The Berlin Airlift began on June 26, 1948. The Soviets sealed off the western portion of Berlin controlled by American, British and French forces. In response, the western allies took to the skies and began flying in provisions for West Berlin's 2.2 million residents, an effort that grew into the Berlin Airlift. Relive one of the greatest moments in human history by taking a virtual stroll through our Berlin Airlift Timeline!

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In one of the greatest humanitarian actions of all time, American and British aircraft supplied the inhabitants of Berlin with food, fuel and other supplies during the unprecedented Berlin Airlift, which came to be known as "Operation Vittles". At midnight on May 12, 1949, the Soviets reopened land and water routes into Berlin ending the 322-day blockade of Berlin.

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Among the most eagerly anticipated provisions brought in were the bundles of candy for the city's children. "Operation Little Vittles" started after an American pilot, Lt. Gail S. Halvorson, was so touched by the gratitude of some children for his gift of a couple of sticks of gum that he began dropping candy wrapped in handkerchief parachutes to all the children in the city he could reach. Other US airmen soon pitched in, as did communities across America who sent candy over for the children of Berlin.

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Gail S. Halvorsen recalls in his own words what it was like to fly into postwar Berlin and to experience the gratitude and joy of the city's children, to whom he became known as "the Chocolate Uncle", "the Chocolate Flier" and "Uncle Wiggly Wings". His deep personal connection to the city, to which he has returned many times since, has lasted throughout his lifetime.

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