The 1st time was spontaneous; he gave away a few packs of gum. Later it was all a good plan gone right.
After WWII, Germany was divided into zones of occupation by the French, British, United States, and the Russians. Berlin was surrounded in what became East Germany and the city was divided in half. Check Point Charlie was 1 of 3 roads in and out of the West Berlin. Millions of people fled out of East Germany to the west. They never went back. In the late 1950's, the Russians closed the roads and refused to allow people or supplies to enter. The people of West Berlin faced starvation. An airlift was organized. Food, water and other supplies were shipped to the U.S. east coast and it sailed to England where they were flown to West Berlin. This went on for over a year, saving lives and keeping West Berlin free from a Russian occupation. Some pilots flew over 1,000 missions to West Berlin.
Born in Salt Lake city, Gail Halvorsen ins 91 years old now. He is active and alert. On Sunday, I heard him bear a powerful testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ and of the Mormon Church. He didn't talk about how he became famous in Germany. I think he is too humble for that. Brother Halvorsen was an air force pilot who flew cargo planes in and out of the Berlin during the blockade. On a day off, he hitched a ride into West Berlin and wandered around the city. He spoke to some kids who said they never had any candy and not much else to eat. After giving away several packs of spearmint gum, he walked away. A young German girl chased him down and asked for 1 more pack to give to her friend. Gail was out of gum but he told the girl tomorrow he would fly over and drop some. The girl asked how she would which plane was his. Gail told her he would"wiggle" his wings. The next day he did exactly that, and the day after, and every day after while flying over Berlin. Other pilots joined in and soon candy mostly wrapped in handmade parachutes rained down on Berlin. Letters arrived asking for candy. Gail responded to all of them. Candy donations flooded the base. "The Chocolate Flier" was known world wide. Candy companies got involved as did the US Air Force naming the mission "Operation Lil' Vittles". Over 23 tons of candy was dropped mostly from old C-47's humping it over Berlin. A good plane with good men running in harms way for kids.
I shook this fine man's hand on Sunday and told him how much I appreciated his service. He smiled at me and with a twinkle in his eye thanked me for my missionary service to the people of Berlin. Gail visits Germany a lot. He attends Sacrament meeting and visits with his friend, Bishop Barsch of the Tiergarten ward.
God bless Him.
Dan and Deb in Berlin
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