Gail Halvorsen's Thoughts on Life that Reveal His Faith in God
Through his actions and words Colonel Gail Halvorsen continues to share a message of humility, service, and love as the antidote to even the greatest challenges life has to offer. As his own children have looked into the faces of people meeting him, they have seen light and love in their eyes. Sometimes, these are troubled people; but light seems to come from him and into them. As one of his children noted, "I want to help people experience the light of Christ reflected in my father’s life. When I see my father share his Candy Bomber experiences with others, I see them light up and soften and become more like they really are as children of Heavenly Father. I want to help the Candy Bomber complete his mission of sharing the truth he has received here on earth before he joins his “angel,” my mother, Alta Jolley Halvorsen. I see many connections between the way he has lived his life, the opportunities God has given him, and the Light from above we see in the eyes of many when they listen to him. I want to share some personal insights into my father’s love for God and Jesus Christ and how those are reflected in his Candy Bomber experiences as well. The lessons he has learned through his life experiences reflect very clearly some of the Gospel principles he lives his life by as he strives to “come follow” Christ.
This note to Hal's children from one of the "Berlin kids" who regularly contact him, even 70+ years after their shared experiences in Germany, helped inspire the inclusion of these Lessons and the stories that follow: "What can you share from the lessons your parents taught you as you grew up? I am looking for practical examples and testimonies (probably based on the Holy Scriptures) for myself but also some that I can share ... so that people see Jesus Christ as the hero and not only your father (I'd like to take some weight off of his shoulders and re-direct people's focus onto God in preparation for the time when the LORD moves him from earth to heaven. That will make the transition a bit easier for people here to let go of your father as THE "father figure". I always felt that your father couldn't talk about [these spiritual things] due to [being in] the military; but I can and have to."
This section shares some of the Candy Bomber's own thoughts and personal experiences, and some from others, that illustrate the following 17 lessons he has learned and shared in many presentations all over the world.
LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE BEST TEACHERS
By Gail S. Halvorsen 1 Jan 2013 (Stories of experiences that illustrate follow the list and were added over time)
1. The desire for freedom is inborn in every human soul no matter on which side of the border he or she is born. “I do it myself!” comes in every language from the lips of most children when they are two or three years old. Free agency is already at work, but not all are free to choose.
Hal always shares the story of meeting the Berlin Kids at the fence and hearing them say that they appreciated him and others running the Airlift for bringing food and fuel, even though they could probably live without those for awhile. But the real reason they were thankful to the people from other nations helping them was because they were preserving their freedom! Insert exact quote here
The Candy Bomber, when asked, "What is your message for today, dad?", said (April 8, 2020):
"You are lucky to be in America, where you can make choices. The more I see in the world and the people in it, makes me appreciate more and more the freedoms we have. Be grateful for your country and the Church as you go through life. Both are essential and nothing compares to the appreciation of joy and happiness you get. We are double lucky.
2. Children hold the future of the whole world in their hands; our children and everyone’s children. One of his own children noted how seriously he took that lesson (April 12, 2020) by noting: Dad taught us through example by
-Giving blessings for guidance and comfort.
-Giving counsel on making decisions about college and keeping doors and options open.
-Giving advice that was always good.
-Encouraging us to bear our testimony.
-Telling us to always live our religion - you never know who is watching.
-Encouraging us to keep the commandments.
-Snuggling up next to you in church for the hymns and singing out of tune in your ear.
-Keeping in touch with a lot of people while he was Bishop by making short calls to see how people were doing so they knew he cared about them and knew he was thinking about them.
-Always taking us to church.
-Always showing respect to mom.
3. Keep your word. Integrity begets hope, faith and peace of mind for you and others. A West Berliner recipient of a chocolate bar once told me, “Without hope the soul dies.” His hope and faith were based on the belief that the British, French and Americans would stand by him and that someone in America cared.
4. Give service to others if you seek genuine fulfillment. A happy person has goals that include others. Those devoid of service are wandering Dead Sea souls. No charity here. An acquaintance who hadn't even met the Candybomber said to one of his grandchildren: "Good morning! I was thinking about you and the story of your grandfather. Anyway, I'm in my kitchen making cookies for my doctor's office and your grandfather and his story came into my mind. I started to think about how we can all do our part in a more modern day "Operation Vittles". Even though we are not at war with another country, we are battling a "war" in many ways. It is times like these that we can look back in history and learn from it. We all have something that can lift someone up during this time of uncertainty. I'm grateful that I have your grandfather as an example of how I can sweeten someone's day. This was just my thought today."
5. Be grateful to others with words, service or goods and without preconditions. Unexpected blessings and rewards will be yours. More important another person’s burden will be made lighter. I had a neat experience this week that I wanted to share. As we stood in line at the store, a safe 6 feet apart of course, the couple in front of us was talking about what they wanted to put on the neighborhood Facebook group they were putting together. A few options were thrown out, then the wife said, "Service Before Self." I couldn't resist and told them that was my favorite one because that's what the Candy Bomber always says. She lit up and her husband smiled. "That's where I heard it!" she exclaimed. She had heard him years ago in school and was determined to live by that motto the rest of her life. Her husband even told us she's been telling it to their kids their whole lives. I thought it was so amazing to hear from someone who is changing the lives of her family and friends because Gail had touched her life.
6. Seek a positive outlook on life and the world will be manageable, even if difficult. Attitude is not everything but it does influence everything. How you complete the mission and in the world of work attitude determines your success or failure. It is more important than grade point average. Gail's mother called him "the boy who was born smiling."
7. Little decisions put your footsteps on the path that will lead you to your final destination, good or bad. As Thomas S. Monson recently (January 2015) stated: "history turns on small hinges, and so do our lives. Decisions determine destiny ... some choices may seem more important than others, but no choice is insignificant."
8. It is never so good or never so bad that the existing situation cannot be improved with patience, determination, love and hard work.
9. My mother always said, “Perseverance wins!” She was right. Patience and work are again the keys.
10. A good woman is uniquely powerful, inspirational, to be honored and prized.
11. My father taught that we should not only endure to the end but strive to excel through the journey.
12. Families that work together and pray together are the ideal building blocks for a beneficial society.
13. My scout master said, “Always do your best!” He was right.
14. If there is a conflict when you make a decision-put principle before pleasure. The Berlin kids did. Freedom, sometime in the dim future, was more important than the pleasure of enough to eat now.
