Who is the Candy Bomber? Honoring Gail Halvorsen

We honored a great man at Spanish Fork airport. A man that believed in giving back to others. I am going to do more to give back.
For more information about The Candy Bomber, Gail Halvorsen, please visit www.thecandybo...
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To learn more about the C-54 Berlin Airlift flying museum go to: www.spiritoffreedom.org
To schedule a C-54 appearance, contact: Tim Chopp, C-54 pilot in command and BAHF President at [e-mail]
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[@josephc3276]

There are few men that I would thank for making me cry. Thank you Mike Patey!

[@Bendejo-lm8wo]

You are not joking. Definitely cut up some onions.

[@froggydude1549]

Awesome

[@thorstenwanoth6774]

Gail put a big smile on my moms face in 1948! She loved telling us how the Americans came up with the air-bridge to Berlin - and chasing little parachutes from the sky. Heartwarming story and cool to see it being remembered in the nicest way

[@mastex5575]

As a German who didn't have to suffer through a war this story hit hard! I know the story of the Candy drop but never knew the name of the Person who started it. So I sincerely thank Gail on behalf of my ancestors who can't do this in Person and thank you Mike for sharing this with the world. Thank you

[@11kungfu11]

Now you just suffer like the people in the Weimer republic with marxist communists.

[@mastex5575]

@@11kungfu11 Ehm no, i can still buy all the stuff i want, i have enough to eat and i can go anywhere i want.

[@miketwomey4923]

He wrote a wonderful book about his life, it's worth reading...

[@PaulScott_]

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING GOOD TODAY?" Perfect question to ask yourself every single day! Thanks for sharing and encouraging others Mike!

[@inventiveowl395]

I'd say that a better question is: "What good could you do today?" Because the answer to your question from me would be "Nothing..."

[@PaulScott_]

@@inventiveowl395 Could have, should have, would have are all kind of meaningless in the end. Interesting to ponder but again, meaningless in the end.

[@inventiveowl395]

@@PaulScott_ I agree. But those are all past tense. I used the word 'could' in it's meaning of 'what is possible'. Asking yourself "What am I doing good today?" easily leads to depression etc. when you're not doing anything good.. Instead asking yourself "What good could I do today?" gives a spotlight to the possibilities that lie ahead.

[@rscottadams7082]

@@inventiveowl395 “Either do, or do not do… there is no try.” Yoda It’s easy to do something good on any day. A kind word at the right time. A simple act of picking up a piece of trash off the sidewalk. Don’t have to aim for immortality in scale. As a matter of fact, I’ve always thought that if everyone lived with intentionality “enough” to do “something good” especially “the small things” - it would revolutionize society.

[@justanotherjosh]

One of my biggest flexes as a kid was meeting Mr. Halverson when I was a cubscout. My dad was stationed at Rhein Mein AB, they had renamed the school Halverson Elementary, and he was there for the ceremony. (it was a million years ago but I'm pretty sure his grandson was in my cubscout pack). Anyway, every kid in Germany in the 80s knew the story of the candy bomber. When we moved back stateside people were less impressed when I said I got to shake his hand. Their loss, it's always been a highlight from my youth.

[@ulizackenband694]

I was a German kid in the 80s and I agree to 100%. He was a famous public figure and very popular.

[@c4transguy]

I was able to see that plane earlier this summer. It was traveling over my town of Connersville, Indiana and had unexpected engine trouble. The plane was landed safely. They spent a week doing repairs. While the plane was here, they opened it up for tours. It's a wonderful piece of history. I hope they can keeping it running forever.

[@mtacoustic1]

Could not ask for a more beautiful blue sky... There are heroes... and then there are HEROES; people who selflessly risk their lives helping the helpless that are clinging to their last bit of hope.

[@tedscott9822]

Mike Thank you for all you do to promote aviation. I have been following you for 3 to 4 years. I think I have watch every one of your utube videos. I've loved aviation since I was a kid. In 1988 at age 45 I was finally able to get my pilots license which included my instrument rating. I even managed to own a Cessna 182 for 3 years but ended up selling it as family was a greater priority. I was the only one in our family with a love of flying and I have never lost that love. As a teenager I was infatuated with war birds, especially fighters (P51 and Spitfires). I still feel that way and at age 75 managed a ride in a P51 (Old Yeller). What a ride. I have been inspired by you builds and look forward to more of them. I was especially moved by your tribute to Gail Halvorsen the candy bomber. I have known of and admired him for many years. As many have commented, we not only need more like him but we all need to be striving to be like him. What a great example he was and what a great tribute your blog was to him. I wish I had know about the tribute as I would definately made the trip in from Duchesne to be there. I like your "back to work" . May I add "doing good for mankind" , - the theme of this great event and something that you are also a great example of. Thank you for also being a great example for all of us. Ted Scott

[@robwyatt272]

What an amazing video. It really struck a chord in me as my father was involved in the Berlin Airlift. He was a flight engineer on a US Navy R5D (C-54). Their crew dropped candy as well. Brought back some great memories. Dad would not talk about WWII, but he was proud to have been involved in the Berlin Airlift.

