Candy Bombers: The Wall - Unforgettable Sweetness from the Sky

During the dark times of post-World War II Germany, hope came in the form of candy falling from the sky. The Berlin Airlift, also known as Operation Vittles, was one of the most remarkable humanitarian efforts in history, symbolized by the iconic Candy Bombers. These brave pilots risked their lives to bring joy and sustenance to those left behind the Iron Curtain.

The Berlin Wall, erected in 1961, further emphasized the separation between East and West, with its formidable structure becoming a symbol of oppression and despair. However, amidst the despair, the spirit of humanity found a way to shine through with the help of a few compassionate aviators.

The Genesis of the Berlin Airlift

In 1948, tensions between nations escalated, leading to a blockade by the Soviet Union, restricting supplies from reaching the western sectors of Berlin. With nearly three million residents facing starvation and the threat of Soviet dominance looming large, the Western Allies devised a daring plan.

Candy Bombers (The Wall Book 1)

by Robert Elmer (Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	262 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	161 pages
Item Weight	:	2.82 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.83 x 0.12 x 8.27 inches

FREE

The Berlin Airlift was born, with food and supplies being transported by planes across the Soviet-controlled airspace. Allied pilots from the United States, Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand flew thousands of missions, landing in Berlin every few minutes. It was a logistical miracle that displayed solidarity and commitment to the city's population.

As the blockade continued, the plight of children became more untenable. Witnessing their suffering, U.S. pilot Gail Halvorsen decided to do something extraordinary that would forever change the lives of those who received it. Amongst a crowd of children near the airport fence, he spotted a few kids who had nothing to play with and decided to share his limited candy rations.

The Birth of the Candy Bombers

Gail Halvorsen became known as the "Chocolate Pilot" or the "Candy Bomber" as he continued to drop candy with mini-parachutes from his cargo plane onto Tempelhof Airfield. His act of kindness was seen as a symbol of hope, bringing a silver lining to the war-ravaged city. Soon, other pilots were inspired to join in, and a collective effort to bring joy and sustenance to the children of Berlin was initiated.

Word about the Candy Bombers spread like wildfire, reaching not only the children but also their parents and the wider community. The candy created moments of happiness, breaking the monotony of daily struggles and reaffirming the indomitable human spirit.

The Impact and Legacy

The Berlin Airlift provided more than just sustenance; it restored faith in humanity for those who were trapped behind the Iron Curtain. The Candy Bombers became symbols of goodwill and compassion, demonstrating that even in the most dire circumstances, small acts of kindness could have an immeasurable impact on the lives of others.

Following the end of the blockade in 1949, the Candy Bombers continued their relief efforts, providing food, clothing, and medical supplies to the people of Berlin. Their heroism and generosity left an indelible mark on the city's history and earned them the undying gratitude of its residents.

The spirit of the Candy Bombers lives on today, with various organizations and individuals striving to uphold their legacy. The candy drops during the Berlin Airlift may have been a fleeting moment, but their significance endures as a testament to the power of compassion and the triumph of the human spirit.

The Candy Bombers of the Berlin Airlift left an indelible mark on history. Their acts of kindness and generosity brought a momentary respite from the hardships of post-war Berlin, bridging gaps and instilling hope among a devastated population. Their legacy lives on, reminding us that even in the darkest times, sweetness can be found from unexpected sources, falling from the sky.

Candy Bombers (The Wall Book 1)

by Robert Elmer (Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	262 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	161 pages
Item Weight	:	2.82 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.83 x 0.12 x 8.27 inches

FREE

Middle-school readers ages 8-12 can experience a story of action and adventure in Candy Bombers, book 1 in the Wall Trilogy series that presents historically accurate fiction which brings the past to life in a kid-friendly way. Cousins Erich and Katarina find themselves trapped behind the Berlin Wall in 1948, and must find a way to survive—despite the growing dangers around them.

Candy Bombers is perfect for:

• kids interested in stories about spies, mysteries, adventure, and friendship
• providing a fun and interesting series that helps readers 8-12 understand history in a real and understandable way
• homeschool or school libraries
• back to school reading, birthdays, and holiday gifts

Candy Bombers takes readers to Berlin, Germany in the spring of 1948. Teenage cousins Erich and Katarina are just trying to survive Soviet isolation and starvation when they see the Americans have food. When Erich sneaks inside a US cargo plane, he is caught by an American sergeant who tries to befriend him. Though Erich has plenty of reasons to resent this man, in the end he must decide—should he cling to bitterness or learn to forgive?

If you enjoyed Candy Bombers, be sure to check out the other books in the Wall Trilogy that continue the story: Beetle Bunker and Smuggler’s Treasure