Description
After World War II the United States and Britain airlifted food and supplies into Russian-blockaded West Berlin and to lift the spirits of the children who were suffering there, USAF Lieutenant Gail Halvorsen began dropping chocolate and gum by parachute, soon becoming known and beloved as "Uncle Wiggly Wings." Illustrated with Lt. Halvorsen's personal photographs as well as letters and drawings from the children of Berlin. A Jr. Lib Guild Selection. Simultaneous.
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One WWII pilot’s mission to lift the spirits of children living in war-torn Berlin in 1945 comes to life in this moving middle-grade historical account. After World War II the United States and Britain airlifted food and supplies into Russian-blockaded West Berlin. US Air Force Lieutenant Gail S. Halvorsen knew the children of the city were suffering. To bring a bit of hope, he began dropping chocolate and chewing gum by parachute. What began as a one-time gesture of compassion turned into an official U.S. Air Force operation. “Operation Little Vittles” grew, as more and more pilots volunteered to drop the parachutes, and donations of candy and cloth poured in from all over. This inspiring story of one man’s contribution to the rebuilding of a country after war is a unique look at history.Illustrated with archival photographs, personal photographs from Lt. Gail Halvorsen—the Chocolate Pilot—letters, and documents, Candy Bomber is an important and interesting addition to studies of World War II.
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