy Bomber is a love story, the heart-warming account of how one man's kindness to the children of a vanquished enemy grew into an international effort of kindness and goodwill--an operation that touched the hearts of millions both in Germany and America.
In June, 1948, Russia laid seige to the city of Berlin, prohibiting the flow of food and supplies over the highways leading into the city. More than two million people were faced with starvation and economic collapse. The Americans, English and French began a massive airlift to bring sustenance to the city and to thwart the Russian siege. Gail Halvorsen was one of hundreds of U.S. pilots transfered to Germany to assist in the operation. While in Berlin, he encountered a group of young children standing by the airport watching the incoming planes.
Though they hadn't asked for candy, he was impressed to share with them the two sticks of gum he had in his possession. Seeing how thrilled they were by his gesture, he promised to drop some more candy to them the next time he flew to the area.
True to his word, the next day as he flew in he wiggled the wings of the plane to identify himself, then dropped several small bundles of candy using handkerchiefs to slow their fall. Local newspapers picked up the story. Suddenly, letters addressed to "Uncle Wiggly Wings" began to arrive as children requested candy drops in other areas of the city.
Enthusiasm spread to America, and contributions of candy came from all across the country. Within weeks candy manufacturers began donating candy by the boxcar load.
In May, 1949, the highway blockade ended, and the airlift ended in September. But the memory of Uncle Wiggly Wings and the candy-filled parachutes lingered for another generation. It had become a symbol of man's love and concern for others. |
| 1. Survival, 7
2. The Quest For Flight, 14
3. Blockade Storm Clouds, 25
4. Off the Rhein-Main, 36
5. The First Corridor Flight, 47
6. Aerodomes, Aircraft, People, and Politics, 64
7. Flight Experiences in Corridors, 78
8. Cultural Shock, 87
9. Anticipating the End, 92
10. Little Things Mean a Lot, 96
11. The Commitment, 103
12. Operation Little Vittles, 113
13. Post Airlift Happenings, 151
14. Back To Berlin, 179
15. Little Decisions Continue To Be Important, 208
16. Lessons Learned, 232
Photo Credits, 252
Endnotes, 253
About the Author, 255
|
