The Candy Bombers: The Untold Story of the Berlin Airlift and America's Finest Hour

by Andrei Cherny

In the tradition of the great narrative storytellers, Andrei Cherny recounts the exhilarating saga of the unlikely men who made the Berlin Airlift one of the great military and humanitarian successes of American history. “What an exciting, inspiring, and wonderfully-written book this is....Each page has lessons for today, and it is also a thrilling narrative to read.”—Walter Isaacson, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Steve JobsThe Candy Bombers is a remarkable story with profound implications for our own time. Cherny tells the tale of the ill-assorted group of castoffs and secondstringers who not only saved millions of desperate people from a dire threat, but also won the hearts of America’s defeated enemies, inspired people around the world to believe in America’s fundamental goodness, avoided World War III, and won the greatest battle of the Cold War without firing a shot. With newly unclassified documents, unpublished letters and diaries, and fresh primary interviews, The Candy Bombers takes readers along as American pilots, with only a few small rickety planes, manage to feed and supply West Berlin completely by air for nearly a year; as Harry Truman exploits the very real threat of war to win an upset reelection campaign; as America’s first secretary of defense descends into madness in the midst of a dangerous military crisis; and as a lovesick American pilot shows that acts of basic human kindness can send powerful ripples through the course of history.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, World War II, War, Military Fiction, Germany, Historical

668 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Tony Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific! Too bad that the author gave the book such a "soft" title... actually the extended title really tells the story: "The Untold Story of the Berlin Airlift and America's Finest Hour." If the book had been written 50 years ago the initial title would be significant, but unfortunately too many of today's readers of non-fiction do not identify with the name, " The Candy Bomber." In fact you have to read almost 300 pages before the Candy Bomber appears in this historical accounting of the Berlin Crisis of 1948 which almost plunged America into a World War III only three years after the end of WWII... a war with the Soviet Union. In fact, the events of 1948-49 in Berlin were almost as fateful as the Cuban Missile Crisis where we again almost went to war.

Reading the account of what took place and who was involved with events in Berlin and Washington, DC, during the Berlin crisis, which in turn was averted by the Berlin Airlift, one cannot help but be amazed that the quirks of history fell in place as they did. There were so many events and persons involved, including the presidential elections of 1948 as well as President Truman, George C. Marshall, James Forrestal, and General Lucius Clay, that if certain individuals had not prevailed in their beliefs, and if certain individuals now lost to history had not stepped forward, the Cold War would have become very hot very fast and Western Europe could have quickly fallen to the Communist.

As it is, the author, Andrei Cherny, had not yet been born at the time of the Berlin Crisis, but his research and his compilation of facts and antidotes, as well as an extremely fine writing style, makes this book ( published in 2008), a must-read for anyone who in interested in American history and events that have shaped our world today. Once you get into this account of the Berlin Airlift, you may find that the name, The Candy Bomber" rings a bell, but if you ask most any German over the age of 50 if he is familiar with the Candy Bomber, you will most likely get a resounding "yes!"

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best non-fiction history books I have ever read! Even though it takes many detours from the main story (and the story of the Candy Bombers makes up only a small fraction of the book,) it is interesting and well written. I laughed, I cried, I pondered. How can the actions of one man make such a difference in the lives of so many?

I connected with this story in many ways. My father-in-law was an MP in postwar Berlin, and his wife was on the first boatload of family members to arrive in Berlin with General Lucius Clay's wife. Mike and I took the troop train from Frankfurt to Berlin during 1970's with his parents and heard many stories about their experiences there (WHY didn't we write them down??) We stayed in the officer's quarters at Templehof, we traveled into East Berlin and saw the dismal difference between East and West. I walked, with my mother and sister, from Checkpoint Charlie into East Berlin on another occasion, scared to death we'd disappear into some Russian jail and never be heard of again.

I heard Lt. Halverson, a Mormon boy from Utah, speak to our youth in a fireside about twenty years ago.

An amazing book. Read it.

[❂ Murder by Death · Rating 4 out of 5]

An outstanding narrative of the Berlin Airlift and the aftermath of WWII in Berlin. It's long, but it's worth it - especially if, like me, your knowledge of the events isn't what it could be. Extraordinarily readable.

Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/112433...

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

INTERESTING, INFORMATIVE, ENTERTAINING.