15. As you travel the road of life look in the rear view mirror to learn but do not look too long for the what if, what might have been, or how great or bad you were, or how bad someone else was. If you dwell too long on these things you will surely miss the turn off on the road to what you might become. Look forward through the windshield for the good in the world and how you can make it better.
16. Similarly we all have mental and physical “mountains” to climb. Part way up you may become weary with the struggle and might get discouraged. Pause for a moment. Look back and take heart from the good and how far you have come. On the morrow look up. Resume the climb with new determination and confidence.
17. God is alive and well. We plan our challenging journey toward our desired objective on this space ship “Earth”. He has given us a GPS* that will direct us around the pitfalls of life and radar* that we may not ice our wings, or hit rocks in that which clouds our vision. If we keep our batteries properly charged we will make the journey safely back to Him. *Modern and Ancient Scriptures
Personal experience on the efficacy of prayer (June 14, 2015)
In 1946 the war was over. I had just returned from overseas. I was assigned to fly foreign transport operations to South America. I was based in West Palm Beach, Florida. Being a farm kid from Utah and with parents now in California it was a bitter disappointment. I had hoped for an assignment westward. It was a short time before Christmas which intensified the push to get home quickly.
I hadn't seen my parents in over two years. Couldn't wait to visit them. I bought an old Studibaker (sp) used car, all that was available then. However it was soon apparent that the car might not get me to the Mississippi River let alone to California.
Miraculously a pilot flew in from California in a single engine war surplus trainer aircraft. He was assigned to my outfit. He desperately needed a car. He would trade his plane for my car! Granted the plane wasn't much. Didn't even have a radio or a starter motor. Had to hand prop it!
I told him the car wasn't the best and I didn't expect to drive it to California. I showed him the trunk had a gallon can of motor oil for trips away from a gas station! We traded, even after he tried the car! That is how hard cars were to get then. He just wanted it for local travel. Didn't phase him.
First answer to a prayer. So improbable! I knew if the plane got to Florida from California it could get back again. I didn't even try it out!
I flew with a buddy as passenger west. Got as far as Tucson and the weather got progressively worse. Unusual! Just north and west of Sells a storm front closed the valley and headed for me. We would loose visual contact with the ground. Mountains in the area.
I was off airways so legally I could fly instruments in the clouds, but not in controlled airspace, no radio. We were not in controlled airspace but over the Tohono O'odham Nation Indian reservation. My instinct was to apply climb power and go up through the clouds. I enjoyed instrument flying.
Earlier I had noticed a dirt wagon road beneath me. In a single engine aircraft I was taught to always look for a place to land in case the engine failed, especially when flying at low altitude, which I was.
The storm front was getting closer. Land or climb out? Rain drops started to hit the windscreen. I gave a short prayer for direction. I just started to push the throttle forward and easy back on the stick to climb out. Immediately and as clear as a prompt could be I was practically directed to put it on the ground.
No equivocation or qualification, road or no road.* Put it down! It startled me. Where was that road? Looking back to my left, there it was. Got it down on the road, wings occasionally brushing sage brush. Got it stopped 50 yards before an arroyo! Almost immediately the storm hit. We slept in the plane that night.
The next morning I was startled to see that the mountains I saw on my chart were closer than I thought they were. The climb rate of my aircraft was not good enough to have cleared all of the higher mountain tops while I was still in the cloud! We could have crashed!
It was the same prompt in Berlin,1948, that directed me to go back to the kids at the fence. I had only two sticks of gum for 30 kids. That would only encourage a fight I had reasoned. Do no good. Then came the prompt. Didn't mention fight or no fight.
I may not have been at that fence in 1948 but for that first message in1946!
I have a strong testimony, through 94 years of experiences and the Holy Ghost, that God lives and He loves his children.
This note to Hal's children from one of the "Berlin kids" who regularly contact him, even 70+ years after their shared experiences in Germany, helped inspire the inclusion of these Lessons and the stories that follow: "What can you share from the lessons your parents taught you as you grew up? I am looking for practical examples and testimonies (probably based on the Holy Scriptures) for myself but also some that I can share ... so that people see Jesus Christ as the hero and not only your father (I'd like to take some weight off of his shoulders and re-direct people's focus onto God in preparation for the time when the LORD moves him from earth to heaven. That will make the transition a bit easier for people here to let go of your father as THE "father figure". I always felt that your father couldn't talk about [these spiritual things] due to [being in] the military; but I can and have to."
This section shares some of the Candy Bomber's own thoughts and personal experiences, and some from others, that illustrate the following 17 lessons he has learned and shared in many presentations all over the world.
LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE BEST TEACHERS
By Gail S. Halvorsen 1 Jan 2013 (Stories of experiences that illustrate follow the list and were added over time)
1. The desire for freedom is inborn in every human soul no matter on which side of the border he or she is born. “I do it myself!” comes in every language from the lips of most children when they are two or three years old. Free agency is already at work, but not all are free to choose.
Hal always shares the story of meeting the Berlin Kids at the fence and hearing them say that they appreciated him and others running the Airlift for bringing food and fuel, even though they could probably live without those for awhile. But the real reason they were thankful to the people from other nations helping them was because they were preserving their freedom! Insert exact quote here
The Candy Bomber, when asked, "What is your message for today, dad?", said (April 8, 2020):
"You are lucky to be in America, where you can make choices. The more I see in the world and the people in it, makes me appreciate more and more the freedoms we have. Be grateful for your country and the Church as you go through life. Both are essential and nothing compares to the appreciation of joy and happiness you get. We are double lucky.
2. Children hold the future of the whole world in their hands; our children and everyone’s children. One of his own children noted how seriously he took that lesson (April 12, 2020) by noting: Dad taught us through example by
-Giving blessings for guidance and comfort.
-Giving counsel on making decisions about college and keeping doors and options open.
-Giving advice that was always good.
-Encouraging us to bear our testimony.
-Telling us to always live our religion - you never know who is watching.
-Encouraging us to keep the commandments.
-Snuggling up next to you in church for the hymns and singing out of tune in your ear.
