Candy Bomber
Candy Bomber begins with one WWII pilot’s mission to lift the spirits of children living in war-torn Berlin. The year 1945 comes to life in this moving historical account by Michael Tunnell.
By 1948, the Soviet Union had closed all land access to the isolated Free World sectors of West Berlin. They basically hoped to starve the people into accepting Communist rule. US Air Force Lieutenant Gail S. Halvorsen knew the children of the city were suffering. On an impulse, the C-54 cargo pilot surprisingly shared the only two sticks of gum he had with a group of about 30 children.
What began as a one-time gesture of compassion eventually turned into an official U.S. Air Force operation. Henceforth, “Operation Little Vittles” grew, as more and more pilots volunteered. Subsequently, donations of candy and cloth poured in from all over. The airlift of food and fuel continued for almost two years. Tons of candy were dropped (using tiny parachutes) for the children who waited in the flight path below.
This inspiring story of one man’s contribution to the rebuilding of a country after war is a unique look at history. Liberally illustrated with archival photographs, personal photographs from Lt. Gail Halvorsen (the “Chocolate Pilot”), letters, and documents, this book is a real treat. All in all, Candy Bomber tells the story of World War II with a happy ending!
