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FReeper Canteen ~ The Berlin Airlift Part 1: The Beginning ~ December 8, 2008
Serving The Best Troops And Veterans In The World!! | StarCMC and Vixen

Posted on 12/07/2008 5:00:15 PM PST by Kathy in Alaska

Our Troops Rock!  Thank you for all you do!
 
For the freedom you enjoyed yesterday... Thank the Veterans who served in The United States Armed Forces.
 
Looking forward to tomorrow's freedom? Support The United States Armed Forces Today!
 
 
~ Hall of Heroes ~

The Berlin Airlift
Part 1:  The Beginning

All info and photos from this website.

ArmyPatch small   NavySeal small   Air Force Seal   Marines Seal small   Coast Guard Seal small (better)
For the next four weeks, on Mondays, the Hall of the Heroes threads will be about the Berlin Airlift and its heroes.  I hope the story inspires you like it does me!  Thank you to ConorMacNessa for the thread topic tip!  I know we did this last year, but I just love the story and I hope you don't mind the repeat!  
The Berlin Airlift

PRELUDE TO CONFLICT
At the end of WWII, a defeated Germany was divided amongst the victors, the United States, the Soviet Union, Great Britain, and France. The Soviet Union took control of the Eastern half of Germany, the Western half was divided amongst the US, Great Britain, and France. Like the rest of the country, the capital city of Berlin, sitting dead in the middle of the Soviet-controlled Eastern half, was also divided into four parts, one half being Soviet controlled, and the rest divided amongst the others. A four-power provisional government, called the Allied Control Council, was installed in Berlin.  This union of governments was to control and rebuild the city of Berlin.



 

By 1948, it became apparent that the Western Powers (Great Britain, France, and US) plan to rebuild Germany differed from the Soviet Union's plan. Currency, German Unification, Soviet War reparations, and mere ideology were among the many differences the two sides had. There would be no compromise. As a result, Stalin wanted them out of Berlin.  In early 1948, tensions between the once former Allies climaxed.  On April 9, 1948, Stalin ordered all American Military personnel maintaining communications equipment out of the Eastern Zone (Soviet controlled Berlin).  Trains were halted on June 1and June10.  On June 21, the Soviets halted a US Military Supply Train and refused it passage to Berlin.  On the 22nd, they placed armed guards aboard, attached a Soviet engine and hauled it back to Western Germany.  In a final move to spurn the Americans, British, and French out, on June 24, 1948, all land and water access to West Berlin was cut off by the Soviets.  There were to be no more supplies from the West.  What was going to happen?  Where were the necessary supplies going to come from for the Occupation Forces?  For that matter, where were the supplies for the 2,008,943 Berliners going to come from?  It was a grave situation.


General Lucius Clay                          Sir Brian Robertson                             General Curt LeMay                       Brig. General Joseph Smith


The Allies were certainly not going to stand for this. Diplomacy failed, Ground invasions were planned, and World War 3 was on the brink of existence.  US Military Commander Lucius Clay had developed a plan by which an armed convoy through Soviet Controlled Germany would break the blockade.  This action would certainly create a war.

A Douglas C-47, the military version of the DC-3.  It is capable of hauling 3.5 tons of cargo.

 

MEAGER BEGINNINGS 
 

However, British Commander Sir Brian Robertson offered an alternative: supply the city by air.  A daunting task.  Supplying the Occupation forces of 22,679 was easy, but the entire population?  The only aircraft the Americans had available for the task were 5 year old Douglas C-47 Skytrains, which would only hold 3.5 tons each.  After some consultation, the decision was made: it was worth a try.  Earlier in April, US Forces airlifted in supplies to replace the ones being delayed by the Soviets.  This was what became known as the "Little Lift".  West Berlin had two airports, Tempelhof, which was Berlin's main airport and located in the American Sector, and Gatow, in the British Sector.  Supplies could be airlifted in by C-47 and there was nothing the Soviet Union could do about because, in 1945, someone had foresight.  On November 30, 1945, it was agreed, in writing, that there would be three 20-mile wide air corridors providing access to the city. These were unarguable. 