-Keeping in touch with a lot of people while he was Bishop by making short calls to see how people were doing so they knew he cared about them and knew he was thinking about them.
-Always taking us to church.
-Always showing respect to mom.
3. Keep your word. Integrity begets hope, faith and peace of mind for you and others. A West Berliner recipient of a chocolate bar once told me, “Without hope the soul dies.” His hope and faith were based on the belief that the British, French and Americans would stand by him and that someone in America cared.
4. Give service to others if you seek genuine fulfillment. A happy person has goals that include others. Those devoid of service are wandering Dead Sea souls. No charity here. An acquaintance who hadn't even met the Candybomber said to one of his grandchildren: "Good morning! I was thinking about you and the story of your grandfather. Anyway, I'm in my kitchen making cookies for my doctor's office and your grandfather and his story came into my mind. I started to think about how we can all do our part in a more modern day "Operation Vittles". Even though we are not at war with another country, we are battling a "war" in many ways. It is times like these that we can look back in history and learn from it. We all have something that can lift someone up during this time of uncertainty. I'm grateful that I have your grandfather as an example of how I can sweeten someone's day. This was just my thought today."
5. Be grateful to others with words, service or goods and without preconditions. Unexpected blessings and rewards will be yours. More important another person’s burden will be made lighter. I had a neat experience this week that I wanted to share. As we stood in line at the store, a safe 6 feet apart of course, the couple in front of us was talking about what they wanted to put on the neighborhood Facebook group they were putting together. A few options were thrown out, then the wife said, "Service Before Self." I couldn't resist and told them that was my favorite one because that's what the Candy Bomber always says. She lit up and her husband smiled. "That's where I heard it!" she exclaimed. She had heard him years ago in school and was determined to live by that motto the rest of her life. Her husband even told us she's been telling it to their kids their whole lives. I thought it was so amazing to hear from someone who is changing the lives of her family and friends because Gail had touched her life.
6. Seek a positive outlook on life and the world will be manageable, even if difficult. Attitude is not everything but it does influence everything. How you complete the mission and in the world of work attitude determines your success or failure. It is more important than grade point average. Gail's mother called him "the boy who was born smiling."
7. Little decisions put your footsteps on the path that will lead you to your final destination, good or bad. As Thomas S. Monson recently (January 2015) stated: "history turns on small hinges, and so do our lives. Decisions determine destiny ... some choices may seem more important than others, but no choice is insignificant."
8. It is never so good or never so bad that the existing situation cannot be improved with patience, determination, love and hard work.
9. My mother always said, “Perseverance wins!” She was right. Patience and work are again the keys.
10. A good woman is uniquely powerful, inspirational, to be honored and prized.
11. My father taught that we should not only endure to the end but strive to excel through the journey.
12. Families that work together and pray together are the ideal building blocks for a beneficial society.
13. My scout master said, “Always do your best!” He was right.
14. If there is a conflict when you make a decision-put principle before pleasure. The Berlin kids did. Freedom, sometime in the dim future, was more important than the pleasure of enough to eat now.
15. As you travel the road of life look in the rear view mirror to learn but do not look too long for the what if, what might have been, or how great or bad you were, or how bad someone else was. If you dwell too long on these things you will surely miss the turn off on the road to what you might become. Look forward through the windshield for the good in the world and how you can make it better.
16. Similarly we all have mental and physical “mountains” to climb. Part way up you may become weary with the struggle and might get discouraged. Pause for a moment. Look back and take heart from the good and how far you have come. On the morrow look up. Resume the climb with new determination and confidence.
17. God is alive and well. We plan our challenging journey toward our desired objective on this space ship “Earth”. He has given us a GPS* that will direct us around the pitfalls of life and radar* that we may not ice our wings, or hit rocks in that which clouds our vision. If we keep our batteries properly charged we will make the journey safely back to Him. *Modern and Ancient Scriptures
Personal experience on the efficacy of prayer (June 14, 2015)
In 1946 the war was over. I had just returned from overseas. I was assigned to fly foreign transport operations to South America. I was based in West Palm Beach, Florida. Being a farm kid from Utah and with parents now in California it was a bitter disappointment. I had hoped for an assignment westward. It was a short time before Christmas which intensified the push to get home quickly.
I hadn't seen my parents in over two years. Couldn't wait to visit them. I bought an old Studibaker (sp) used car, all that was available then. However it was soon apparent that the car might not get me to the Mississippi River let alone to California.
Miraculously a pilot flew in from California in a single engine war surplus trainer aircraft. He was assigned to my outfit. He desperately needed a car. He would trade his plane for my car! Granted the plane wasn't much. Didn't even have a radio or a starter motor. Had to hand prop it!
I told him the car wasn't the best and I didn't expect to drive it to California. I showed him the trunk had a gallon can of motor oil for trips away from a gas station! We traded, even after he tried the car! That is how hard cars were to get then. He just wanted it for local travel. Didn't phase him.
First answer to a prayer. So improbable! I knew if the plane got to Florida from California it could get back again. I didn't even try it out!
I flew with a buddy as passenger west. Got as far as Tucson and the weather got progressively worse. Unusual! Just north and west of Sells a storm front closed the valley and headed for me. We would loose visual contact with the ground. Mountains in the area.
I was off airways so legally I could fly instruments in the clouds, but not in controlled airspace, no radio. We were not in controlled airspace but over the Tohono O'odham Nation Indian reservation. My instinct was to apply climb power and go up through the clouds. I enjoyed instrument flying.
Earlier I had noticed a dirt wagon road beneath me. In a single engine aircraft I was taught to always look for a place to land in case the engine failed, especially when flying at low altitude, which I was.
The storm front was getting closer. Land or climb out? Rain drops started to hit the windscreen. I gave a short prayer for direction. I just started to push the throttle forward and easy back on the stick to climb out. Immediately and as clear as a prompt could be I was practically directed to put it on the ground.
No equivocation or qualification, road or no road.* Put it down! It startled me. Where was that road? Looking back to my left, there it was. Got it down on the road, wings occasionally brushing sage brush. Got it stopped 50 yards before an arroyo! Almost immediately the storm hit. We slept in the plane that night.
The next morning I was startled to see that the mountains I saw on my chart were closer than I thought they were. The climb rate of my aircraft was not good enough to have cleared all of the higher mountain tops while I was still in the cloud! We could have crashed!
