Gail Halvorsen
During the late 1930s and early 1940s, World War II was in full force. Gail Halvorsen seemed to be one of the few that had hope.“Service is the bottom line to happiness and fulfilment”(Halvorsen). Halvorsen has been recognized countless times for his compassion, the idea, and the great impact he had on many people.
A rise of militaristic governments had suddenly become apparent throughout the 1920s and 30’s. The United States at the time was facing another conflict, The Great Depression. They watched war spread throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa scared of the future. Theodore Roosevelt, the president of the United States at the time, wanted to stay out of this world war but failed to do so. On December 7, 1941, Japanese forces …show more content…
He was accepted into the pilot-training program and soon after the attack on Pearl Harbor by the japanese, Halvorsen knew he belonged with the marine corps. Halvorsens first flight to berlin was unforgettable, he remembers the look of devastation. Germany was in ruins, and initially, all the wartime allies wanted to punish Germany for the war and for Nazi atrocities (Roberts). Although germany had started this world war, Halvorsen knew he must help them. Stalin had just proposed himself as a new threat and was starving the citizens in germany. So the U.S. and its Allies helped rebuild a "stable and productive" Germany. Food and fuel, rather than bombs, became a Cold War weapon (Roberts). Coal, milk, potatoes, dried eggs ... everything. I even flew gasoline in drums before the British converted their Lancasters to tankers (World History Group). Halvorsen along with the other pilots job was to transport goods to the citizens of Germany. It all started with a simple piece of bubble gum. The kids and families in berlin at this time were so grateful for anything, to be free was enough for them. Halvorsen held a piece of gum in his hand, none of many kids passing by, not one held out his hand to ask for the gum. In amazement, halvorsen thought of an idea. I went back to the fence and pulled out my two sticks of Wrigley's …show more content…
He played a major role in saving Berlin. The inspiration eventually caught on with American children, who made their own parachutes and donated candy for the German children (Charleston). He has been recognized for not only his aviation skills but also his obvious compassion. Although Halvorsen is an Air Force legend, he remains humble and wishes for the training building to be a reminder of those who sacrificed their lives in the name of freedom (Charleston). Since the famous “candy drop”, Halvorsen has been back to Berlin 35 times. On the 50th anniversary of the airlift, Halvorsen flew the restored C-54 spirit of freedom back to Templehof. Many men and women who were present during the blockade, were there with their eyes moist saying “Thank you, for freedom!” This all came from one piece of gum in 1948! Halvorsen said he remains as optimistic about the idea of freedom as ever. "In man's search for happiness, sometimes he'll chase for riches," Halvorsen said. "But money doesn't buy happiness. The only real reward you get in life is getting out of yourself and helping others, and that's worth more than anything money can
During the late 1930s and early 1940s, World War II was in full force. Gail Halvorsen seemed to be one of the few that had hope.“Service is the bottom line to happiness and fulfilment”(Halvorsen). Halvorsen has been recognized countless times for his compassion, the idea, and the great impact he had on many people.
A rise of militaristic governments had suddenly become apparent throughout the 1920s and 30’s. The United States at the time was facing another conflict, The Great Depression. They watched war spread throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa scared of the future. Theodore Roosevelt, the president of the United States at the time, wanted to stay out of this world war but failed to do so. On December 7, 1941, Japanese forces …show more content…
He was accepted into the pilot-training program and soon after the attack on Pearl Harbor by the japanese, Halvorsen knew he belonged with the marine corps. Halvorsens first flight to berlin was unforgettable, he remembers the look of devastation. Germany was in ruins, and initially, all the wartime allies wanted to punish Germany for the war and for Nazi atrocities (Roberts). Although germany had started this world war, Halvorsen knew he must help them. Stalin had just proposed himself as a new threat and was starving the citizens in germany. So the U.S. and its Allies helped rebuild a "stable and productive" Germany. Food and fuel, rather than bombs, became a Cold War weapon (Roberts). Coal, milk, potatoes, dried eggs ... everything. I even flew gasoline in drums before the British converted their Lancasters to tankers (World History Group). Halvorsen along with the other pilots job was to transport goods to the citizens of Germany. It all started with a simple piece of bubble gum. The kids and families in berlin at this time were so grateful for anything, to be free was enough for them. Halvorsen held a piece of gum in his hand, none of many kids passing by, not one held out his hand to ask for the gum. In amazement, halvorsen thought of an idea. I went back to the fence and pulled out my two sticks of Wrigley's …show more content…
He played a major role in saving Berlin. The inspiration eventually caught on with American children, who made their own parachutes and donated candy for the German children (Charleston). He has been recognized for not only his aviation skills but also his obvious compassion. Although Halvorsen is an Air Force legend, he remains humble and wishes for the training building to be a reminder of those who sacrificed their lives in the name of freedom (Charleston). Since the famous “candy drop”, Halvorsen has been back to Berlin 35 times. On the 50th anniversary of the airlift, Halvorsen flew the restored C-54 spirit of freedom back to Templehof. Many men and women who were present during the blockade, were there with their eyes moist saying “Thank you, for freedom!” This all came from one piece of gum in 1948! Halvorsen said he remains as optimistic about the idea of freedom as ever. "In man's search for happiness, sometimes he'll chase for riches," Halvorsen said. "But money doesn't buy happiness. The only real reward you get in life is getting out of yourself and helping others, and that's worth more than anything money can