We are sorry to announce that our friend, Col Gail Halvorsen, known as the Berlin Candy Bomber, passed away last night at the young age of 101.
We have been privileged to know Gail for over 30 years, and have had the honor of flying many missions together on our C-54 "Spirit of Freedom", including our 71 day European Tour of 1998.
Gail lived an extraordinary life, showing utmost kindness to our former enemy with "Operation Little Vittles", then using his fame and notoriety to share the message of "Service before Self".
We are saddened by his passing, but we are grateful for his friendship. You know you've lived a good life when you live to be 101 and it still isnt enough.
The world is a better place because men like Gail lived.
Godspeed Friend,
We love you and will miss you.
_________________
Kevin Kearney
Vice President
Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation
C-54D "Spirit of Freedom" 43-17228
C-97 "Angel of Deliverance" 52-2718 (painted as YC-97A 45-59595)
C-54E/R5D-4 "Spirit of Freedom" 44-9144 BuNo 90414 (wfu April/2020)http://www.spiritoffreedom.org