Earlier this week Col Gail S. Halvorsen (USAF, Ret) aka The Berlin Candy Bomber and Uncle Wiggly Wings passed away. His family was at his side at the Intermountain Utah Valley Hospital in Provo, Utah, where he was admitted following a short illness. Colonel Halvorsen was 101 years old and he is survived by his five children and numerous grand- and great grandchildren.
We received this information from the Airlift/Tanker Association:
Col Halvorsen, a Utah native, began his flying career when he earned his private pilot’s license in 1941 through a Civil Air Patrol program. His passion for aviation led him to join the Army Air Force in 1942 flying transport aircraft. In 1948, peace in Europe was threatened as the Soviet Union blockaded all ground access to war-torn West Berlin. Then, Lt Halvorsen, a member of the newly formed United States Air Force, began flying humanitarian airlift missions to starving West Berliners. During one mission, he paused to share two sticks of gum with nearby German children who were watching the aircraft and busy flightline. Two sticks of gum did not go far and he promised the children he would be back the next day to drop candy from his airplane, telling them, you will know it is me when I “wiggle” my wings. That simple act of kindness and compassion led to “Operation Little Vittles” and, in all, over 23 tons of candy were dropped from Allied aircraft. His impact spread beyond the smiles of German children. He brought visibility to the plight of the German people and put a human face on their suffering—Americans now saw the Germans as humans, not enemies. Strategically, the Allied resolve strengthened, and West Berlin’s freedom was secured without a single shot fired and his act of kindness forged the strong bond between America and Germany that endures today.
After hanging up his uniform Col Halvorsen continued his life of service by inspiring youth and adults around the world to a life of service.
May He Rest In Peace
Rest in Peace Col. Gail S. Halvorsen. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
God bless and soar on the wings of an angel.
We so desperately need more people like this now.
Consider the positive impact the simple act of dropping candy to children had after the war. Imagine what the world would be like if diplomacy only needed candy.
Clear sky and strong tailwinds Sir.