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About the Candy Bomber & the Berlin Airlift
Colonel Halvorsen and his fellow pilots, through Operation Little Vittles, dropped over 23 tons (46,000 lbs.) of candyattached to small parachutes made from handkerchiefs and cloth. The effort was supported by donations from American candy companies and schoolchildren across the U.S.
The Berlin Airlift (June 1948 –September 1949) was a massive Allied effort to deliver food, fuel, and supplies to the citizens of West Berlin. At its peak, planes landed every 30 seconds, delivering over 2.3 million tons of cargo. This mission demonstrated the commitment of the United States and its allies to defending freedom and humanitarian aid.
The Berlin Blockade (June 24, 1948 –May 12, 1949) was a Soviet attempt to cut off all road, rail, and canal access to West Berlin in an effort to force the Allied powers out of the city. In response, the United States, United Kingdom, and other allies launched the Berlin Airlift, an unprecedented humanitarian mission to supply the city entirely by air.
Colonel Gail Halvorsen (1920–2022) was a U.S. Air Force pilot who became known as the Candy Bomber for his efforts to drop small parachutes carrying candy to the children of Berlin during the airlift. His simple act of kindness became a symbol of hope, generosity, and goodwill between nations.
About the Candy Bomber Foundation
Yes! The Candy Bomber Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profitorganization, making donations tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
The Candy Bomber Foundation was established to honor Colonel Halvorsen’s legacy and inspire future generations through STEM education, aviation mentorship, and humanitarian leadership.
The Candy Bomber Foundation collaborates with several esteemed organizations dedicated to aviation, historical preservation, and humanitarian efforts. Our partners include:
- Airlift/Tanker Association – Dedicated to preserving the legacy and importance of air mobility in national security. (Website)
- Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation – Preserving the memory of the Berlin Airlift through educational programs and historic aircraft. (Website)
- Berlin Airlift Veterans Association – Honoring the veterans of the Berlin Airlift and their contributions to history. (Website)
- Berlin Airlift Remembrance Alliance (BARA) – Committed to educating future generations about the Berlin Airlift and its historical significance. (Website)
- Civil Air Patrol – The official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, providing emergency services, cadet programs, and aerospace education. (Website)
- Luftbrücke Frankfurt-Berlin 1948-1949 e. V. – A German organization dedicated to commemorating the Berlin Airlift. (Website)
- RAF Burtonwood Heritage Centre – Preserving the history of RAF Burtonwood, which played a key role during the Berlin Airlift. (Website)
- 47G – Making Utah the nation’s premier ecosystem for aerospace and defense companies. (Website)
These partnerships strengthen our mission to inspire future generations through the legacy of the Berlin Airlift and the spirit of Colonel Gail Halvorsen.
The foundation was created to empower the next generation of aviators and humanitarians, carrying forward Colonel Halvorsen’s message of hope, service before self, and gratitude. Our mission includes:
- Encouraging young people to pursue careers in aviation, STEM, and humanitarian service.
- Providing scholarships and educational opportunities.
- Supporting veterans through community service initiatives.
- Promoting global goodwill through humanitarian outreach.