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The Berlin Candy Bomber Paperback – April 1, 2002
Additional Details
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.
- Print length239 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherHorizon Publishers & Distributors, Inc.
- Publication dateApril 1, 2002
- Dimensions6 x 0.75 x 9 inches
- ISBN-10088290616X
- ISBN-13978-0882906164
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Editorial Reviews
Review
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
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 : 13.6 ounces
- Dimensions : 6 x 0.75 x 9 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #981,435 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1,751 in Military Aviation History (Books)
- #2,495 in German History (Books)
- #9,160 in World War II History (Books)
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