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The Berlin Candy Bomber Paperback – April 1, 2002

by Gail S. Halvorsen (Author)

4.7 104 ratings

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The Berlin Candy Bomber is a love story-how two sticks of gum and one man's kindness to the children of a vanquished enemy grew into an epic of goodwill spanning the globe-touching the hearts of millions in both Germany and America.

In June 1948, Russia laid siege to Berlin, cutting off the flow of food and supplies over highways into the city. More than two million people faced economic collapse and starvation. 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 involved in the airlift. While in Berlin, he met a group of 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 this gesture, he promised to drop more candy to them the next time he flew to the area.

True to his word, as he flew in the next day, he wiggled the wings of his plane to identify himself, then dropped several small bundles of candy using parachutes crafted from handkerchiefs to slow their fall. Local newspapers picked up the story. Suddenly, letters addressed to "Uncle Wiggly Wings" began to arrive as the children requested candy drops in other areas of the city.

Enthusiasm spread to America, and candy contributions came from all across the country. Within weeks candy manufacturers began donating candy by the boxcar.

In May 1949, the highway blockade ended, and the airlift ended in September. But the story of Uncle Wiggly Wings and the candy-filled parachutes lives on-a symbol of human charity.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A great part of history that I learned as an adult. Great story but the beginning got a little slow because he wrote many technical and specific things about planes and his flights. If you enjoy airplanes, you'll like that part. But the story of how Gail Halvorsen started the candy bombings, being confronted about it, and all the people who supported and helped it become a success is very good. It is a wonderful story that gave people and children who could have had a hopeless situation, hope and faith in mankind. Wonderful!!! --Amazon

The Berlin Candy Bomber is a wonderful book. I recommend it for reading. It is extra special to us as my husband took part in the Airlift and it has brought back so many memories. Also, Gail Halvorsen is a personal friend of ours. I strongly recommend it for reading. --Amazon

This book is very well written, especially considering it was written by a pilot, not an "author." The story told in this book is one of the best you'll find, as it was written by THE Candy Bomber, himself. It's not too long, it's an easy read. Very engaging - I highly recommend it if you're even remotely interested in the Berlin Airlift. --Amazon

About the Author

Gail Halvorsen was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, and grew up on small farms in Utah and Idaho. He earned a private pilot license under the non-college Civilian Pilot Training program in September of 1941. Almost concurrently Gail joined the Civil Air Patrol as a pilot. He joined the United States Army Air Corps in June 1942. Fighter pilot training was with the Royal Air Force after which he was returned to the Army Air Corps and was assigned flight duty in foreign transport operations in the South Atlantic Theater. After WWII he flew in the Berlin Airlift where he became known as "Uncle Wiggly Wings", the "Chocolate Flyer" and the "Berlin Candy Bomber." The blockade of Berlin began in June 1948 and ended 12 May 1949. Flights continued until 30 September 1949 to build up reserves.

Col. Halvorsen belongs to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and has been a Stake President, Bishop, High Councilman, and served in other callings.

Gail married Alta Jolley of Zion National Park on 16 April 1949. They have five children, 24 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Three of their grandchildren have attended a school named for him in Frankfurt, Germany.

Approaching 50 years of marriage, Alta died in January 1999. Gail is now married to his high school steady from 62 years ago, Lorraine Pace, who has three children, eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. They presently live on their farm in Spanish Fork, Utah. Winters are at Lorraine's place in Arizona.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Horizon Publishers & Distributors, Inc.; 3rd edition (April 1, 2002)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 239 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 088290616X
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0882906164
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 14.4 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.75 x 9 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #284,523 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #340 in Military Aviation History (Books)
- #500 in German History (Books)
- #2,396 in World War II History (Books)

Customer Reviews:
4.7 104 ratings

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Bon

Wow! Wonderful story.

Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2014

Verified Purchase

A great part of history that I learned as an adult. Great story but the beginning got a little slow because he wrote many technical and specific things about planes and his flights. If you enjoy airplanes, you'll like that part. But the story of how Gail Halvorsen started the candy bombings, being confronted about it, and all the people who supported and helped it become a success is very good. It is a wonderful story that gave people and children who could have had a hopeless situation, hope and faith in mankind. Wonderful!!!

4 people found this helpful

Helpful

becky

Insightful read

Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2016

Verified Purchase

This was a wonderful autobiography that gave insight into one of the most thoughtful humanitarian efforts in history. A wonderful read that I would recommend to anyone. A little technical at times which would be exciting for one enthralled with aviation.

Helpful

FireBreather

glenthebookseller was accurate in their description

Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2023

Verified Purchase

There was a bit of a mix up on my part. When notified the book had been delivered I was unable to located it. When I contacted glenthebookseller they responded almost immediately (less than 24 hours, maybe less than 12 hours) with an apology and instructions on how to get a refund. I finally figured out where the book was delivered and took possession. The book is exactly as described and, to me, worth what I paid. I will do business with this seller in the future and highly recommend them to everyone looking for used books, etc.

Helpful

BroIceCream

Inspiring and accurate 1st-person account.

Reviewed in the United States on November 22, 2022

Verified Purchase

I'm a museum docent, and look for accurate first-person stories to share with guests. This is an inspiring story of the amount of change, and good, that can be done in the world with only two sticks of gum.

Helpful

Michael F.

Excellent book that you should read!

Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2009

Verified Purchase

This book is very well written, especially considering it was written by a pilot, not an "author." The story told in this book is one of the best you'll find, as it was written by THE Candy Bomber, himself. It's not too long, it's an easy read. Very engaging - I highly recommend it if you're even remotely interested in the Berlin Airlift.

2 people found this helpful

Helpful

Voltaire

Amazing how many lives two pieces of gum can change

Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2022

Verified Purchase

Quick fun read. His whole life was influenced by an act of kindness.

Helpful

ChaylaT.

an opportunity to do good! I loaned it to my grandpa

Reviewed in the United States on June 22, 2016

Verified Purchase

I bought this book after hearing about this man's story. It is such an inspirational book and shows a different side of the war, an opportunity to do good! I loaned it to my grandpa, who is pretty picky about books, he loved it! It isnt a long read which is nice. A short inspirational story.

One person found this helpful

Helpful

mlt

The history was good.

Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2016

Verified Purchase

Too much technical information, The history was good.

One person found this helpful

Helpful