Gail Halvorsen

I remember hearing bits & pieces of Mr. Halvorsen while serving in the 'Nam 1968 & 1971. But, I would read of his story in 2020, I believe. I wept as I read of the children breaking those precious few sticks of chewing gum into smaller pieces & of others who were content in sniffing the gum wrappers.......... At an orphanage in (sp) My Tho, Vietnam, the 9th Infantry. Division aided the French nuns & children with food supplies & treats for the children. These small victims of war were...

His story is very inspiring to me and I am writing about him.

A true hero in every sense of the word. I am very familiar with his story and the German children referring to him as "Onkel wackel Flügel". I have even made a point to see the school named after him in Berlin. I have made many visits to Berlin and even after all these years, he is well known and well admired by all Germans. RIP, Col. Halvorsen.

I didn't know him personally, but I met him twice and my grandmother shared stories about him while I was growing up.
He was a hero to so many people in a time of division and devastation.
It was an honor being able to see him in person before his passing. May he rest in peace.

WE CAN DO ANYTHING*
(in memory of Gail Halvorsen)
by Ruth Esther Gilmore


We can do great acts
of kindness if we have peace
with everybody

we are capable
of erasing poverty
and intolerance

we can build bridges
to lead us over borders
and all boundaries

we can lessen pain
and eradicate sickness
and improve our world

with peace in our hearts
and hatred towards no one...

Condolences to the family . Seek comfort in the loving support of your heavenly Father.

Gail and his comrades were the true heroes - they brought hope, joy and vital supplies to a distressed city and helped to survive. May their efforts always be remembered with gratitude and set an example for a peaceful world! Pinnow Family, Berlin, Germany

Gail was one of the most gentle men I have ever met. I had the privilege to meet him numerous times at the Airlift Tanker Association annual events and had him sign books for me, my wife and daughter. I recently reread his book, “The Berlin Candy Bomber,” and enjoyed it more the second reading. He never forgot the people he impacted during the Berlin Airlift. I tell all I come in contact with about him and those two sticks of gum, and I consider it the highest honor to say that I knew this...

My condolences.