Berlin Candy Bomber Views
Colonel Gail Halvorsen (born October 10, 1920) is a retired career officer and command pilot in the United States Air Force known as the original Candy Bomber or the Rosinenbomber in Germany. He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. He is best known for piloting C-47s and C-54s during the Berlin airlift (also known as Operation Vittles ) during 1948–1949.
Shortly before landing at the Tempelhof airport in the American sector of Berlin, Halvorsen would drop candy attached to parachutes to children below. This action, which was dubbed Operation Little Vittles and sparked similar efforts by other crews, was the source of the popular name for the pilots: the candy bombers. Halvorsen had wanted to help raise the morale of the children during the time of uncertainty and privation.
The following day, having completed a mission, he was returning to Tempelhof. As he approached, he saw the children gathered at the fence. As promised, he wiggled his wings, and dropped gum and candy which were attached to small parachutes, made from handkerchiefs. He was past them and onto the runway before the goodies hit the ground. He had no idea whether or not they had gotten them, until he was out of his plane. He turned and saw the children gleefully waving the white hankies at him. Thus was born Onkel Wackelflugel (Uncle Wiggly Wings). Aka the Berlin Candy Bomber.
THE BERLIN AIRLIFT l"Operation Little Vittles' and the W"Berlin Candy Bomber During the airshow at the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum's 17th Annual World War II Weekend, June 1 - 3 , 2007, Colonel Gail Halvorsen and the Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation's C-54E Skymaster, "Spirit of Freedomt" will recreate the candy bomber run he originated in 1948.
Berlin Candy Bomber Images
