“Uncle Wiggly Wings”: Children, chocolates, and the Berlin Airlift

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis article examines Operation Little Vittles (OLV), American pilot Gail Halvorsen's project dropping candy parachutes over blockaded Berlin in 1948. Halvorsen's actions inspired Americans across the globe to contribute to the humanitarian effort, resulting in an international operation providing sweets for children of the city. American response and engagement with the project illustrated the propaganda potential of the candy exchange, while simultaneously demonstrating the power of democracy's promise at a critical moment in post-World War II history. OLV promoted an image of abundance and compassion at a time when hearts and minds provided one of the greatest assets against Soviet expansion. By framing this story as an act of heroism benefitting innocent children, Americans overcame residual hostilities of the occupation and fostered a new relationship with the former enemy. The popularity of Little Vittles successfully mobilized the American people for participation in a global Cold War and highlighted a shift from a paternal to an avuncular presence abroad, embodied by Halvorsen's Uncle Wiggly Wings.