Candy Bomber: The Story of the Berlin Airlift’s “Chocolate Pilot.”

Tunnell, Michael O. Candy Bomber: The Story of the Berlin Airlift’s “Chocolate Pilot.” 2010. 120p. ISBN 978-1-60734-505-3. Available as an eBook on Overdrive.

After World War II, the victors divided Germany into four sectors to both facilitate its occupation and to prevent yet another rise of an angry and violent Germany. The victors also split up the capital, Berlin, with the Western powers controlling the western side of the city and Russia controlling the eastern side. By 1948, the Russians had enough of the Americans’ presence in West Berlin and ordered a complete blockade of the city. No food or fuel could enter the city through roads, trains, or waterways. The Russians thought surely this would force West Berliners to sue for peace and join the Russian side.

This was counting without the ingenuity of the Western powers, who began airlifting essential commodities into West Berlin. When US Air Force Lieutenant Gail S. Halvorsen first flew into the city in 1948 with his cargo plane, he noticed a group of small children standing by the airport fence. He went to meet them, and gave them his two sticks of gums. Berlin was a city devastated by the war, rebuilding was slow, and the population was deprived of most everything. To the children, this present was amazing. Lt. Halvorsen told them that the next time he flew in he would drop them chocolate from the sky. How would they know which was his plane, the children asked in broken English? He told them he would wiggle his wings on approach.

And thus began Operation Little Vittle. What started as a drop of five bags of candy in small parachutes soon gathered publicity, and news reports from Germany to the United States created a movement to donate an ever increasing amount of candy, clothes, and other essential items. By the time the blocus was lifted, over 23 tons of chocolate, candies, and other sweets were delivered to the children of Berlin.

This short story is an excellent reminder that small random acts of kindness can grow friendships that last a lifetime and change the course of history. This book also contains many photos and copies of letters written by the children of Berlin to Lt. Halvorsen. It's a fascinating read into an ear that is not well-known.