Ralph Dionne, a Berlin Airlift veteran, flips through a scrapbook from his time in the U.S. Air Force during a visit with Col. Taona Enriquez, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., installation commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Charles Desaulniers, acting as installation command chief, in his home in Nashua, N.H., June 26. (U.S. Air Force photo by Mark Herlihy)

At the outset of the mission, Brig. Gen. Joseph Smith, the inaugural commander of the airlift, bestowed upon it a distinctive moniker. “Hell’s fire — we’re hauling grub,” Smith remarked to his team, deciding on “Operation Vittles” as the operation’s name. This operation, recognized as the 20th century’s most significant non-combat military effort, was predominantly orchestrated by the U.S. Air Force via the Military Air Transport Service, a precursor to what is now known as the Air Mobility Command, with substantial support from the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. The British, alongside Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, and South African air crews, with additional backing from France, initiated the corresponding “Operation Plane Fare.”

By its culmination on September 30, 1949, the U.S. Air Force had successfully transported 1.8 million tons of supplies, with the Royal Air Force contributing an additional half a million tons, despite operating under challenging weather conditions around the clock. The operation spanned 278,228 flights over 92 million miles, primarily originating from four key air bases in West Germany to three Berlin airfields. Notable were the C-47 Skytrain and C-54 Skymaster aircraft, which became the workhorses of the American effort, enduring relentless schedules and perilous conditions that claimed the lives of 31 American airmen. These airmen also contended with Soviet interference, including blinding searchlights, dangerously close fly-bys, and direct attacks, yet remained unwavering in their mission.

Upon the operation’s successful conclusion, Vandenberg lauded it as a demonstration of the Air Force’s capacity to leverage airpower as a formidable agent for peace. The New York Times echoed this sentiment, expressing a deepened pride in the Air Force’s accomplishments.

As we mark the 75th anniversary, the ranks of those who participated in the Berlin Airlift have significantly thinned. Yet, the few remaining veterans continue to embody the spirit of the monumental endeavor to save Berlin, their narratives a testament to the pivotal moment when the destiny of a city and the trajectory of the Cold War were at stake. These individuals, along with others impacted by the airlift, serve as living reminders of a time when ordinary individuals, donned in the newly minted Air Force uniform, achieved the extraordinary, their legacy a beacon of courage, innovation, and unity in the face of daunting challenges.

THE GENERAL’S SON: DR. WILLIAM TUNNER, JR.

In the summer of 1948, as a young teenager in the United States, Dr. William Tunner, Jr. witnessed his father, Brig. General William Tunner, being appointed by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenburg to head the Berlin Airlift. This assignment came in recognition of Brig. Gen. Tunner’s pivotal role in orchestrating the World War II “Over the Hump” supply missions to Chinese allies. It wasn’t until the following summer that Dr. Tunner managed to reunite with his father in Wiesbaden, leveraging the Air Force’s policy that allowed dependents one free round trip per year. Reflecting on his visit, Dr. Tunner remembered his father taking a brief respite in June 1949, after nearly a year of relentless work, residing in a modest apartment in Wiesbaden, provided by Gen. Curtis LeMay.

Dr. Tunner highlighted his father’s unwavering dedication not only to the mission but more importantly to the wellbeing of his team. This dedication extended from ensuring their accommodation and family welfare to personally engaging with his aircrews to understand their challenges and promptly address them. Disguising his rank, Gen. Tunner would don a flight suit devoid of any insignia and journey to Berlin, inquiring directly from his crews about their operational issues to ensure their swift resolution, embodying his workaholic nature.

Gen. Tunner’s approach to the airlift was marked by strategic innovation and meticulous planning. He revolutionized the process, enhancing the efficiency and safety of the operation. Under his guidance, the airlift saw aircraft arriving in Berlin laden with supplies at three-minute intervals around the clock, regardless of weather conditions. He improved unloading, turnaround, and refueling times significantly, implemented instrument flight rules to avoid mid-air collisions, and streamlined the operation to ensure maximum efficiency. Gen. Tunner’s operational philosophy, as recounted in his memoir “Over the Hump,” emphasized the methodical and unglamorous nature of successful airlift operations, focusing on the steady, determined effort required to achieve the mission.