It was the same prompt in Berlin,1948, that directed me to go back to the kids at the fence. I had only two sticks of gum for 30 kids. That would only encourage a fight I had reasoned. Do no good. Then came the prompt. Didn't mention fight or no fight.
I may not have been at that fence in 1948 but for that first message in1946!
I have a strong testimony, through 94 years of experiences and the Holy Ghost, that God lives and He loves his children.
Thoughts on the Germany 2013 Visit
"Brad, Denise, Marilyn and I left for Berlin on 13 June. Brad and I stayed at the home of Peter and Mercedes, good bed (house where Mercedes wrote me the letter from in 1948) and great food, best company. Denise and Marilyn stayed in a quaint pension in the area of where we lived 1970-1974, near where the girls rode horses in the rodeo, German American Friendship days in the 70's.
In Berlin the highlight of the trip and a once in a life time memory was the naming of the Alfred Wegener Middle School in Zehlendorf (sp) the Gail S. Halvorsen School. It was the primary purpose of the trip. Thanks to Michael Notbohm, Mercedes, school students, school authorities and others for making it possible. Some additional events in Berlin were: An extensive Berlin Airlift exhibit at the LDS Stake Center organized by Heinz-Gerd Reese, Ralf Bartsch, Mercedes and others; President Obama's speech at Brandenburg Gate, Brad and I were in the first row in the audience. Denise and Marilyn were not far off. Brad and I sat by the American Ambassador to Germany, Mr. Murphy with his family and the German Ambassador to America during the speech and later that evening were at the President's dinner in the Charlottenburg Palace, two tables removed from the President, his wife, Dirk Nowitzki, and others; The Berlin- Patrol with six U.S. WW II military vehicles, the lead one with an American flag flying jeep through Berlin and then all parked in the middle of the street at Check Point Charlie, room for some traffic both sides, waves no glares; Gatow visit, wonderful international program/dinner and next day Michael Notbohm Patrol Commander leading 20 old Patrol military vehicles through the Berlin city traffic. American and British flags flying, not one traffic ticket! Waves from the side walk. Unbelievable! Postdam treaty site and best ever tour of the site and its history; Wonderful Church services on Sunday. Great dinner by Sister Bartsh and family in their home in former East Berlin. The Bernaure (sp) Strasse memorial was very interesting.
Then a train ride to Frankfurt 24 June, courtesy Mercedes and Peter. Old memories of the years of duty trains through East Germany in 1970 to 1974. At Frankfurt Airport Brad, Denise, Marilyn and I stayed at the Inter-City Hotel courtesy Aton Wustefeld, manager, a good friend for years. Great beds. No better food in Germany. Anton dedicated the Terrace to the Berlin Airlift, the veterans of the Airlift and me with a wonderful photo plaque. When it was a military hotel my family stayed there a number of times, 1962-1965 and later visits. Visited our old home at Bogenweg. Took photos of the spiral stair case where the kids lined up for Christmas 1963-1965.
In Frankfurt we attended a special 65th Anniversary ceremony at the Airlift Memorial, now a protected heritage sight. Wonderful Musterschule children's Choir many speeches, photos, and kids. Site and aircraft look great. Hard work from Ramstein and Spangdalem AFB base personnel made it so. USO visit with wonderful volunteer leaders. Lecture at the Phorms School, Frankfurt. Lucias D. Clay Kaserne. Then the Fulda Gap, Point Alpha site. Incredible historic site on the border with old Cod War look out towers staring at each other across the fence. Crisis point and likely launch point if the Soviets would have attempted an invasion of West Germany. Talk there by Mercedes and me. Camp King Oberursel and visit with Mr Werner Franz. 91 years old at his home. He is the last survivor of the terrible HIndenburg Airship crash and burn in New Jersey. Church at the Friedrichsdorf Chapel beautiful Temple Grounds. Elder Axel Lymar and I spoke. Visit to the Musterschule School, Frankfurt. One hour lecture. Wonderful students and staff. Some of the students sang at the Memorial. The last day was in Bonn at the magnificent Haus der Deutshe Geschichte Museum. Talk with press and school kids. Wonderful, incredible pro American Museum. Look it up. Went to a studio did a short interview and met a 96 year old Luftwaffe pilot, Helmut Sinn who had 15,000 take offs in Ju-52s, Ju 88s and other Nazi aircraft. He ended up a watch maker.
Charlie and Celeste worked in a trip along the Rhine. Visit to Rudesheim. Took the gondola up to Watch on the Rhine then hiked through the woods to above Assmanshousen (sp) then hiked down the mountain into the town and a magnificent meal. Back to the super Inter-City Hotel and packed up for home.
The reason for such a memorable time in Frankfurt was the day and night advanced work by Charlie, Christina Pieroth and Celeste Warner Heyman. Not only did they set up all the Frankfurt events but also coordinated what was going on in Berlin. They greeted us every morning, arranged all of our Frankfurt housing and transportation and all the many Frankfurt events. This was all accomplished with Charlie still recovering from the fall last year and Celeste's continuing battle with cancer. They are examples of service before self!
Part way over the Atlantic the Pilot asked Brad and me to the cockpit of the B-747-8 for a briefing.
I have missed many other important events and people. Wrote most of this before unpacking and catching up on sleep with only memory and a very few notes. Please forgive omissions. No time to check spelling and giving proper credits. This is just a part of it. We give our deepest gratitude to all in Berlin and Frankfurt who made this once in a life time event possible. We are deeply thankful to our Father in Heaven for the blessings of safety and health during this time and the same for those at home or wherever else they might be."
