In June 1948, the Soviets shut the gates closed.
This effort, which lasted for more than a year, came to be known as the Berlin Airlift.
Lt. Gail Halvorsen was one of the many Airlift pilots dropping supplies to the starving city.
He was also an amateur photographer.
On his days off, he often went sightseeing in Berlin carrying his handheld movie camera.
Halvorsen approached the children and chatted with them through the barrier for about an hour.
But not these kids.
German children wait behind a barbed wire fence somewhere in Berlin.
Not one,Halvorsen recalled.
They were so grateful for flour, to be free, that they wouldnt be beggars for something extravagant.
This was stronger than overt gratitudethis was silent gratitude.
How can I reward these kids?,thought Halvorsen.
Halvorsen dug into his pocket and retrieved two sticks of Wrigley’s Doublemint Gum.
The next day, he flew to Tempelhof Airport and dropped the cargo over the eagerly waiting children.
Photo credit: U.S. Air Force
The amount of candy steadily increased as fellow pilots began donating their rations.
Photo credit: U.S. Air Force
Lt. Gail Halvorsen preparing boxes of candies for drop.
Photo credit: U.S. Air Force
Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Gail S. Halvorsen.
Photo credit: Bennie J. Davis III
