60th anniversary of Berlin Airlift commemorated

  • Published
  • By Airman Sondra M. Wieseler
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE, N.M. (ACCNS) --  On July 10, Holloman commemorated one of the largest humanitarian and aviation events in history; the Berlin Airlift. 

Mr. Robert Frye, producer and director of the film "The Berlin Airlift", came to the Raptors Nest here and presented his film during a dinner commemoration of the 60th Anniversary. 

The dinner began with the posting of the colors by the Steel Talon honor guard and both the American and German national anthems. Col. Peter Klement, the German Air Force Flying Training Center commander, made the opening remarks and told a brief story of the Berlin Airlift. 

Three years after World War II had ended in 1948, the Soviet Union closed off all ground passageways into West Berlin, leaving the city no means of obtaining any more food or coal. 

The U.S. and its allies saw that help was needed and men and women who had lost family and friends fighting against the Germans, were now about to risk their lives to aid them. 

On June 26, they took action and flew in provisions for West Berlin's two million residents, in an effort that became known as the Berlin Airlift. American and British aircraft delivered from 500-700 tons a day at first to 12,940 tons near the end. 

On May 12, 1949, the Soviets, realizing that the Western powers would be able to continue this as long as necessary, gave in. The 322-day blockade ended. 

"It was the time when former friends became enemies, and former enemies became friends," said Colonel Klement. 

After dinner was served, Mr. Frye said a few words before presenting his film. 

"Really in a way, this evening is about relationships," said Mr. Frye. "It is about how people learn to get along, how people encounter difficulties and what they do to move beyond it. In many ways, that's what the Berlin airlift is about." 

For the four Berlin Airlift veterans who attended the event, the event was more than just a dinner and a presentation. 

"(The film) brought back memories for me that I'd forgotten for years," said retired Col. William Norris, a Berlin Airlift veteran who flew 155 missions in support of the airlift. 

The veterans, who all currently reside in New Mexico, had a chance to tell a piece of their story and answer questions in an open discussion. 

Although the four received a standing ovation, they were clearly modest heroes. 

"I was taking part in history and I didn't realize it at the time," said retired Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Talty, a finance clerk during the Berlin Airlift. "I just came away with so much pride, but I felt that my contribution was small compared to what those guys were doing out there." 

One veteran had the opportunity to visit Berlin again later in life and witness the city he helped keep alive. 

"The thing that got me in Berlin is almost an adoration for what we had done," said Mr. Norman Melvin, a veteran who worked in production control. "For me, it was our job. I didn't realize what we had done, it was just something we did. I would like to go back again." 

More than 7 million American servicemembers have been stationed in Germany since World War II and Holloman has the honor of hosting many German air force members as well. 

The story of the Berlin Airlift is one of more than just following orders. It is one of compassion and more importantly, friendship. It helped lay the foundation for the deep and lasting friendship between the United States and Germany, and here on Holloman, it's witnessed every day.