In Berlin the highlight of the trip and a once in a life time memory was the naming of the Alfred Wegener Middle School in Zehlendorf (sp) the Gail S. Halvorsen School. It was the primary purpose of the trip. Thanks to Michael Notbohm, Mercedes, school students, school authorities and others for making it possible. Some additional events in Berlin were: An extensive Berlin Airlift exhibit at the LDS Stake Center organized by Heinz-Gerd Reese, Ralf Bartsch, Mercedes and others; President Obama's speech at Brandenburg Gate, Brad and I were in the first row in the audience. Denise and Marilyn were not far off. Brad and I sat by the American Ambassador to Germany, Mr. Murphy with his family and the German Ambassador to America during the speech and later that evening were at the President's dinner in the Charlottenburg Palace, two tables removed from the President, his wife, Dirk Nowitzki, and others; The Berlin- Patrol with six U.S. WW II military vehicles, the lead one with an American flag flying jeep through Berlin and then all parked in the middle of the street at Check Point Charlie, room for some traffic both sides, waves no glares; Gatow visit, wonderful international program/dinner and next day Michael Notbohm Patrol Commander leading 20 old Patrol military vehicles through the Berlin city traffic. American and British flags flying, not one traffic ticket! Waves from the side walk. Unbelievable! Postdam treaty site and best ever tour of the site and its history; Wonderful Church services on Sunday. Great dinner by Sister Bartsh and family in their home in former East Berlin. The Bernaure (sp) Strasse memorial was very interesting.
Then a train ride to Frankfurt 24 June, courtesy Mercedes and Peter. Old memories of the years of duty trains through East Germany in 1970 to 1974. At Frankfurt Airport Brad, Denise, Marilyn and I stayed at the Inter-City Hotel courtesy Aton Wustefeld, manager, a good friend for years. Great beds. No better food in Germany. Anton dedicated the Terrace to the Berlin Airlift, the veterans of the Airlift and me with a wonderful photo plaque. When it was a military hotel my family stayed there a number of times, 1962-1965 and later visits. Visited our old home at Bogenweg. Took photos of the spiral stair case where the kids lined up for Christmas 1963-1965.
In Frankfurt we attended a special 65th Anniversary ceremony at the Airlift Memorial, now a protected heritage sight. Wonderful Musterschule children's Choir many speeches, photos, and kids. Site and aircraft look great. Hard work from Ramstein and Spangdalem AFB base personnel made it so. USO visit with wonderful volunteer leaders. Lecture at the Phorms School, Frankfurt. Lucias D. Clay Kaserne. Then the Fulda Gap, Point Alpha site. Incredible historic site on the border with old Cod War look out towers staring at each other across the fence. Crisis point and likely launch point if the Soviets would have attempted an invasion of West Germany. Talk there by Mercedes and me. Camp King Oberursel and visit with Mr Werner Franz. 91 years old at his home. He is the last survivor of the terrible HIndenburg Airship crash and burn in New Jersey. Church at the Friedrichsdorf Chapel beautiful Temple Grounds. Elder Axel Lymar and I spoke. Visit to the Musterschule School, Frankfurt. One hour lecture. Wonderful students and staff. Some of the students sang at the Memorial. The last day was in Bonn at the magnificent Haus der Deutshe Geschichte Museum. Talk with press and school kids. Wonderful, incredible pro American Museum. Look it up. Went to a studio did a short interview and met a 96 year old Luftwaffe pilot, Helmut Sinn who had 15,000 take offs in Ju-52s, Ju 88s and other Nazi aircraft. He ended up a watch maker.
Charlie and Celeste worked in a trip along the Rhine. Visit to Rudesheim. Took the gondola up to Watch on the Rhine then hiked through the woods to above Assmanshousen (sp) then hiked down the mountain into the town and a magnificent meal. Back to the super Inter-City Hotel and packed up for home.
The reason for such a memorable time in Frankfurt was the day and night advanced work by Charlie, Christina Pieroth and Celeste Warner Heyman. Not only did they set up all the Frankfurt events but also coordinated what was going on in Berlin. They greeted us every morning, arranged all of our Frankfurt housing and transportation and all the many Frankfurt events. This was all accomplished with Charlie still recovering from the fall last year and Celeste's continuing battle with cancer. They are examples of service before self!
Part way over the Atlantic the Pilot asked Brad and me to the cockpit of the B-747-8 for a briefing.
I have missed many other important events and people. Wrote most of this before unpacking and catching up on sleep with only memory and a very few notes. Please forgive omissions. No time to check spelling and giving proper credits. This is just a part of it. We give our deepest gratitude to all in Berlin and Frankfurt who made this once in a life time event possible. We are deeply thankful to our Father in Heaven for the blessings of safety and health during this time and the same for those at home or wherever else they might be."
Q and A for a Class Project
1. How old were you when World War II ended?
I was 24.
2. How and when did you learn to fly planes?
I learned to fly planes in the summer of 1941. I got a pilot's license then through a scholarship competition.
3. When the war ended where were you stationed at the time?
I was stationed in natal Brazil flying to Ascension Island, South America and Africa.
4. When did you learn about the Russian Blockade of West Berlin and do you recall what you were told at the time?
I was stationed in Mobile, Alabama 26, May 1948. I was told we would fly everything into Berlin including coal! They didn't think it would last long.
5. Were you asked to volunteer or ordered to fly supplies into West Berlin in support of the Berlin Airlift?
No I volunteered to fly.
6. What were your thoughts on what was happening there at the time?
I thought it was terrible to starve over two million people, mostly women and children.
7. What do you believe the Soviet Union was trying to accomplish with the blockade of West Berlin?
They wanted to get the allies out of Berlin and take control of all of Berlin.
8. Did you feel the United States had the right and responsibility to protect the people of West Berlin and if so, was the Berlin Airlift the correct response?
We had a right to be there because of a treaty with the Soviets. I think it was the right response. Some wanted to force our way in but the airlift was the best answer. It got the world on our side except the Soviets.
9. Was it dangerous for you to fly a plane into West Berlin during the airlift? Did the Soviets ever attempt to interfere with your aircraft or prevent you from delivering supplies into West Berlin?
The heavy air traffic made it difficult. The Soviets jammed our radio navigation aids; their fighters buzzed our aircraft and me. 31 of my air force buddies and 39 of my British comrades were killed in crashes.
10. Did you speak with any of the people of West Berlin during or after the Berlin Airlift and if so, what is your most memorable memory of what they said?
I spoke to many West Berliners. They said, “We don't have to have enough to eat. Just don't give up on us. Someday we will have enough but if we lose our freedom we will never get it back!"
11. Why did you start dropping candy in little parachutes to the children in West Berlin?
Because not one of thirty children begged me for chocolate or gum like most children in different parts of the world did when they met Americans. The berlin children were so grateful for flour to be free they wouldn't beg for more than freedom.