“…the story of when Americans learned—for the first time—how to act at the summit of world power.” (p. 6)

“For six years, an average of 20,000 soldiers and civilians had died every day in the war.” (p. 45).

Fact filled, comprehensive, and packed with personal vignettes of many of the key players, The Candy Bombers: The Untold Story of the Berlin Airlift and America’s Finest Hour, by Andrei Cherney is a must read for all who are interested in the history of WWII and the beginnings of the Cold War.

From the end of war in Europe in 1945, through the beginning of the Cold War, precipitated by the Soviet Union’s blockade of West Berlin (June, 1948 to May, 1949); we get an up close, behind the scenes look at the largest humanitarian effort ever launched, the Berlin Airlift. While it was a very tense time for the world; Main Street America really just wanted to get on with the newfound prosperity that would lead to the ‘Fabulous Fifties.’ Dropping candy, instead of bombs, fit the mood of that period perfectly for us. I was a grammar school pupil at the time, so many of the names in this book were familiar. That helped.

Recommendation: At 626 pages it’s a bit weighty; but well worth your time. Perfect for high school (and beyond) history studies.

“…its more than 277,000 flights and 4.6 billion pounds of food and supplies dwarfs the size of any such operation since.” (p. 543).

Penguin Publishing Group. Kindle Edition, 626 pages

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have friends or family members who are isolationist, xenophobic or members of the so-called tea party, get them this book and hope they read it. The preface desribes an elderly woman openly crying at a Berlin demonstration in the immediate aftermath of the September 11 attacks. Cherny's story explains the source of her tears and anguish. People who lived through the Berlin Airlift, when the Soviet Union blockaded the city to force the Allies to give up their three post-war sectors and leave, became the most pro-American Europeans.

This history of the Berlin Airlift demonstrates what Americans can do when they engage in world affairs and when political motivations are combined with the best the American character has to offer. After reading this book, the tears shed by that elderly woman in Berlin should make every American proud of his or her nation. It is an antidote to cynicism.

[A.L. Sowards]

The story of the Berlin airlift is a mostly happy one, so this book left me feeling glad I had read about it. I often felt I was reading a research paper written by a student that was really great at the research aspect of a paper--but then was so excited with what he found that he threw in every random fact he came across during his research. The result: a lot of tangents. Many of the tangents were interesting; some made my eyes glaze over. Writing style varied between clever and melodramatic. Overall, it was a good book that could have been better with a skilled editor to chop it down a bit.

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this treasure of a book while searching for World War II stories. I read it four years ago and re-read it this year after seeing Hal Halvorsen featured in "Meet the Mormons." His cameo in that movie barely scratches the surface of how awesome his story is. At one point in "Meet the Mormons," someone said that Halvorsen helped prevent WW III and I read some reviewers who scorned that claim as an overstatement. Read this book and you will see how near it is to the truth!

Cherny expertly weaves together a narrative of several key players at a critical time in US history. I had no idea how dicey things were at the time. We take it for granted now that the tense relations between US and Soviet forces in Germany mellowed out, but negotiating through them was a delicate walk across a tightrope.

Halvorsen was an ordinary guy who quite possibly (probably--in my opinion) changed history. He ended up in the Candy Bombing arena by being thoughtful. He was single and volunteered to take the overseas assignment to go to Germany that his married friend had been given, just so his friend wouldn't have to leave his family. He happened to be sick with a dreadful cold when he left home, so he scooped up a bunch of handkerchiefs on his way to Germany. He happened to have a little gum in his pocket when he met some German children. He credits his thought to share it with the children as inspiration. He definitely broke some strict rules when he turned his handkerchiefs into parachutes for candy, but felt like he was doing the right thing. When he had to report to his General about his "misdeeds" he was prepared to be told he'd be facing a court martial. Imagine his relief when his commanding officer told him to keep up his good work. Halvorsen's actions helped diffuse the tense relations that were akin to sitting on a powder-keg.

The other key players' stories are just as fascinating, though not quite as heartwarming. A very worthwhile read!

[Mimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really want Cori and Kimball to read this. I think Cori would really enjoy it. It's the first history book (and it's long) where I would sit and really enjoy 50-100 at a time. Even when the author goes into the lives of people that end up being involved in the airlift it's still fascinating. I am going to keep looking for books written by Andrei Cherny.

I knew most details around the airlift but it was immensely interesting how people's lives were molded to make it a success. The whole book give you a warm and hopeful feeling.