For Dr. Tunner, the essence of his father’s leadership was his ability to foster a sense of unity and collaboration among his team. Brig. Gen. Tunner prided himself not on commanding a workforce but on being part of a cohesive unit, working alongside his team towards a common goal. This leadership style, predicated on mutual respect and shared responsibility, underscored the collective success of the Berlin Airlift under his stewardship.

THE CANDY BOMBER’S DAUGHER: DENISE WILLIAMS

Among the many heroes of the Berlin Airlift, Col. Gail Halvorsen, affectionately known as “Uncle Wiggly Wings,” holds a special place in history for his heartwarming initiative, Operation “Little Vittles.” As a 28-year-old First Lieutenant, Halvorsen flew C-54 transports into Berlin and, through a serendipitous encounter with children near Tempelhof Airfield, began a campaign of dropping candy and gum attached to makeshift handkerchief parachutes over the city, bringing joy and hope to its residents.

During a leisure day in July 1948, while capturing footage of planes at Tempelhof, Halvorsen engaged with about thirty children beyond the airfield’s perimeter. Moved by their optimism and resilience, despite the dire circumstances and their emphasis on the value of freedom over food, Halvorsen promised to return with enough gum for all of them, signaling his plane by wiggling its wings. This promise led to the first of many candy drops, earning him the moniker “Uncle Wiggly Wings.”

Halvorsen’s actions quickly gained momentum, with support expanding from his fellow pilots to the entire base, culminating in the delivery of 23 tons of candy. General William Tunner, the airlift’s commander, endorsed the initiative, recognizing its significance in bolstering the spirits of Berliners enduring harsh conditions for the sake of freedom. The operation captured the American public’s imagination, leading to widespread support and donations of candy and handkerchiefs for parachutes.

Denise Williams, Halvorsen’s daughter, reflects on her father’s legacy and the profound impact of his kindness. Having moved to Berlin in 1970, Williams encountered many who shared stories of the airlift and her father’s unique role in it. Halvorsen himself remained humble, rarely speaking of the historical significance of his actions, focusing instead on the collective effort of the airlift and the lessons of freedom he learned from the children he set out to cheer.

Williams notes the distinctiveness of her father’s engagement with the children, highlighting the rarity of such attention during a time of widespread hardship. The story of the “Candy Bomber” is not just a tale of generosity, but a reminder of the power of noticing and valuing even the smallest members of society, a lesson that continues to resonate and inspire.

Halvorsen, alongside his wife Alta, embarked on a significant chapter of their lives in St. Petersburg, Russia, from 1995 to 1997, serving a mission for the Mormon Church in the very nation once considered an adversary during the Berlin Airlift. Williams shared that Halvorsen approached the Russian people with the same openness and goodwill he had cultivated towards the Germans years earlier. Despite initial apprehensions due to his previous role, encounters with Russian officers and the broader community led to a transformation in perspective, mirroring the shift he experienced during the airlift. Halvorsen found common ground and forgiveness, recognizing the humanity and goodness in individuals beyond preconceived notions.

Continuing to inspire well into his 90s, Halvorsen joyfully participated in “Little Vittles” reenactments, dropping candy from planes over Utah schools, a gesture that echoed his historical acts of kindness. His passing in February 2022 at the age of 101 was met with profound respect and admiration. A tribute from a citizen encapsulated the impact of his deeds, highlighting how his simple acts of generosity fortified the spirit and friendship of West Berliners, making it one of history’s most effective diplomatic gestures. Col. Halvorsen’s legacy is celebrated as he embarked on his final, most distinguished journey.