12. At the time did you feel that the Berlin Airlift could have started a war with the Soviet Union?
I thought it could be possible.
13. If you felt a conflict with the Soviet Union was possible during the Berlin Airlift, do you think it was worth the risk and why?
I trusted President Truman. I thought if he wanted us to fly it we should. He would watch out for us. We had the bomb. They didn't. That protected us as well.
14. Do you feel a sense of accomplishment knowing that the Berlin Airlift saved the free people of West Berlin from Soviet oppression?
I only know of one person who complained about flying day and night to feed the former enemy. That is because when you serve others there is no greater reward, even if it is the former enemy. If you want to be happy serve someone besides yourselves. The Dead Sea is dead because it wraps its arms around the fresh Jordan water and gives out nothing. You see Dead Sea souls because all they think about is themselves! The airlift not only saved West Berlin but it stopped Stalin from trying to move on France and Italy.
15. What do you feel was the most important lessen learned as a result of the success of the Berlin Airlift?
When challenged do not be ashamed to stand up for truth, whether it be in your community or an assault on your personal values. Unto your own self be true! As you travel the roads of life look into the rear view mirror to learn but not too long for "the what ifs", the "what might have beens", or how good you were or how bad you were for if you do you may miss the turn off on the road to what you might become!
God bless!
(Gail Halvorsen, March 5, 2014)
1. How old were you when World War II ended?
I was 24.
2. How and when did you learn to fly planes?
I learned to fly planes in the summer of 1941. I got a pilot's license then through a scholarship competition.
3. When the war ended where were you stationed at the time?
I was stationed in natal Brazil flying to Ascension Island, South America and Africa.
4. When did you learn about the Russian Blockade of West Berlin and do you recall what you were told at the time?
I was stationed in Mobile, Alabama 26, May 1948. I was told we would fly everything into Berlin including coal! They didn't think it would last long.
5. Were you asked to volunteer or ordered to fly supplies into West Berlin in support of the Berlin Airlift?
No I volunteered to fly.
6. What were your thoughts on what was happening there at the time?
I thought it was terrible to starve over two million people, mostly women and children.
7. What do you believe the Soviet Union was trying to accomplish with the blockade of West Berlin?
They wanted to get the allies out of Berlin and take control of all of Berlin.
8. Did you feel the United States had the right and responsibility to protect the people of West Berlin and if so, was the Berlin Airlift the correct response?
We had a right to be there because of a treaty with the Soviets. I think it was the right response. Some wanted to force our way in but the airlift was the best answer. It got the world on our side except the Soviets.
9. Was it dangerous for you to fly a plane into West Berlin during the airlift? Did the Soviets ever attempt to interfere with your aircraft or prevent you from delivering supplies into West Berlin?
The heavy air traffic made it difficult. The Soviets jammed our radio navigation aids; their fighters buzzed our aircraft and me. 31 of my air force buddies and 39 of my British comrades were killed in crashes.
10. Did you speak with any of the people of West Berlin during or after the Berlin Airlift and if so, what is your most memorable memory of what they said?
I spoke to many West Berliners. They said, “We don't have to have enough to eat. Just don't give up on us. Someday we will have enough but if we lose our freedom we will never get it back!"
11. Why did you start dropping candy in little parachutes to the children in West Berlin?
Because not one of thirty children begged me for chocolate or gum like most children in different parts of the world did when they met Americans. The berlin children were so grateful for flour to be free they wouldn't beg for more than freedom.
12. At the time did you feel that the Berlin Airlift could have started a war with the Soviet Union?
I thought it could be possible.
13. If you felt a conflict with the Soviet Union was possible during the Berlin Airlift, do you think it was worth the risk and why?
I trusted President Truman. I thought if he wanted us to fly it we should. He would watch out for us. We had the bomb. They didn't. That protected us as well.
14. Do you feel a sense of accomplishment knowing that the Berlin Airlift saved the free people of West Berlin from Soviet oppression?
I only know of one person who complained about flying day and night to feed the former enemy. That is because when you serve others there is no greater reward, even if it is the former enemy. If you want to be happy serve someone besides yourselves. The Dead Sea is dead because it wraps its arms around the fresh Jordan water and gives out nothing. You see Dead Sea souls because all they think about is themselves! The airlift not only saved West Berlin but it stopped Stalin from trying to move on France and Italy.
15. What do you feel was the most important lessen learned as a result of the success of the Berlin Airlift?
When challenged do not be ashamed to stand up for truth, whether it be in your community or an assault on your personal values. Unto your own self be true! As you travel the roads of life look into the rear view mirror to learn but not too long for "the what ifs", the "what might have beens", or how good you were or how bad you were for if you do you may miss the turn off on the road to what you might become!
God bless!
(Gail Halvorsen, March 5, 2014)
Additional Q&A
1. Did you ever feel the people of West Berlin should be left to their own fate during the blockade considering that Germany started World War II and had committed major atrocities and crimes against humanity during the war?
Answer: No. Most of the people in West Berlin were women and children. They were not guilty. Hitler and his henchmen were and the new bad guy was Stalin of the Soviet Union.
2. During the war did you feel there was a growing distrust between the allies and the Soviet Union over their postwar designs for Europe?
Answer: Yes. I thought we had different objectives. We wanted to help rebuild. Soviet Union wanted to further dismantle Germany.
3. If you answered, “yes” to question “2”, could you explain what you felt at the time would be the biggest problem between the allies and the Soviet Union after the war?
Answer: Stalin wanted West Berlin which was inside his controlled East Germany. West Berlin was a show case for Freedom and Stalin heard from East Berliners that they liked the way Berliners had their freedom. He couldn't compete. After that he wanted to go further west and influence the governments of France and Italy.
4. Do you know any of the pilots who lost their lives flying supplies into West Berlin?
Answer: I knew of some of them but none were my close buddies. One of must best friends from Utah, I taught him some how to fly before the war. He was Conrad Steffan. He joined the Army Air Corps war as a fighter pilot. He was shot down over Germany. I had that to work through ie how I felt about the Germans. Felt some special feelings and regret because I got him started. But I knew he would fly no matter who got him started.
5. Did you happen to meet or know Captain William R. Howard who was a pilot that died during the Berlin Airlift and if you did, could you tell us something about him or any other pilots who died during the airlift?