Amy is flying into Berlin (Tempelhof, right?) in the spring. Want to read it before you land there?

I own it and it's marked on every other page.

[ManOfLaBook.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

For more reviews and bookish posts please visit: http://www.ManOfLaBook.com

The Candy Bombers: The Untold Story of the Berlin Airlift and America’s Finest Hour by Andrei Cherny is a non-fiction account of one of America’s greatest and successful humanitarian missions. Mr. Cherny is an author, lawyer, and businessman.

The book follows, mostly, four people: Harry Truman, Lucius Clay, Bill Tunner, and Hal Halvorsen. Through their eyes the author attempts to tell a complete story of the Berlin Airlift.

Harry S Truman, the 33rd President of the United States, knows there must be a response for the Soviet forces blocking all roads and rail travel to West Berlin. But Mr. Truman also has to be careful not to start World War III.



General Lucius Clay of the US Army, a frustrated soldier who is doing his duty even though he never got his choice assignment. General Clay actually started the Berlin Airlift as an act of defiance against the Soviets before getting permission from President Truman to proceed.


Air Force General William H. “Bill” Tunner was an expert in large-scale military airlift operations. A workaholic who thrived on statistics and order, General Tunner was the perfect man to orchestrate the precision needed for such an operation.

Colonel Gail Seymour “Hal” Halvorsen is the pilot that started, unofficially, to drop candy from his bomber to the children of Berlin. Mr. Halvorsen thought he would be court martiaed if found out, to his surprise the strict General Tunner not only approved, but made him the face of the airlift.

The Berlin Airlift is a defining moment of the Cold War, the operation showed the people of Berlin, looked upon as enemies of America that we stand behind them. The Candy Bombers: The Untold Story of the Berlin Airlift and America’s Finest Hour by Andrei Cherny shows how the official airlift, as well as the unofficial act of dropping candy bars, shifted the views of Berliners to prefer democracy over communism.

The airlift was instrumental because if showed the Germans that Americans do care about them, and that the US used all its might to help instead of destroy. Dropping candy is, in my opinion, what makes American great, a humanitarian operation done purely for altruistic reasons.

I have heard of the Berlin Airlift, but never realized all the moving pieces around it. I’m not talking about the military logistics per say, but all the events and persons which were involved. The airlift happened in the middle of a presidential election, while the Soviets were trying, forcefully, to show the superiority of their economic system, while America prevailed through showing they simply cared.

The true power of the story comes through the quirks of history, which only can be told with hindsight of decades in the rear-view mirror. If events did not fell in place as they did, if people, who held firmly to their beliefs, did not step up to the challenge, history would look a lot different, and maybe the “Cold War”, would have become an armed conflict.

Even though the goal of the book is academic (I believe), the author tries to write a narrative which is interesting, informative, accurate, and moving. The research is comprehensive, but the story doesn’t get lost in the details.

Even though this is a very lengthy book, I was glad to have read it. As always, I like the behind the scenes look which takes places in the offices of power, and it always amazes me how decisions were made and how thing could have easily gone wrong. More than that though, the book made me appreciate how little act of kindness can grow to change attitudes and nations for decades.

[Katey Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

My love of history is sometimes tested accounts which are often not only dry (It's HISTORY! How do they make is so boring?!), but also one-sided... that "Rah America! We made all the contributions that counts buckos!" can wear a little thin after awhile. So while I was devoured by curiosity to read this book, my heart sank a little over the title.
Imagine my delight then when I found the book was not only superbly written, but gave an honest look at the players involved, and especially the state of Berlin before and after WWII. Cherny does not gloss over facts: including the deplorable conditions the city found itself after WWII, or the beureaucratic waffling stateside. Yes, there were American heroes, but the courage of the Berliners is equally inspiring, and how both former enemies were changed had me crying.
The story of the candy bombers seems almost like a fairytale to me. You know what? I must agree with the author; it WAS the finest hour. One Americans can be justifiably proud of. Simply extraordinary how one simple act of kindness changed everything, setting wheels in motion that made things better beyond what was thought possible.
It is a story we would all do well to not only remember, but apply.

[Jimmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of the Berlin airlift and the before and after times. Colonel Gail "Hal" Halvorsen was the officer who began the part of the airlift known as candy bombing. He dropped candy bars and bubble gum on little parachutes for the children. Halvorsen, by the way, was born in 1920, and I have yet to find any notice of his death. The airlift was precipitated by the Soviet Union's efforts to control Eastern Europe, an act that would set off many years of problems in that area of the world. The blockade was totally unnecessary.