When the blockade began, the Soviets rejoiced, because they believed the Western powers had only one option, to leave Berlin.  But they underestimated the West airlift supplies.  Gen. Clay called upon General Curtis E. LeMay, commander of USAFE and asked him if he could haul supplies to Berlin.  LeMay responded, "We can haul anything".  Two days later Gen. LeMay called upon Brig. Gen. Joseph Smith, Commander of the Wiesbaden Military Post, and appointed him Task Force Commander of an airlift operation estimated to last a few weeks.  The only US aircraft initially available were 102 C-47's and 2 C-54 Skymasters.  On June 26, the first C-47's landed at Tempelhof Airfield, foreshadowing the great operation that was to come.  Smith dubbed the mission "Operation Vittles", because he said "We're haulin' grub."  The British called their part "Operation Plane Fare". 

It was determined that the city's daily food ration would be 646 tons of flour and wheat; 125 tons of cereal; 64 tons of fat; 109 tons of meat and fish; 180 tons of dehydrated potatoes; 180 tons of sugar; 11 tons of coffee; 19 tons of powdered milk; 5 tons of whole milk for children; 3 tons of fresh yeast for baking; 144 tons of dehydrated vegetables; 38 tons of salt; and 10 tons of cheese.  In total, 1,534 tons were needed daily to keep the over 2 million people alive.  That's not including other necessities, like coal and fuel.  In fact, the largest quantity of anything required was coal.  It wasn't needed to heat homes as much as it was necessary for industry.  In addition, there was limited electricity, because the city's power plant was located in the Soviet sector, so that was cut off, too.  It was determined that in total supplies, 3,475 tons would be needed daily.  A C-47 can haul 3.5 tons.  In order to supply the people of Berliners, C-47's would have to make 1000 flights each day.  Impossible. 

Initially, Gen. Clay determined that, with the limited number of airplanes available to him, he could haul about 300 tons of supplies a day, the British effort, was estimated to be capable of 750 tons a day.  This leaves a 2,425-ton deficit daily.  Realizing that this kind of tonnage could not be achieved using C-47's, Gen. Clay and Gen. LeMay made requests for more C-54's, for they could carry over three times more cargo than C-47's.  On June 27, an additional 52 Skymasters were ordered to Berlin.
 

A Douglas C-54 Skymaster.  It was capable of hauling 10 tons, almost
3 times as much cargo as its predecessor, the C-47.

 This particular C-54 called "Spirit of Freedom" TM, is currently operated
by the Foundation as a flying museum about the Airlift.

 

On June 28, President Truman made a statement that abandoning Berlin was out of the question.  He then ordered US B-29 Superfortresses to be stationed at British airfields to show the Soviets that the Western powers were not taking this lightly.  We would not abandon these people!

By July 1, C-54's were slowly taking over airlift flights, and they were operating 24 hours a day.  Rhein-Main Air Base in Frankfort was made exclusive C-54 base, and Wiesbaden was a mix of C-54's and C-47's.  To accommodate these two different aircraft, General Smith established a block system, giving the bigger, faster C-54's priority.  They were also given radio codes to identify each type and the direction it was going.  C-47's going East to Berlin were called "Easy", returning C-47's traveling West, were called "Willie".  C-54's had the names "Big Easy" and "Big Willie".  Aircraft were also given a spacing of three minutes apart. 

The size of the operation had to be increased in order to sufficiently supply this city and keep these people going.  It needed to be commanded by someone who had expertise in air transport.  That man came in the form of Maj. General William H. Tunner.  He was revered as "The transportation expert to end all transportation experts" by LeMay.  Tunner had previously established the Ferrying Command in WWII, and successfully organized and commanded the "Hump" operation into China near the end of the war.  His reputation was not falsely earned.  Tunner hated to see airplanes parked on the ramp not being utilized. This was a waste to him.  He longed for efficiency and was about to set the standard for all that followed.


....Continued next week.....

 

Please remember the Canteen is here to honor, support and entertain our troops and their families.  This is a politics-free zone!  Thanks for helping us in our mission!


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Extended News; Free Republic
KEYWORDS: canteen; military; troopsupport
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1 posted on 12/07/2008 5:00:16 PM PST by Kathy in Alaska
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To: Kathy in Alaska

whirrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!


2 posted on 12/07/2008 5:01:39 PM PST by SandRat (Duty, Honor, Country! What else needs said?)
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To: StarCMC; Kathy in Alaska
Good morning Troops, Veterans and Canteeners.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Our Flag Flying Proudly One Nation Under God

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Lord, Please Bless Our Troops, They're fighting for our Freedom.