Answer: No I didn't know Captain Howard personally. See 4. above.
6. Did you ever feel like your life was in danger during the Berlin Airlift and if so, could you elaborate on one such instance?
Answer: Yes, see my book about coming head on with another aircraft in the clouds over Berlin during an instrument approach to Tempelhof airport.
7. We know you are good friends with Mrs. Mercedes Wild and that she refers to you as her “chocolate uncle” because of the chocolate filled parachutes you would drop from your plane. On a personal level you are close friends but what do you think is the significance and/or symbolism of your friendship with regard to the post WW II relationship between the United States and Germany?
Answer: The Savior said, "Greater love than this hath no man than this, than he lay down his life for a friend," 31 of my AF buddies and 39 British aviators gave their lives for a former enemy who had become a friend. This is because of the reward one gets from helping another who is in great need. This is in accordance with the exhortations of the Savior to serve others before self. It makes you feel better than a new car or a new house or more money! The Berlin Airlift was the healing balm on the wounds of war. One of my buddies bombed Berlin durning the war now he was flying day and night to feed the "enemy." I asked how he felt about the Germans who had shot up his plane and wounded one of his crewmen. He barely got back to England. He said, "It is a whole lot better to feed 'em than it is to kill them! I am glad to be back!" Mercedes and husband Peter have dedicated their lives to German/American relations. Mercedes became the most valued German friend of all. She became a pilot!
8. What is your fondest memory of your long-standing friendship with Mercedes Wild?
Answer: When I got a message from Peter Wild relaying Mercedes and his invitation to dinner in 1948. Mercedes families welcome to their previously bombed apartment and her story about her chickens was the most important and next was their visit to our family in Utah. There were many times I enjoyed their over 30 invitations to stay in their home in Berlin.Then recently her help in getting the school in Berlin named for me and her being with me at the reception/dinner with President Obama where her daughter and son-in-law prepared his meal.
9. Out of all the German people you met in West Berlin during the airlift could you briefly describe one or two of your most gratifying or special experiences you had with these people?
Answer: See 8. above and when the West Germans came on board the aircraft when we landed in Berlin. I never tired of the looks in their eyes as they observed the 20,000 pounds of food we had in the plane for them and their loved ones. It was their ticket to freedom! The next was the children who came out to our planes when they were being unloaded and gave us gifts of hand made objects and flowers.
10. Are you still in contact with people you met in West Berlin during or after the airlift? If so, can you tell us about how many people you still talk to or stay in contact with?
Answer: I am still in contact with many who were children in Berlin. Mercedes and Peter of course, about eight in Danville, California. And a number more across the country. There are some in the Berlin Airlift Veterans Assn. Look it up on the internet.
11. Do you feel that you have a special bond with these people and if so, could you briefly describe that bond?
Answer: Yes! There is a special bond such as one gets from going through a very demanding experience, even life and death, when you don't know if you will succeed or not and then it is completed. You are a team member! The feeling is better than getting any amount of money.
12. If you could relive history, do you have any doubts that you would have participated in the Berlin Airlift?
Answer: Absolutely not. I had no doubts at the time. I volunteered when I was not asked to do it. I had no idea of the rewards that would come from such service. The only thing I knew was that about 2.5 million people, mostly women and children were being starved by a ruthless enemy of freedom, Stalin.
(April 17, 2014)
1. Did you ever feel the people of West Berlin should be left to their own fate during the blockade considering that Germany started World War II and had committed major atrocities and crimes against humanity during the war?
Answer: No. Most of the people in West Berlin were women and children. They were not guilty. Hitler and his henchmen were and the new bad guy was Stalin of the Soviet Union.
2. During the war did you feel there was a growing distrust between the allies and the Soviet Union over their postwar designs for Europe?
Answer: Yes. I thought we had different objectives. We wanted to help rebuild. Soviet Union wanted to further dismantle Germany.
3. If you answered, “yes” to question “2”, could you explain what you felt at the time would be the biggest problem between the allies and the Soviet Union after the war?
Answer: Stalin wanted West Berlin which was inside his controlled East Germany. West Berlin was a show case for Freedom and Stalin heard from East Berliners that they liked the way Berliners had their freedom. He couldn't compete. After that he wanted to go further west and influence the governments of France and Italy.
4. Do you know any of the pilots who lost their lives flying supplies into West Berlin?
Answer: I knew of some of them but none were my close buddies. One of must best friends from Utah, I taught him some how to fly before the war. He was Conrad Steffan. He joined the Army Air Corps war as a fighter pilot. He was shot down over Germany. I had that to work through ie how I felt about the Germans. Felt some special feelings and regret because I got him started. But I knew he would fly no matter who got him started.
5. Did you happen to meet or know Captain William R. Howard who was a pilot that died during the Berlin Airlift and if you did, could you tell us something about him or any other pilots who died during the airlift?
Answer: No I didn't know Captain Howard personally. See 4. above.
6. Did you ever feel like your life was in danger during the Berlin Airlift and if so, could you elaborate on one such instance?
Answer: Yes, see my book about coming head on with another aircraft in the clouds over Berlin during an instrument approach to Tempelhof airport.
7. We know you are good friends with Mrs. Mercedes Wild and that she refers to you as her “chocolate uncle” because of the chocolate filled parachutes you would drop from your plane. On a personal level you are close friends but what do you think is the significance and/or symbolism of your friendship with regard to the post WW II relationship between the United States and Germany?
Answer: The Savior said, "Greater love than this hath no man than this, than he lay down his life for a friend," 31 of my AF buddies and 39 British aviators gave their lives for a former enemy who had become a friend. This is because of the reward one gets from helping another who is in great need. This is in accordance with the exhortations of the Savior to serve others before self. It makes you feel better than a new car or a new house or more money! The Berlin Airlift was the healing balm on the wounds of war. One of my buddies bombed Berlin durning the war now he was flying day and night to feed the "enemy." I asked how he felt about the Germans who had shot up his plane and wounded one of his crewmen. He barely got back to England. He said, "It is a whole lot better to feed 'em than it is to kill them! I am glad to be back!" Mercedes and husband Peter have dedicated their lives to German/American relations. Mercedes became the most valued German friend of all. She became a pilot!