[Luann · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I really wanted to read was the story of Hal Halvorsen, the candy bomber. I didn't realize I was going to get a LOT more than that, which wasn't necessarily a bad thing, except that I didn't find much of it terribly interesting. Once I got to the story of Hal Halvorsen and how the candy bombing program called "Little Vittles" got started, which was about half way through the book, I found it MUCH more interesting.

[Tamera Westhoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting History of the Berlin Blockade

I bought this to learn more about the Candy Bomber and instead I learned about everyone involved, their backstory, and lots of history that was hard to read. It's amazing to me that Berliners survived! What an amazing story!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I was familiar with the Berlin airlift, this book gives you an in-depth history of the people and the circumstances that led up to and influenced the Berlin airlift. It is heavy on history and political background, but it was fascinating.

[Bookwoman67 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Learned a lot, but about half the book is about political manoeuverings to do with Truman's 1948 election rather than the candy bombings or the airlift itself. I would have preferred to hear more about the actual airlift and less about the politics. For instance, as Cherny is winding down the book, he mentions the Germans honoring the 48 airmen who died during the airlift but that is the first readers hear of the deaths. Although the author's focus seems to be America's role in helping the Germans stand against communism, I emerged from the book with a profound respect for the suffering of the German people during this time, which I was unaware of from any previous exposure to this historical incident.

[Simonas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Labai detali istorija apie Berlyno Airlift 1948-1949 metais, kuomet JAV su sąjugininkais po sovietų blokados visus du milijonus Berlyno gyventojų aprūpino ne tik maistu, bet ir kitomis priemonėmis, įskaitant anglį tik lėktuvais. Knyga skaitosi lėtai, nagrinėjama daugybė detalių ne tik operacinių susijusių su Airlift operacija, tačiau ir politikos JAV peripetijos (kaip tik tuo metu vyko prezidento rinkimai JAV).

O kodėl Candy? Lėktuvų pilotai siuvo mažyčius parašiutus, kuriais nuleidinėdavo saldainius iš skrendančių lėktuvų prie oro uostų tvorų laukiantiems vaikams.

[Bon Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finally know why we as kids yelled at planes to throw us candies, some 40 years after they really did act as flying santa clauses over Berlin. Never thought there was anything to it but cutesy child mock. Well, I learning something every day.

But Candy Bomber is only the positive apex of the whole post war situation in Berlin, and huge majority of book is about that. And it's actually huge in scope and details. It's scientific work in the amount of details.

[Amelia · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you're interested in all the behind the scenes political and military goings on starting with WWII and going through the Berlin airlift along with the campaign and reelection of President Truman then you might find this book interesting. If you're wanting to read a book about the Candy Bombers you probably want to look elsewhere. Only a small fraction of this book was about Gail Halvorsen and the Candy Bombers. It was a hard slog for me to get through.

[Paul Eberhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great strategic history of the post war events that laid the start of the Cold War. The operational history is light but still good. Use other authors for the operational story.

[Amie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know far more about the Berlin Airlift than I did before. And while I still recognize it went too far, the red scare of the 50s makes a lot more sense.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible read… a must not only for AirPower enthusiasts but anyone who’s contemplated the balance between hard and soft power. Parts of this book are a tough read, but it’s worth it in the end!

[Christopher · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK, so I know this isn't technically a WWII book. But I am counting it anyway.

I enjoyed this history quite a bit. I have a few complaints though. First, I'm a bit annoyed at how relentlessly American the sources are. With the exception of sources from West Berliners themselves, this book focuses almost exclusively on the American perspective on the Airlift. Since it was published 60 years after the events it describes, the author had a good 17 years after the fall of the Soviet Union to interview people and access archives to get into what the Russians were really thinking.

I understand that an author has to choose his point-of-view and focus, but I feel like the book could have been written 10 or 20 years after the fact just as well. It's a missed opportunity (especially since Putin has closed so many of the former Soviet archives).

My second complaint is more with the facts than the author. There was one scene where General Clay, commander of all American forces in Germany is about to take off from Templehof Airport, just after Lt. Gail Halvorsen has made his first (against regulations) candy drop. I found myself saying "No! It can't have worked like that!" as the book described Clay seeing the German children waving their handkerchief parachutes at the plane. If that scene were in an alt-history novel, I'd ding the novel fro absurd coincidence.