[@noonehere1793]

Excellent job thanks for honoring a man who made history….his actions were for no other reason than it was the RIGHT THING TO DO…..WELL DONE SIR! And thanks to everyone involved…..

[@ritschieee]

Thanks a lot from Germany! What a wonderful person!

[@jefejivaro]

Colonel Halvorsen was a class act. I first met him as an Air Force ROTC cadet when he came to speak to our cadet wing. Decades later, I was having lunch with my mother at her assisted living facility when I spotted the Colonel a couple of tables away. I went over to reintroduce myself, and learned he had just moved in. He was so gracious when I introduced him to my mother, and every time I saw him after that. When one of my nieces learned the "Candy Bomber" was a co-resident with her great-grandmother, she about jumped out of her skin. We introduced her to him, and he made her feel like a million dollars! Truly an all-around exceptional man!

[@maartentoors]

USAF, RCAF and RAF dropped food packets behind the southern Dutch front (Operations Manna and Chowhound) in early 1945. My dad (they lived in Rotterdam) still has a wrapper of the Swiss chocolate bar that was recovered by my grandfather. Those -pilots- AIRMEN were ABSOLUTE heroes. COL Gail Halverson double so. Amazing video! (edit -> airmen)

[@AddictedToJeepsCom]

As the son of a WWII B-17 radio operator who flew over Germany, I knew of Gail and the joy and hope he brought to the children of Berlin during the Airlift. But even knowing the story, I’m still crying as I watch this video! Great job Mike for sharing this very touching tribute to Col Halvorsen!

[@danmorrison3354]

Mike, you've done some great things in video - but nothing compares to this video. Thank you. And I'm sure my MIL, a child in post-war Germany, would thank you and Gail Halvorsen.

[@MBilliaert]

This whole thing began because of two peaces of gum and some big smiles. Even if your working at a gum factory doing the most menial job, take pride in it. It could change the world. Thanks for sharing mike!

[@rodneywroten2994]

I am a 71 year old man and had trouble watching this video for the tears blurred my vision. I new nothing about this outstanding man. God bless you GAIL HALVERSON

[@nalamobil]

Dear Mike, all the way from Germany: Thank you for sharing this. Godspeed Mr. Halvorsen. We could not be more proud than to call the USA our allies.

[@ChrisB257]

You're never short of surprises Mike and this one was just wonderful. I am just a bit old! - I was born somewhere close to the era of the airlift! (March '45) It's so good to see Gail honored - so richly deserved. RIP Gail. Best wishes to you and Mark.

[@oisinennis6468]

I remember seeing the candy bomber when he came to Berlin I was with the scouts and I will never forget it.

[@sturvinmurvin9408]

Dude....You're awesome Mike. THIS is what it is all about! Years ago you took time out of an airshow to meet with me in your office and talk about Draco. I will never forget that experience. You didn't have to meet with me as I offered very little value to anything you have done, but yet you still took the time. You are an inspiration and I know you know it. Giving back is something my Grandfather lived by. He left his billionaire family to make it on his own and he made a beautiful and successful life. Every year he would send a new local student to college, paid for. I loved that example he set for me and I hope one day to be able to give back as well. You rock!

[@reggveg]

Mike you and your brother Mark and your families are an inspiration to all, God Bless you and your family for all you do. And as always looking forward to your next video.

[@fredde43hbg]

Mike! bless that man and that aircraft ❤🙏 even I Stands up Andsalut him! 🌹❤🙏 Her in Sweden thanks fore your help here in Europe to all the veterans! ❤👍🙏🔥❤👍👍👍👍👍👍🌹 Thanks USA that you stepped up And liberated us all from hell!.. 🙏❤

[@JeffWinter1]

Very cool. Nice to see the good works of a single man can positively effect a lot of people. Pioneering of Pay it Forward. 👍

[@terrallputnam7979]

The History Guy did a special on the Candy Bomber. It was such a touching story. God bless him. God bless his family. God bless America!

