The Berlin Airlift was a massive humanitarian, military, and political effort that began in 1948 after the Soviet Union blocked all land and water access to Berlin, forcing the Western powers to supply the city via cargo aircraft. The airlift, known as "Operation Vittles" and "Operation Plane Fare", reached a point where no more planes could be safely handled, but the daily subsistence level for over two million people was just barely being met. Led by General William Tunner, the airlift continued through the winter months, reaching a peak of one aircraft per minute delivering 13,000 tons of supplies in a 24-hour period. The airlift ended on September 30, 1949, after the Soviets reopened land and water access, resulting in the loss of 79 American and British servicemen, but ultimately preserving the freedom and lives of West Berliners.
The Berlin Airlift: First Battle of the Cold War
The Berlin Blockade led to a severe food and fuel shortage in occupied Berlin when the Soviet Union blocked Western Allied supply routes. In response, the US, UK, and France launched Operation Vittles, a massive airlift that delivered millions of tons of goods, ultimately saving over two million ...
