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The Goodness of Colonel Halvorsen, the Candy Bomber

With the legendary WWII veteran’s passing at age 101, we reflect on his special service in the Berlin Airlift.

Halvorson crewed and flew WWII combat veteran, Placid Lassie. [Photo: Jon Helminiak]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Col. Gail Halvorsen, famously known as "The Candy Bomber," passed away at 101, remembered for his profound goodness and humanitarian spirit.
  • During the post-WWII Berlin Airlift, Halvorsen started "Operation Little Vittles" by creating tiny parachutes to drop candy to German children, earning him hero status and his iconic nickname.
  • His selfless act transformed a military operation into a symbol of hope and kindness, leaving an enduring legacy that was celebrated in commemorations like the 70th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift.
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“I’ll miss his goodness in the world.”

That was the immediate text I took in from a friend after learning the news that Col. Gail Halvorsen, aka “The Candy Bomber,” had died Wednesday at the age of 101.

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