Scott Air Force Base in St. Clair County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Col Gail S. Halvorsen

(1920 - )

— Airlift/Tanker Association Hall of Fame Inductee - 1999 —

Col Gail S. Halvorsen Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Thomas Smith, October 5, 2021

1. Col Gail S. Halvorsen Marker

Inscription. During the Berlin Airlift, also called Operation Vittles, he instituted operation Little Vittles by dropping small parachutes laden with candy from his C-54 aircraft to the children of Berlin, while motivating Berliners to never give up hope, his self initiated act of kindness which earned him the nickname "Candy Bomber" also became a symbol of U.S. resolve during the Cold War. Receiving in 1949 the prestigious Cheney award for his actions during the Berlin Airlift, he has continued to serve as a national ambassador of goodwill for airlifters he epitomizes their humanitarian spirit and continues to inspire us all to serve others.

Erected 1999 by Airlift/Tanker Association Hall of Fame.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Charity & Public Work • Military • War, Cold. A significant historical year for this entry is 1949.

Location. 38° 32.412′ N, 89° 51.822′ W. Marker is in Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, in St. Clair County. It is on Main Street just east of Symington Drive, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 101 Heritage Dr, Scott Air Force Base IL 62225, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater St. Louis.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

in the Corn Belt,

and in the Great River Road Region.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Maj Gen Cyrus R. "C. R." Smith (here, next to this marker); General Thomas M. Ryan Jr.

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

(here, next to this marker); Gen Robert E. "Dutch" Huyser (here, next to this marker); Gen Laurence S. Kuter (here, next to this marker); Maj Gen Winston P "Wimpy" Wilson (here, next to this marker); General Ronald R Fogleman (a few steps from this marker); MSGT Roy W. Hooe (a few steps from this marker); General Duane H. Cassidy (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Scott Air Force Base.

Photographed by Thomas Smith, October 5, 2021

2. Col Gail S. Halvorsen Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on October 21, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 21, 2021, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. This page has been viewed 324 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 21, 2021, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.