Berlin Airlift Re-Enactment Launches in North Carolina

From the cockpit of a C-54, U.S. Air Force Col. Gail Halvorsen made international news in 1948 when he dropped chocolate bars and gum to West German children, deprived of food and treats through a Soviet-controlled blockade.

Known as “Uncle Wiggly Wings” and “The Chocolate Flier,” Halvorsen was again the apple of children’s eyes when he dropped sweets in North Carolina during a re-enactment of the famous 1948-49 Berlin Airlift, Dec. 13 at 1 p.m. at the Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Regional Airport. It marked the 60th anniversary of the airlift.

Hosting the event is ideal for Elizabeth City, an area with a rich aviation history – and a burgeoning future.

“Elizabeth City has launched many news-making events, from hosting the Wright brothers before their first flight to the deployment of blimps during World War II,” said Wayne Harris, director of the Albemarle Economic Development Commission. “The opportunity to witness this historical re-enactment is one that should not be missed.”

Presented by the Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation, the re-enactment is sponsored by DRS Technologies, which operates an aircraft maintenance facility in Elizabeth City. Eastern Aviation Fuel is donating gasoline for the flight. And an Elizabeth City confectionary, The Chocolate House, is providing 100 hand-crafted commemorative chocolate bars that Halvorsen will drop from the “Spirit of Freedom,” a restored 1945 Douglas C-54E aircraft.

While Halvorsen’s crew has conducted educational programs in Elizabeth City before, this is the first time the event is open to the public.

“This is a chance to learn from the veterans that served during one of the great humanitarian efforts in history,” said Airport Director Scott Hinton.