Speaking of alt-history, I find this book to be a rebuttal to many of the suppositions in Turtledove's The Man with the Iron Heart. In my review of that book I asked "Why did Nazi Germany accept Allied occupation when so many other countries have fought long guerrilla wars against occupying forces?" No, the German's didn't rise up against the Americans, but in 1948, before the Airlift, it really didn't look like Germany was likely to be an effective democracy let alone a staunch US ally. Lt. Gail Halvorsen and the other men of the Airlift changes that and really won the peace.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so amazing that I feel like the words I can come up with aren't enough to describe it's beauty and depth. I can't put it off any longer though; I have to at least try to write a review. Someone here on Goodreads said that in their opinion you should only give 5 stars to books that change your life or that leave an unforgettable impression; The Candy Bombers definitely did that for me.

This is the story of the people who were involved with the Berlin Airlift of 1948-1949 in post-war Berlin, Germany. It is a story of sacrifice, determination, and redemption. I was especially touched by how this story shows the power of sacrificial love: it's power to transform individuals and even nations. As the Americans began to serve their conquered enemy (somewhat reluctantly at first)their hearts began to change towards the German people and at the end of the Berlin Airlift the Americans had forged a strong bond and friendship with their previous enemies. The German people, crushed beyond imagination in the horrors of war, were given hope and the will to survive and were able to gain their freedom. The Americans saw their hated enemies become their greatest supporters and allies.

The main story of Hal Halverson and his "candy bombing" is very moving. A young pilot decides to reach out to a scraggly band of German children watching airlift planes. A simple act of kindness and selflessness led to almost a movement of kindness. Americans soon heard of his little candy-filled parachutes and of the heart-wrenching sweetness in the response of the grateful German children and it turned the hearts of Americans towards the German people motivating them to lend their support to the Airlift. Hal Halverson became a hero to both the German people and the American people, bridging a gap between foes.

This book made me cry in numerous places (I don't cry easily over books) and it filled my heart with hope and joy. The beginning of the book is extremely painful to read as it discusses the horrors of post-war Germany. But it provides a stark contrast to the pure and beautiful love demonstrated later in the book. The darkness makes the light shine so much brighter.

This is a very well-written book and if I could give it six stars I would.

[Georgen Charnes · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author obviously did a massive amount of research for this book; it's filled with amazing detail of life in Germany, and Berlin in particular, after WWII. There are in depth biographies of many of the major players in politics and it contextualizes events extremely well. Unfortunately, it needed a better editor. Very little of the book had to do with the candy bombings, and few of the people mentioned and events outlined did either. In fact, the first mention of the "candy bombing" is on page 336, a section in the middle of a chapter. It starts "[i]n the days after their candy drop.." as if it had been mentioned before. It goes on to mention the lack of handkerchiefs, assuming I knew the candy was dropped out of the airplane with little parachutes, it mentioned their rations, assuming I knew the candy was from their rations. It was so odd, this nonbeginning, that I thought I must have lost my place and skipped a chapter. I skimmed backward in the book, and checked the index. That was the first mention. The rest of the book is so fully developed with pages and pages of detail, it's so odd that the whole candy bombing issue was undeveloped. I think this is an excellent source for information about Berlin and American politics during that era, but not so great a source for information on the candy bombing.

[Xon · Rating 5 out of 5]

So most people, including myself read about great WWII battles and decisive victories that led to the end of the war. So what happened right after the war? Yeah, all the soldiers came home to ticker tape parades, got married and enjoyed an economic boom. The Candy Bombers tells how the Soviets broke all of the agreements made by the Allies for for a post war Germany and Europe. They tried to starve the citizens of Berlin and force communism on the Germans much like they did to several Eastern European countries. WWIII was dangerously close. The Candy Bombers follows the political climate in The United States surrounding the 1948 presidential elections and the Truman administrations foreign policy in regards to the Soviets. It also details the chess match between General Clay and the Soviets over control of Berlin. The vast historical detail is made more interesting by detailing the Air Lift that brought millions of pounds of food and supplies to the isolated and starving citizens of Berlin. It also shows how in a few short years how countries that had very bad blood between them because of two world wars forged an alliance in only a few short years after WWII.
You should read this book right after reading Truman by David McCullough.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cherny provides an excellent look at the salient issues behind the Berlin Airlift as well as a look at the human side of things. He focuses on the major players from General Clay and Howlery to the Candy Bomber himself and the sensation he caused around the country and through the hearts and minds of Berlin's children. This is truly a story of hope and will power that showed the best of America during the Cold War even when our leaders were not. The debates that ranged around abandoning Berlin, starting an armed convoy through the blockade or continuing the airlift are captured well. It also takes a look at the development of the post war Department of Defense and the growing pains that the organization had following World War II as the largest demobilization in history was taking place with regards to the US military. This book focuses on the political and human side of the airlift and less on the military operation and the developments in transport logistics but does touch on it a little. Overall if you are looking for an account of how the airlift affected foreign policy this is a great book to start with.