Sergeant Ralph Dionne, Major Raymond “Ray” Roberts and Colonel Gail Halvorsen (“The Candy Bomber”) during commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift in 2018.

THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT: MAJ. RAYMOND “RAY” ROBERTS

Captivated by the sight of airplanes soaring through the sky during World War II, Ray Roberts was drawn to aviation from a young age, leading him to join the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves at just 14. With his parents’ blessing, he began pilot training in the Army Air Corps a year later. By 16, Roberts was serving as a flight attendant on C-54 transport planes, frequently flying missions into Berlin from Fassberg, primarily transporting coal.

During one of these missions, Roberts encountered the tense atmosphere of the Cold War firsthand when a Russian fighter pilot pulled up alongside their unarmed plane within the designated corridor. After several minutes of mutual observation, a simple exchange of waves — and a less diplomatic gesture from Roberts — diffused the moment, with the fighter pilot eventually departing.

Reflecting on his time flying in and out of Berlin, Roberts, who once presided over the Berlin Airlift Veterans Association, emphasized the profound impact and significance of these missions. The experience of delivering essential supplies like coal to Berlin underscored the importance of their efforts for survival and fostered a deep appreciation among the Germans, an appreciation that Roberts notes endures to this day. After a 20-year career in the Air Force, where he piloted F-102 interceptor aircraft and T37 jet trainers, Roberts looks back on his service with fondness, cherishing the extraordinary experiences and the fulfillment it brought to his life.

Major Raymond “Ray” Roberts with German Ambassador to the United States Emily Haber during commemoration of 70th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift in 2018.

THE WEATHER OBSERVER: CHIEF MASTER SGT. EMEDIE “JOHN” MAZZELLA

John Mazzella, whose heritage traces back to Italy through his immigrant parents, was drafted into the military in late 1946. His service was almost immediately concluded due to the formal cessation of World War II on December 31, 1946, yet he chose to re-enlist for an 18-month term. Mazzella discovered his passion after volunteering for a position as a weather observer in the Army Air Corps, a role that resonated deeply with him. Reflecting on his modest educational background from West Virginia, Mazzella credits his transformation to the intelligent and experienced weather forecasters he worked alongside, including master sergeants and officers, who profoundly influenced his personal and professional growth.

Mazzella’s duties involved collaborating with approximately 35 colleagues in the Weather Center to meticulously chart weather maps. The importance of their work was amplified during critical weather conditions, necessitating continuous updates to the weather maps at intervals of every hour to three hours, around the clock. These efforts were crucial for tracking weather patterns that often moved over Iceland before impacting regions like England, France, and Germany, heavily relying on pilot reports for accuracy.

Now 97 years old and still enjoying ballroom dancing, Mazzella carries a pocket card filled with data about the Berlin Airlift. He uses this card to share the significance of the airlift with others, highlighting the critical mission that prevented the starvation of two million Germans, showcasing his enduring pride in the contribution he and his colleagues made during this pivotal period in history.

THE GERMAN BOY TURNED US AIR FORCE PILOT: COL. WOLFGANG SAMUEL

Wolfgang Samuel’s early life was marked by the harrowing experiences of surviving the intense bombings of Berlin by the Allies during World War II and later fleeing from the Soviet-occupied zone to the West. By 1948, he found himself in a displaced persons camp lacking basic amenities, situated beside the Fassberg Air Base, alongside his mother Hedy and sister Ingrid. Little did he know, his path to becoming a highly decorated pilot in the U.S. Air Force was just beginning.

Samuel recalls a time when he had no role models, but his perspective shifted dramatically after witnessing the aftermath of a C-54 crash near his camp. This event deeply impacted him, transforming the Berlin Airlift pilots into his heroes for their efforts to save the city he once saw as an enemy. Despite considering his dream unattainable due to his status as a refugee, fate had other plans. After moving to the United States at 16 following his mother’s remarriage to an American Airman, Samuel, with limited English skills and education, eventually found himself conducting reconnaissance missions against the Soviet Union.