[@nicka9202]

Mike, I love your passion and love for people and aviation. Thank you for everything you do. You’re an amazing person.

[@erinwhiting1642]

Amazing tribute to an incredible, kind hearted man! Thank you Mike!

[@adamhale6672]

I was hoping that Mike would be at that event. I was there and looking for him everywhere! I've been working with the Halverson Center for over a year on a 6 ft scale model of The Spirit of Freedom that can fly and drop about 2 dozen candy bars with parachutes. The foundation has been working hard and to give opportunities all over for students all over, including many who are underprivileged. I'm happy to see Mike covering his story!

[@cjjenson8212]

Brother Halverson has been an influence to me since I was old enough to understand what he did.

[@joebushnell143]

Thanks for the memories. My Dad was the flight engineer throughout the actual candy 🍬 on final approach. He had many stories. Thanks.

[@robertborchert932]

Mike! I read the book, "Candy Bombers", it was fantastic. I was amazed. A beautiful tribute to the aviators that really made a personal difference in Berlin. This was a few years ago, mind you. Personal note, I am now a Utah resident, just got a home there, a major goal. First of many, I am doing so as it is part of a larger goal, spreading my wings at last as a pilot, I have put this off for many years, I've flown gliders and light aircraft, only on the right seat, with instructors and friends, or with my father. He is now 90. Been following you for quite some time now, you've been an inspiration. I've experienced a lot in my life, including rotary wings, former Captain, crew boss, brush monkey. To this day, when I hear a 205 overhead, it all comes back, brother. Love the Super Hueys (UH1H), good times. Yes, I still have my trusty Pulaski and helmet. Adventure is nothing without risk. Learned this through hard knocks. Risk is a careful calculation. It's time to get to work!!

[@fd7857]

Thanks for flying the French flag ! Flew a DC3 to Berlin during the 75th anniversary of the Berlin airlift: German welcoming was awesome even if I was little nervous as a Frenchman to be part of the event. Thanks Mike for sharing those historical moments!!!

[@maxiumgolf1]

Thank you for sharing this with us, what a day. RIP Gail Halvorsen!

[@Привид_Бандери]

The world really really needs more Gail's right about now. 😔 R.I.P. Good Sir. 🙏🏽

[@Iceman240Z]

I'll always remember meeting Colonel Gail Halvorsen over twenty years ago. Wonderful man!

[@hotcacti6573]

I had the privilege of meeting him a few years ago at an event in Miami, OK. Super guy.

[@chrispy104k]

What a wonderful story about a man who cared. Inspiring.

[@rconger24]

He lived the First and Second Great Commandments. Gail Halvorsen :: A beautiful soul !

[@willsagen]

Thank you for this video. What the allied did for West Germany and especially for West Berlin will never be forgotten. What Gail Halvorsen did for the kids will last forever. Greets from Berlin

[@dcculver2]

Another great report from the Patey News Network! (PNN) Thanks Mike. You ROCK!

[@fineartz99]

Timeless. Emotional! Bless all these souls, then and now.

[@samuraidriver4x4]

I knew about the Berlin airlift but this important part of history was new to me. Thank you for sharing his story, I am sure it's something I will remember.

[@willhibbardii2450]

We viewed this as a family... Wife's comment; "What a sweet deal!" Love you guys... I've found that I can't out give our Heavenly Father... I give so that I can get to give again... Some others get so that they can get to give again. Seems many just get. Have a blessed day...

[@mconfluence]

That is an amazing story that I have never heard of. I greatly appreciate it and will be sharing this. My grandpa owned a small Cessna airplane and started taking with him on the weekends to fly with him. Started when I was about 9 or 10 years old. He passed away when I was 16 years old. I am now a few months away from being 50 years old and have not been in a small plane like my grandpap's since he passed away and miss it greatly. He was teaching how to fly what to watch for while flying. He was a great man and I miss him dearly. Maybe someday I will be able to go up in the sky in a small Cessna one more time.

[@smoepick5855]

Thank you and your team for bringing this to all of us who were inspired by the Candy Bomber and his tremendous legacy! Fly Safe Arrive Safe

[@robertlafnear7034]

WOW.... wish I could have been there, what a fantastic story,.... what a GREAT person for sure..... Thank You Mike for posting this...... AWESOME !🤗👍👍👍

[@1sames]

He is/was a treasure. So awesome to see this event with his family. Wow.