Prayers going up.


3 posted on 12/07/2008 5:04:39 PM PST by HopeandGlory (Hey, Liberals . . . PC died on 9/11 . . . GET USED TO IT!!!)
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To: txradioguy; tongue-tied; SoldierDad; mike1sg; Milo828; mystery-ak; CMS; The Sailor; Jet Jaguar; ...
Honoring Our Heroes

AbnSarge USA
Allegra
3 sons (armymarinemom and amdad)
Brett USN (CindyDawg)
Brother and Son-in-Law (kalee)
Cannoneer No. 4
CAPT Future Snake Eater USA (RightOnline)
CAPT Jason Clendenin (friend of Frou)
Chris USA (amom)
Chuck USA (RightOnline)
COL Mike (gpapa)
CMS USA
David USAF (LUV W)
Defender2
Deven USA (Shimmer)
Ethan USMC (georgiabelle)
Fred (DocRock)
GulfWar1Vet USA
IS2 Brianne USN (My Hearts in London - Everett)
IS2 Heather USN (My Hearts in London - Everett)
Jade Falcon USN
JemiansTerror USA (Jemian)
Jet Jaguar USAF
Joel (NEMDF)
Jonathan USMC (AZbushgal)
Josh USN (doug from upland)
Karen USA (fatima's granddaughter)
KB4W USAF (arbee4bush)
Kenneth (Sweetbaby/LadyPilgrim)
Kevin USMC (skimask)
Kevin and David USA (vigilante2)
Laurita USA
LCPL Carter USMC
Lindsay (Sweetbaby/LadyPilgrim)
LT David (Coldwater Creek)
M1911A1 USMC (M0sby)
M1Tanker
Major joma89 USAF
MEG33's Navy Grandson
Michael USAR (RightOnline)
Mike1Sg USA (mystery-ak)
Milo828 USA (mystery-ak)
Nate USN (sneakers)
Old Sarge USA
OneLoyalAmerican USCG
PFC Dan USA (son of swmobuffalo)
PFC Jake USMC (son of Enough_Deceit)
Pvt Alex USA (son of Enough_Deceit)
Robert, Jeremy, Daynnis USA (SoldierDad)
Sat-Com Chris USA (son of KC Burke)
SGT Brian USA (repubmom)
SGT Dusty USA (MountainDad)
SGT Ev USA (Mozie)
SGT Sean Reed (preed)
SGT Spencer USA (grame)
Son USCG (GodBlessUSA)
SPC Mike USA (AbnSarge)
SSG Mitchel USA (tina07)
SSGT Don May Jr USMC (debm29palms)
SSGT John Linde USA (JFoxbear)
Terrence USN (Sweetbaby/LadyPilgrim)
The Sailor
tongue-tied USN/USA
Tonkin USN/USCG
txradioguy USA
Valerie USAF (Shimmer)
Victor and Tony D USMC (weldgophardline)
William USA (jackv)

 



4 posted on 12/07/2008 5:08:20 PM PST by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: Kathy in Alaska

Woo-hoo, more Berlin!
Can’t get too much, y’know...


5 posted on 12/07/2008 5:09:15 PM PST by HiJinx (~ Support our Troops ~ www.americasupportsyou.mil ~)
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To: Kathy in Alaska

6 posted on 12/07/2008 5:09:31 PM PST by SandRat (Duty, Honor, Country! What else needs said?)
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To: Kathy in Alaska

IN!


7 posted on 12/07/2008 5:13:10 PM PST by MS.BEHAVIN (Women who behave rarely make history)
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To: StarCMC; MoJo2001; 007; 1 FELLOW FREEPER; 11B3; 1FreeAmerican; 1stbn27; 2111USMC; 2LT Radix jr; ...
Hall of Heroes: The Berlin Airlift Part 1: The Beginning

FR CANTEEN MISSION STATEMENT

Showing support and boosting the morale of
our military and our allies military
and the family members of the above.
Honoring those who have served before.

CLICK HERE TO FIND LATEST THREADS



CLICK FOR Current local times around the world

CLICK FOR local times in Seoul, Baghdad, Kabul,
New York, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Anchorage


To every service man or woman reading this thread.
Thank You for your service to our country.
No matter where you are stationed,
No matter what your job description
Know that we are are proud of each and everyone of you.

