Mike Matzinger
Colonel Gail Seymour Halvorsen (October 10, 1920 – February 16, 2022) was a U.S. Air Force officer and pilot best known for his humanitarian efforts during the Berlin Airlift, earning him the nickname “The Berlin Candy Bomber.” His life was shaped by early experiences in Scouting, which instilled values of service, leadership, and compassion that guided him throughout his career.
Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, Halvorsen grew up on a small farm in Rigby, Idaho. As a young boy, he became a Boy Scout, learning the importance of helping others and participating in his community. He reached the rank of First Class before family responsibilities on the farm limited his Scouting activities. Despite the short duration, the lessons of Scouting left a lasting impression, influencing his approach to life and service. He later passed this commitment on to his children, all three of whom became Eagle Scouts, and reportedly all 16 of his grandsons achieved the rank as well.
Halvorsen’s love for aviation began early. He earned a private pilot’s license in 1941 and joined the Civil Air Patrol before enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Forces in 1942. During World War II, he served as a pilot in the Atlantic Theater. After the war, he continued his career in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a colonel in 1974 with over 8,000 flying hours.
During the Berlin Airlift in 1948, Halvorsen noticed a group of German children watching planes arrive in West Berlin. Moved by their plight, he gave them his last two sticks of gum and promised to return with more. This gesture grew into Operation Little Vittles, where he and fellow pilots dropped candy attached to small parachutes for children throughout the city. The act of kindness became an enduring symbol of hope, compassion, and the practical application of the service-oriented values he learned in Scouting.
Halvorsen continued similar humanitarian missions in places like Bosnia and Iraq, and he co-founded The Candy Bomber Foundation to inspire future generations through aviation and service. His legacy is honored in Berlin with a statue and in Utah, where the Provo Vet Center was renamed the Col. Gail S. Halvorsen “Candy Bomber” Veterans Center.
He was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was married to Alta Jolley from 1949 until her passing in 1999, later marrying Lorraine Pace. His family continued his commitment to service, reflecting the Scouting ideals he cherished throughout his life. Halvorsen’s story demonstrates the lasting impact of small acts of kindness, and how the principles of Scouting can shape a life devoted to helping others and promoting goodwill worldwide.