[@tahoeguyz71]

What an amazing man. I have heard of the candy bomber before but never knew who he was or the story behind it. What an incredible video and as always thanks for sharing!!

[@IFlyHeliz]

Thank you Gail, Mike, Friends and Family

[@Boeing767DriverAA]

Thats my plane ! The C17 10,000 hours with countless air drops My Mother was one of those little girls that remembers the Candy drops in Berlin

[@paulmcsweeney3241]

Twenty years ago I had the opportunity to interview Gail for a magazine article. He was a great man. From the very first contact he had with the children (when he shared his last two sticks of PK chewing gum - a great episode in itself), Uncle Wiggly Wings became a hero to those children, and a hero to me.

[@walterhuber3833]

One of best videos ever! What a story, what history! Great event.

[@shahboy68]

Beautiful Tribute Mike. Thanks and GodBless you

[@garrygballard8914]

I remember back in the 50’s hearing about the Berlin airlift as a kid. The continual 24 hours of planes bring in the supply’s by planes for people. It was amazing all the effort of all the dedication of the hard work by all. Had to go way back in my mind remembering it all. So cool it all came back seeing it. Thanks Mike for the video. A great remembrance of those days. 👍👍👍

[@MrTrikidiki]

What we have and share grows, and what we have and keep diminishes. I was in Berlin - January 1961 - September 1962, and I believe the citizens of Berlin showed all members of the US armed services much love/appreciation. That for this video and now:”back to work” 😊

[@mban2748]

An excellent tribute to an excellent human being.

[@leonmeier5562]

If you want to give back more, another aircraft build, sharing your amazing skills and ingenuity will certainly do it. Thank you from Canada.

[@williampinney1258]

way back in the late 80's I was on my way back to to the States in a CL601, monitoring 121.5 and 123.45, a couple hundred mile west of CYQX, when on the air-to-air came a call, "this is Douglas XXX at 9000' just east of Gander, does anybody have the winds?" It was the BAHS C-54 and Col. Halvorsen was in the right seat! What a privilege to talk to him IN a C-54! And to make it really cool, they were on their way to Templehof!

[@pietervisser7683]

Wow, one man with what may seem a simple gesture: give a kid a candy bar, BUT what impact! Thank you for sharing, I was totally unaware of the Candy Drop and I'm forever richer with this knowledge.

[@UncleManuel]

Wow, I was not expecting this! Mad props to the tasteful editing, the situation back then in the still bombed out post-war Berlin is something to think about for us modern folks who "have everything"... 👀 Btw: We in Germany always called these aircraft during the Berlin air bridge "raisin bombers". Candy, chocolate, raisins - anything sweet for the kids. I guess this is why the name stuck. 😉

[@henrymp6295]

Mike, thanks for this. I served in the Berlin Brigade 1992-1995 and the Berlin Airlift was talked about fondly by the citizens of Berlin. One of the lessor known facts about the closure of roads, rail, and canals was the story of Steinstücken. This was a small community in Berlin with around two-hundred inhabitants that was isolated from the West Berlin and completely surrounded by the DDR. This enclave was supplied by helicopter and General Lucius Clay stationed a military post there to offset the East German presence. A road was finally agreed upon and built in 1972, and part of our duties involved a drive twice a day to ensure the road remained open. All around were DDR guard towers and barbed wire. I would tell folks it was felt like standing in the light of freedom and looking into the darkness of despair. I sensed the same feeling visiting East Berlin through Checkpoint Charlie. GBY Mike.

[@kennethbergstrom6129]

Great tribute! Gail was my Scout Master in the Boy Scouts, back in 1958. I flew my own plane years ago and fly sims now. Used to live and the north end of Airport 2. Keep up the good videos.

[@BackRoadsOutlawsRC]

That was fantastic… I have loved aviation World War II era, General aviation and with you guys as you know Mike… But I never even heard of the candy bomber…But after spending the last couple hours digging through Google and reading up on it and seeing your video… It’s absolutely amazing… What a great man he was… Wow❤

[@Patriot-bn9om]

Thank you Mike for another uplifting video in a world otherwise full of unnecessary wickedness and chaos perpetrated by evil.

[@steveshoemaker6347]

What an amazing day to an AWESOME MAN.......l remember seeing this on TV back in the day cause l am in my 80's....Thanks Mike sorry l am a few day's late on this video....Blessing to you ans your family🙏.....Your friend Old Navy Shoe🇺🇸

[@shaunroberts9361]

Outstanding Mike. Mike this was absolutely just Outstanding. Thank you so much for sharing this video...

