Nearly overnight, Halvorsen became the face of the Berlin Airlift and a symbol of American goodwill. “GOT ANY SPARE HANKIES? THIS ‘LIFT’ PILOT CAN USE THEM,” proclaimed the New York Post.

On Nov. 9, 1989, the communist government of East Germany announced that all residents would be permitted to travel to West Berlin and West Germany. Crowds of Eastern and Western Germans climbed ...

Click here C-54 Spirit of Freedom - This flying exhibit commemorates the Berlin Airlift of 1948-1949, a monumental humanitarian effort to supply West Berlin during the Soviet blockade.

Monika Müller-Kroll: To this day, the Berlin Airlift is considered one of the world’s greatest humanitarian efforts, but it wasn’t without sacrifice. At least 78 military personnel and civilians died ...

“Halvorson’s actions during the Berlin Airlift became a symbol of humanity and hope for millions around the world,” said Air Traffic Controller Dirk Schulz.

The Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation set out to find another C-54. It found one in Florida and has been working to restore the plane and turn it into a new Spirit of Freedom flying museum that ...

The airlift’s success extended beyond just aiding Berlin’s people. It helped ease cold war tensions, showcasing the west’s capacity for a coordinated, global response to Soviet hostility.

The Berlin Airlift of 1948-1949, became a symbol of America’s commitment to Europe after World War II with airplanes delivering humanitarian aid every 45 seconds at the height of the 11-month mission ...