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 AirBridge to Berlin
 AirBridge 

to Berlin
 Road to 

Confrontation
 Who's Who 

During Big 4
 Political Activity 

Resumes
 Who's Who 

in New Berlin Governments
 Background on 

Conflict with USSR
 Eye of the Storm
 Marshall Plan
 The Airlift Begins
 Pilots
 Chocolate Flier
 Grateful 

Berliners
 Lighter Side 

(Cartoons)
 "Operation Vittles" 

Gets Organized
 Winter Campaign
 Blockade Lifted
 Aftermath

1949 -- 1959
 Photo Collection
Introduction to:
Airbridge to Berlin ---  The Berlin Crisis of 1948,  its Origins and Aftermath 
By D.M. Giangreco and Robert E. Griffin
© 1988
(Used with permission)

 

AirBridge to Berlin 

  Post war Germany was divided into three sections--the Allied part was controlled by the United States, Great Britain and France and other part by the Soviet Union. The city of Berlin, although located in the eastern Soviet half, was also divided into four sectors --West Berlin occupied by Allied interests and East Berlin occupied by Soviets. In June 1948, the Soviet Union attempted to control all of Berlin by cutting surface traffic to and from the city of West Berlin. Starving out the population and cutting off their business was their method of gaining control. The Truman administration reacted with a continual daily airlift which brought much needed food and supplies into the city of West Berlin. This Airbridge to Berlin lasted until the end of September of 1949---although on May 12, 1949, the Soviet government yielded and lifted the blockade. This book shows this amazing story including the roots of the conflict, the options, the solution, and the pilots who carried forth the mission.

 


Berlin Airlift

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