[@wb6she]

You've got a big heart Mike, thanks for what you do also..

[@terrallputnam7979]

What a great tribute to a great American Pilot and Airman!

[@davidrobins4025]

An incredible example for everyone. Thanks for sharing this event with us all.

[@loydcourson5276]

Hugs to a pilot that is one of my favorite!!😀

[@tomcoryell]

My father was in the US Army Air Corps during World War II. I fear some people have forgotten the lessons of that war.

[@vincestaffo895]

Mike Thanks for posting this video of the candy bomber. Gail Halverson was indeed a great person. I have read a couple books on Gail and the Berlin Airlift. Interesting point, Gail who was an active duty USAF Colonel at the time ended up going back to Berlin as The Commander at Tempelhof Airport for a couple years. This was the same Airport that was used during The Berlin Airlift that Gail flew in and out of as a young Lieutenant Pilot.

[@patrickheavirland3599]

Hello from Minnesota! Outstanding episode in honor of an outstanding man!

[@MadDawg91108]

What an awesome event and a great story about an amazing man.....thanks for sharing, Mike.

[@jbouza09]

Extremely cool. What an impact it has made on so many people.

[@petercole2339]

Dang man got me teared up at work..what a story..back to work!!

[@johnsilveira1082]

I had the privilege of meeting the Candy Bomber at MCChord AFB. The Air Force honored them for things they did in the airlift was to dedicate an aircraft and named it Berlin Airlift. I was honored to have driven him that day.

[@opieshomeshop]

It seems this is emotional for a lot of people for a lot of reasons. Col Gail Halvorsen seems to be the kind of person we need more of in this world. The fact that he was needed at all is part of why I'm emotional because of what the germans did to cause all this in the first place. My entire family (save 5 in Poland who initially survived) were killed by the germans before and during WW2. The remainder were lost when stalin dropped the iron curtain and we never heard from those 5 again.. My son and I are all that's left of my family and it's an extremely painful experience in that we literally have no one at all thanks to what the germans did. When I pass, my son will be it. All by himself. I've also seen a lot of victim shaming by people in later years and am mortified when I hear or read comments like get over it or it was 75 years ago or whatever else they come up with. And I'm sure someone will do the same in regard to my comment here. It's plain disgusting and vile to be very blunt about it. The pain is still alive and well of what happened with some people like myself and my son who have absolutely nothing in regard to a family of any sort. You have no idea how painful it is when I see other families in huge gatherings of their generations gathered together and enjoying each other knowing for my son and I that will never ever be a reality we can enjoy. I think it's disgusting that the world has forgotten so quickly the horrors that were endured by innocent people who didn't deserve what they got. And those horrors are still a part of people's lives to this very day.

[@FrozenStellar]

The problem is that most people only ever remember and perceive the world through their experience and don't consider things outside of it. I had a really kind surrogate grandma that I still fondly remember. She died when I was 5 in her 100th year(1997) having lived through both world wars with no remaining family left and our family lived with her in her home a farmstead with space for 20 people. Until I read your comment I never really considered how it must have felt for her to live on a homestead she probably lived on with a grand family and to be all alone there with only memories of what once was and could have been. Btw. I am German and am only alive because my grandfather the only surviving one of 7 boys chopped his thumb off as a child in an accident. Due to that being not a genetic birth defect, he wasn't simply killed off like other disabled in Nazi Germany and was not conscripted as he couldn't hold a rifle. He always was ashamed due to his disability and being unable to hold a rifle to support his country. I on the other hand thought while chance didn't give him a brain at least it cost him his thumb and saved him from the war.

[@barrygrant2907]

I worked on a few C-54s back in 1973 while assigned to the bomb wing at Guam. Cool aircraft, used to fly to Saipan and Tinian to pick up fresh vegetables for the commissary as I recall. The engines were particularly nasty. No buckets to collect the oil, it just dripped on the ramp and me. A lot of history beneath the rivets.

[@porschetech72901]

thanks Mike for showing everyone whom didnt already know.... youre awesome

[@robertwlaubreaux7835]

Bonjour Mike, thank you so much for this amazing and inspiring video. "What are you doing good today" - that says it all !!! Flying to me is also a way to clear my mind from all the sometimes very difficult moments and things I see as part of the French Red Cross and other caritative organisations I am part of. Again, thanks for this great and reinvigorating video. Let’s get back to work and do much more for others facing hardships.

