Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Candy Bomber

Candy Bomber: The Story of the Berlin Airlift's Candy Bomber: The Story of the Berlin Airlift's "Chocolate Pilot" by Michael O. Tunnell

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Who doesn't want to read about a real life hero? Candy Bomber is the wonderful true story about the life of Lt. Gail Halvorsen, a young pilot in the U.S. Air Force and the candy drops he made over the city of Berlin. Although World War II was over Lt. Halvorsen had seen firsthand, from a visit to Berlin how the children were suffering, so he promised the children he would drop candy and chewing gum from his airplane. They would know it was him because he would wiggle the plane's wings. The first secret drop was only three small handkerchiefs of candy from Halvorsen and his buddies. Several more drops were made before the mission became known and named "Operation Little Vittles" and actual small parachutes were used instead of hankies. The Air Force ordered Lt. Halvorsen to continue with the drops and supported his efforts. It became so popular that candy companies began making donations. The book contains great photos of Lt. Halvorsen, the children in Berlin, copies of their letters, and a anniversary event of the candy drops.



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