[Sheralyn Belyeu · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is nearly seventy years old, and everyone knows the ending--the Soviets blockaded Berlin, but the Allies airlifted in enough food to keep the city going. It's so familiar it's a cliche. Suspense was the last thing I expected out of The Candy Bombers, but it was a book I could not put down. I finally fell asleep about 3 am, but by 7:30 I was awake and plowed through the rest of the book before I could even think about breakfast.

Cherny brings to life the unimaginable pressure of the Berlin airlift--the despairing analyses of the military men who saw no way to defend Europe against Russian aggression, Truman's fight for his political life in a deeply divided Democratic party, and Secretary of Defense James Forrestal slowly losing his sanity as he tried to prevent atomic war--and juxtaposes it with the heart-felt notes German children wrote, often in crayon, to thank Americans for a stick of gum or a candy bar.

This is the behind-the-scenes story of how our shrunken military held an impossible position against overwhelming odds and not only won, but convinced war-ravaged people of Berlin that we could be friends.

[Jeslyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent writing, outstanding management of multiple strands of history - the actual candy drops don't begin until nearly halfway through this book, as extensive background is laid including FDR's death and Truman's presidency; Soviet invasion and assault of Berlin and its people; Berliners' emotional, psychological and physical outlook post-WWII; four-nation coalition government of Berlin and Germany; etc. This writing is packed with players and perspectives, but Cherny manages superbly.

And once the candy "bombing" begins...I loved the irony that such an uplifting act that rose above the stubbornness of the Soviets, the anger toward Berliners, etc. was literally dropped from the sky.

For a time in history sorely lacking in joy, peace, hope, or human kindness, numerous passages had me smiling at the triumph of reconciliation, forgiveness, human decency and mercy - particularly when extended to a citizenry whom the world viewed as unforgivable and largely not worth saving from the Soviets.

[Paul Stout · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing up in Utah, I used to wonder why there such a big fuss over Gail Halvorsen, the man who initiated the candy drops to starving children during the Berlin Airlift of 1948-49. But after reading this book, I don't think Halvorsen and the others responsible for the airlift have received nearly the acclaim they deserve. In fact, this heroic and important afterward to WWII is largely ignored by historians. Yet the Berlin Airlift did more to thwart the advance of communism following the war than all the tanks, atomic bombs and diplomats ever could. The airlift and candy drops also played a critical role in turning post-war Germans into peace loving, democratic, faithful friends of the United States. And this book told the full story in a way that was captivating and complete. I loved reading this book and felt like I had become good friends with Lieutenant "Hal" Halvorsen, General Lucious Clay, Commander Howlery, James Forrestal and Bill Tunner. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves American history, freedom, Germany, soldiers, airplanes or simple human kindness.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me my entire summer to read. It is historical non-fiction. Not the fun, comical kind of popular non-fiction that would be highlighted on NPR either. This was slogging through minutiae and tremendous amounts of background kind of non-fiction. It explains in extreme detail the events leading up to the Soviet blockade of Eastern Berlin and the subsequent airlift. I was amazed because I knew virtually nothing about any of this. I blame it on my US History AP DBQ being on the early 1900's. If you want to know about the triangle shirt-waist fire, I will tell you. The airlift, I knew nothing about.

With all that detail I feel like was there, with these key players. I don't know that I have ever been so excited about a non-fiction book. I knew how it was going to end (relatively so) and I was cheering along with the rest of 1949 America. It was really well written.

Apparently Hal Halvorsen is LDS and lives in Phoenix. My friend happens to know him. I see some innocuous stalking in my future. I love him!