[@shannonharriman6217]

I would like to thank Halverson for that wonderful act that he did during world war II and has continued to do so my hat's off to his family for continuing his remembering the day that he dropped all that candy thank you very much and I will always remember his kindness his love toward his fellow man thank you Gail Halverson for listening to the Lord when he spoke to you on that day about that candy you had in your pocket that was God almighty talking to you thank you

[@josueamavizca5444]

How cool was that Mike and Mark, great story, thanks for sharing and God bless this Man for what he did

[@curley6531]

wow what a great human being and a very great man

[@ericcameron4159]

Thanks for honoring Uncle Hal. He is my grandfather's best friend. Grandpa is still alive and misses Gale a lot.

[@joeburns4294]

Great tribute. Knew the story but never knew G. Halverson was with us that long. When I was in Germany there were two Berlin Airlift memorials. One at Rhein Main (Frankfurt) and the other in Berlin. The civilian version of the C-54 was the DC-4 as you know. The same plane used in the movie The High And The Mighty, that peaked my obsession with aviation as a boy. Jets are ok, but there’s nothing like four whirling props!

[@AppleJack76]

My parents grew up during this war in Germany & Austria. Their stories of having to be picked up, and hurried to bomb shelters are heart breaking. Glad there were some good people after the war, trying to help the innocent. The death march of many German civilians after the war, was another horrible aftermath.

[@sr175]

Oh man so inspiring and what an awesome unique flyby of two great airplanes! Also shows the extreme good impact aviation has had on people's lives.

[@PhilG999]

The greatest generation. What they did in those times was truly phenomenal! I wonder if those of us alive today could do the same? BTW I'm almost 64 and my Granddad built instrument panels for B-29s. Pop was a WWII vet. Normandy, Battle of the Bulge, captured and spent 97 days in a POW camp before being liberated.

[@donaldvojtush2013]

thanks mike for sharing this event with us. I havent thought about the berlin airlift in years, but it refreshed my memory of those times. what a great man mr. halvorvorsen was. get back to work!

[@crazyaces9586]

Love ya Mike Thank's for sharing the info God Bless him

[@dannycrooks8462]

He was known the world over I first heard of him in history in school here in Northern Ireland 🇬🇧

[@rconger24]

Ulster! Spent 8-9 months there in '79 -'80. Rathcoole, Coleraine, Newtownards, Bangor. Unforgettable to me. Regards, RC

[@daverobinsonTnT]

Happy Birthday Mike & Mark !!! 🥁🎊👏😊

[@berndm9743]

What a wonderful video to watch. It actually brought tears to my eyes. I was born in Berlin and was only 2 months and 1 day old on that June 24, 1948. I was way to young to appreciate any of this but I learned from my parents what a true Godsend the entire airlift was not only for our family but for countless thousands of other Berliners who might not have survived the Russian blockade. This video was a great reminder of a monumental effort to help a former enemy. I for one, am eternally grateful to everyone involved. Thank you!!!!

[@dakotafouss313]

I'm fairly confident that I worked on that c-17 when I was deployed to the desert. It wasn't named that at the time tho. Such a great honor and a great story to go with it.

[@flyul1]

Thank you for sharing this amazing story.

[@CaptainZaaz]

A true hero! Thanks Mike 😀

[@Dick_Shinn]

Moving tribute!! Got to ride in a C-54 May of 1970 Selfridge AFB, Michigan to Peterson Field, Colorado Springs!

[@-Spatz-]

I haven't seen the Spirit of Freedom in several years, wasn't sure if it was repaired. Great to see such a fascinating piece of history flying again! What a great man!

[@kevinkearney1277]

It wasnt. We replaced it with a 'new' C-54D. We have been using the old one for parts

[@-Spatz-]

@@kevinkearney1277 Ah, interesting. Thanks!

[@vironpayne3405]

The Berlin airlift was an amazing effort. It was possibly the last mission my dad flew before becoming a Philco tech rep and going to Korea. He had spent most of the war teaching primary in Stearmans and advanced in C-47s. Toward the end of the war he was sent to Italy and Germany to pickup war junk with his C-47. He joined the Army Air Corp, a graduate of Texas A&M with a EE degree prior to the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He had been flying since being a teenager. He wanted to be a fighter pilot as did everyone. But he was one of two people in the infirmary when two air cadets were volunteered for transport school. My dad was an adopted only child. He offered every man in his class $10,000 and his 1939 Cadillac for their spot in fighter school. All turned him down. The transport carrying his class to fighter school crashed into a mountian killing all onboard.