The Candy Bomber: Remembering Gail Halvorsen
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Yesterday: Farewell to Uncle Wiggly Wings


WWII Air Force pilot and one-time BYU student-life assistant dean Gail Halvorsen was known far and wide as the Candy Bomber for his actions during the Berlin Airlift. On his flights to feed a hungry population, he brought hope to the children by parachuting candy—ultimately more than 23 tons of it—to them from his passing plane. His signature wobbly approach announced his arrival and earned him the moniker Uncle Wiggly Wings. Halvorsen passed away in February at age 101.

Gail Halvorsen on the runway, smiling and standing in front of an aircraft.
The Candy Bomber standing in front of one of his trusty planes. Photo by Mark Philbrick.