8. What is your fondest memory of your long-standing friendship with Mercedes Wild?
Answer: When I got a message from Peter Wild relaying Mercedes and his invitation to dinner in 1948. Mercedes families welcome to their previously bombed apartment and her story about her chickens was the most important and next was their visit to our family in Utah. There were many times I enjoyed their over 30 invitations to stay in their home in Berlin.Then recently her help in getting the school in Berlin named for me and her being with me at the reception/dinner with President Obama where her daughter and son-in-law prepared his meal.
9. Out of all the German people you met in West Berlin during the airlift could you briefly describe one or two of your most gratifying or special experiences you had with these people?
Answer: See 8. above and when the West Germans came on board the aircraft when we landed in Berlin. I never tired of the looks in their eyes as they observed the 20,000 pounds of food we had in the plane for them and their loved ones. It was their ticket to freedom! The next was the children who came out to our planes when they were being unloaded and gave us gifts of hand made objects and flowers.
10. Are you still in contact with people you met in West Berlin during or after the airlift? If so, can you tell us about how many people you still talk to or stay in contact with?
Answer: I am still in contact with many who were children in Berlin. Mercedes and Peter of course, about eight in Danville, California. And a number more across the country. There are some in the Berlin Airlift Veterans Assn. Look it up on the internet.
11. Do you feel that you have a special bond with these people and if so, could you briefly describe that bond?
Answer: Yes! There is a special bond such as one gets from going through a very demanding experience, even life and death, when you don't know if you will succeed or not and then it is completed. You are a team member! The feeling is better than getting any amount of money.
12. If you could relive history, do you have any doubts that you would have participated in the Berlin Airlift?
Answer: Absolutely not. I had no doubts at the time. I volunteered when I was not asked to do it. I had no idea of the rewards that would come from such service. The only thing I knew was that about 2.5 million people, mostly women and children were being starved by a ruthless enemy of freedom, Stalin.
(April 17, 2014)
Q and A With Air Force Times
1. Were you surprised when your act of kindness took on a life of its own?
I desperately hoped nobody knew about it. After about the third drop, some newspaper guy in Berlin heard a rumor there was chocolate coming from the sky. When I came back from a mission, a colonel met me at my airplane. He said, “What have you been doing in Berlin?” I told him, “Flying like mad, sir.” The colonel said, “Halvorsen, that’s not all you’ve been doing.” I knew then he knew. I thought I was going to be court-martialed.
2. How did you reconcile saving the lives of people who had so recently been the enemy?
One friend had bombed Berlin during the war. His plane was shot down. I said to him, “How do you feel about flying day and night for the enemy?” He said, “It’s a hell of a lot better feeding them than killing them.” That was the attitude. It changed enemies to friends. It was a healing balm on the wounds of war. That was the Berlin Airlift.
3. Do you ever get tired of telling your story?
No. As long as it’s understood the only reason I’m involved is because of the kids I met [in Berlin in 1948]. At age 14, they understood freedom was more important than food. They were so grateful to be free. When I realized that, it hit me like a ton of bricks. They talked to me for about an hour. They didn’t ask for anything. They said, “Just don’t give up on us. Someday, we’ll have enough to eat. But if we lose our freedom, we may never get it back.” They’re the ones that get the credit [for what I did].
4. What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?
In my life, I am most grateful to have been married to Alta Jolley, the mother of my five children — three boys and two girls. Then came 24 grandkids and 43 great-grandkids. Alta’s love and example resulted in many of the good choices [our children and grandchildren] have made in their lives. In my military career, I was most rewarded to have been part of the Berlin Airlift team composed of dedicated American, British, French and German personnel, civilian and military, who stopped [Soviet leader Joseph] Stalin’s march west.
5. Why do you remain so active at 93?
I just got back home after about 10 days and I had at least four huge manila envelopes from kids all over the country. I’ve made air drops over schools from the East Coast to the West Coast. I talk to kids all over the United States. When they find out [German children in 1948] were living on dried potatoes and dried milk — that freedom was more important to them than food — you see a change in their behavior. Kids are the future of our country, and they are worth whatever we can do to help.
(May 24, 2014)
1. Were you surprised when your act of kindness took on a life of its own?
I desperately hoped nobody knew about it. After about the third drop, some newspaper guy in Berlin heard a rumor there was chocolate coming from the sky. When I came back from a mission, a colonel met me at my airplane. He said, “What have you been doing in Berlin?” I told him, “Flying like mad, sir.” The colonel said, “Halvorsen, that’s not all you’ve been doing.” I knew then he knew. I thought I was going to be court-martialed.
2. How did you reconcile saving the lives of people who had so recently been the enemy?
One friend had bombed Berlin during the war. His plane was shot down. I said to him, “How do you feel about flying day and night for the enemy?” He said, “It’s a hell of a lot better feeding them than killing them.” That was the attitude. It changed enemies to friends. It was a healing balm on the wounds of war. That was the Berlin Airlift.
3. Do you ever get tired of telling your story?
No. As long as it’s understood the only reason I’m involved is because of the kids I met [in Berlin in 1948]. At age 14, they understood freedom was more important than food. They were so grateful to be free. When I realized that, it hit me like a ton of bricks. They talked to me for about an hour. They didn’t ask for anything. They said, “Just don’t give up on us. Someday, we’ll have enough to eat. But if we lose our freedom, we may never get it back.” They’re the ones that get the credit [for what I did].
4. What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?
In my life, I am most grateful to have been married to Alta Jolley, the mother of my five children — three boys and two girls. Then came 24 grandkids and 43 great-grandkids. Alta’s love and example resulted in many of the good choices [our children and grandchildren] have made in their lives. In my military career, I was most rewarded to have been part of the Berlin Airlift team composed of dedicated American, British, French and German personnel, civilian and military, who stopped [Soviet leader Joseph] Stalin’s march west.
5. Why do you remain so active at 93?
I just got back home after about 10 days and I had at least four huge manila envelopes from kids all over the country. I’ve made air drops over schools from the East Coast to the West Coast. I talk to kids all over the United States. When they find out [German children in 1948] were living on dried potatoes and dried milk — that freedom was more important to them than food — you see a change in their behavior. Kids are the future of our country, and they are worth whatever we can do to help.
(May 24, 2014)
