Utah Hero: The Candy Bomber

Gail Halvorson was born on October 10, 1920 in Salt Lake City, UT and was raised on small farms in Utah and Idaho where he learned the value of hard work . Hal graduated from Bear River High School and attended Utah State University. He attained a pilot license under the Civilian Pilot Training Program in September 1941 and became a member of the Civil Air Patrol. He joined the Army Air Corps in June 1942 and trained as a fighter pilot with the Royal Air Force in Miami, OK. After training Hal was assigned to transport flying which led him to his adventures in Berlin (Germany).

About three years after the end of World War II, the Soviet Union blocked all supplies into the city of West Berlin (Germany) in an attempt to starve the city and take away their freedom. Hal volunteered to fly in the Berlin Airlift and deliver supplies by air to keep Berlin free. It was in Berlin that he met children by the airport fence at Tempelhof and handed two sticks of gum to a crowd of thirty. Their humble gratitude was the beginning of a humanitarian service for which he became known as the “Berlin Candy Bomber,” “Uncle Wiggly Wings,”and the “Chocolate Flier.” His actions changed the course of history. Hearts were softened and prior enemies became close friends. This friendship endures today. He truly demonstrated his love of country and freedom through his military service.

Watch the video below to learn more about the Candy Bomber!

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Remember, a small act of kindness can go a long way!