Samuel’s illustrious 30-year career in the U.S. Air Force saw him supporting crucial U-2 flights during the Cuban Missile Crisis, gathering intelligence over Soviet territories, and earning three Distinguished Flying Crosses for his bravery in Vietnam. His service was driven by a desire to give back to the country that had offered him a new beginning, emphasizing that his contributions were a way to serve a nation that had been exceedingly generous to him.

Reflecting on the significance of the Berlin Airlift, Samuel believes its importance is often overlooked, viewing it as a critical moment in the Cold War that not only saved Berlin but also led to the establishment of NATO and halted Soviet expansion. He laments that too few Americans are aware of this pivotal event, underscoring the lasting legacy of the pilots who partook in the airlift.

Courtesy Photo of a young Colonel Wolfgang Samuel.

THE TELEPHONE/TELETYPE OPERATOR: STAFF SGT. BRUCE ALBERTSON

During his junior year of high school in Brewton, Alabama, Bruce Albertson took it upon himself to interview local business owners, quickly realizing that job prospects in his hometown were bleak. This realization led him to a decisive action. He persistently convinced his mother to grant her permission for him to enlist in the military at the tender age of 17. Albertson’s military career began in the Air Force, where he was assigned to the Airways and Air Communications Squadron. His responsibilities included managing communications, working with teletype machines, facsimiles, and telephone systems at the Fassberg and Rhein-Main Air Bases. His commitment to his duties was unwavering, embodying the principle that “the day is done when the job is done.”

Reflecting on his service, Albertson expressed a deep sense of fulfillment, noting that he thoroughly enjoyed his military experience and was fortunate to have never encountered a disappointing assignment. He views the Berlin Airlift as a monumental testament to humanitarian effort, emphasizing its critical role in providing aid to the people of Berlin and asserting a stance against Soviet pressures. To Albertson, the airlift was not just a mission; it was a pivotal action that shaped the course of European history. He proudly recalls the ethos of readiness and support that defined his service, encapsulated in the idea that in times of need, “Uncle Sam will come and help you.”

THE CHAPLAIN’S ASSISTANT: STAFF SGT. MICHAEL DOYLE

Michael Doyle was raised in the tough environment of Mahonoy, a coal mining town in Pennsylvania. Eager to forge a different path from the one laid out by generations before him, Doyle, with his parents’ support, enlisted in the Air Force immediately after finishing high school, aiming to escape the fate of becoming a miner like his father. Initially volunteering for what he believed would be a brief six-month stint in Germany, Doyle found himself immersed in a commitment that extended to five years.

During his service, Doyle took on the role of an assistant to both a Catholic priest and a Protestant chaplain at Erding Air Base near Munich, facilitating the spiritual needs of service members across various faiths. This included coordinating visits from the Rabbi chaplain based in Wiesbaden. A notable part of his duties involved addressing concerns from mothers whose sons had fallen silent, urging these young servicemen to maintain contact with their families back home.

Doyle witnessed firsthand the relentless flow of activity at Erding, a hub crucial for supporting the airlift with a steady influx of transport aircraft requiring maintenance. The base became a global crossroads, welcoming cargo planes from as far as Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, and Turkey, each essential to the airlift’s success. This required the base’s crew chiefs to labor tirelessly, a testament to the collective resolve that Doyle admired.

Now, decades later, Doyle’s connection to his Air Force days remains strong, symbolized by his phone’s ringtone—the Air Force song—reflecting his enduring pride. He fondly recalls the warmth and gratitude of the German people, acknowledging the critical role of the American presence. Pilots braved near-impossible conditions to deliver food, embodying a perseverance Doyle believes was instrumental in preventing a third world war. Reflecting on his experiences, Doyle’s pride is palpable, viewing his service as a vital contribution to a pivotal moment in history, one that he believes helped to cement peace and demonstrate American resilience and dedication.