Gail Halvorsen Photo Journal
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Below are links to photos of key moments in the life of Gail Halvorsen, including growing up in rural Utah, early military service in Brazil, operation Little Vittles, and the many years of service and activity that have followed.
Pre-Military
Growing up in rural Utah was an exciting experience for Gail Halvorsen, providing him with many opportunities to enjoy his passion for the outdoors (hunting, fishing, skiing, and so forth) as well as have many positive experiences with friends and family. It was while working in the sugar beat fields that Gail saw planes flying overhead and began his dream of one day taking flight. This dream, and many others he could not have imagined at the time, were later realized.
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Early Military, Pre-Little Vittles
Gail Halvorsen spent the early years of his military career flying missions to South America. These missions would prove to provide valuable experience Gail would draw upon when participating in the Berlin Air Lift, as well as operation "Little Vittles."
Berlin Air Lift and Operation Little Vittles
While flying almost non-stop during the Berlin Air Lift, Gail Halvorsen used some of his precious non-flying time to tour Berlin. Halvorsen was moved by the destruction he saw, and was even more impressed by a group of children gathered near the runway of the airport. Touched by the hunger-stricken condition of these children, Halvorsen shared all he had with him: two sticks of gum. This event would serve as the catalyst for subsequent candy sharing via "candy bombings."
Early Aftermath of Little Vittles
Operation Little Vittles was a critical event in unifying all who were invested in providing relief to the suffering Berliners. As a result, there was an enormous global response to the operation, that continues to grow even to this day.
The Candy Bomber Over the Years
Gail Halvorsen's influence continues in Germany (and beyond). In the sections that follow, this influence is highlighted chronologically.