To our military readers, we remain steadfast
in keeping the Canteen doors open.

The FR Canteen is Free Republic's longest running daily thread
specifically designed to provide entertainment and moral support for the military.

The doors have been open since Oct 7 2001,
the day of the start of the war in Afghanistan.

We are indebted to you for your sacrifices for our Freedom.


8 posted on 12/07/2008 5:19:50 PM PST by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: Kathy in Alaska
Aloha Night Owl!

Greetings on Dec. 7th.
9 posted on 12/07/2008 5:35:39 PM PST by BIGLOOK (Keelhaul Congress! It's the sensible solution to restore Command to the People.)
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To: Kathy in Alaska

I’m here!


10 posted on 12/07/2008 5:38:25 PM PST by Kirkwood
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To: BIGLOOK

Aloha Sweetness!
LIL DEVIL HUG
*HUG*
Light snow this evening, but the moon is still visible..
That’s kinda neat!


11 posted on 12/07/2008 5:40:20 PM PST by MS.BEHAVIN (Women who behave rarely make history)
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To: Kathy in Alaska

Freep mail me to be on or off the Daily Bread ping list

December 8, 2008
Here Comes The Boss!
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. —1 John 1:9

A number of computer games come with a special feature called the “Boss Key.” If you’re playing a game when you’re supposed to be working, and someone (like the boss) walks into your office, you quickly strike the Boss Key. Your computer screen changes immediately, hiding what you’ve been doing.

Trying to hide from others when we’ve done something wrong comes naturally. We may feel guilty, but our desire to avoid admitting our responsibility is often stronger than our guilt.

Achan tried to hide his sin. He had stolen silver and gold and hidden it in his tent (Josh. 7:20-21). But when the Israelites were defeated in battle, the Lord told their leader Joshua that the loss was due to sin in the camp (vv.11-12). The Lord identified Achan as the one who had sinned. And even though Achan confessed, he and his family were executed (v.25).

We may not understand why God dealt so harshly with Achan’s sin, but we do know He was instructing His people in His holiness and their need for obedience to His commands (Ex. 20:17).

If you’ve been disobedient, it’s time to come out of hiding. God is lovingly calling you and offering His cleansing, forgiveness, and restoration.

O Lord, help me to come to You
When I would rather hide my sin;
Give me the courage to confess
So I can be made clean within. —Sper

Confession is the key that opens the door to forgiveness.


Bible in One Year: Jonah 1–2; Proverbs 24:1-12


12 posted on 12/07/2008 5:47:34 PM PST by The Mayor ( In Gods works we see His hand; in His Word we hear His heart)
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To: Kathy in Alaska

Evening Kathy.. Hugs.

Remarkable effort..Remarkable men, remarkable times.


13 posted on 12/07/2008 5:57:26 PM PST by TASMANIANRED (TAZ:Untamed, Unpredictable, Uninhibited.)
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To: SandRat

Evening Sandy.


14 posted on 12/07/2008 5:57:45 PM PST by TASMANIANRED (TAZ:Untamed, Unpredictable, Uninhibited.)
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To: HopeandGlory

Evening Hope, Hugs.


15 posted on 12/07/2008 5:58:07 PM PST by TASMANIANRED (TAZ:Untamed, Unpredictable, Uninhibited.)
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To: HiJinx

Evening Jinxy.


16 posted on 12/07/2008 5:58:32 PM PST by TASMANIANRED (TAZ:Untamed, Unpredictable, Uninhibited.)
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To: SandRat

Evening Sandy.


17 posted on 12/07/2008 5:58:54 PM PST by TASMANIANRED (TAZ:Untamed, Unpredictable, Uninhibited.)
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To: MS.BEHAVIN

Evening Schatzi, Smooch.


18 posted on 12/07/2008 5:59:15 PM PST by TASMANIANRED (TAZ:Untamed, Unpredictable, Uninhibited.)
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To: BIGLOOK

Evening Mr. Big.


19 posted on 12/07/2008 5:59:52 PM PST by TASMANIANRED (TAZ:Untamed, Unpredictable, Uninhibited.)
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To: Kirkwood

Evening Kirkwood.


20 posted on 12/07/2008 6:00:11 PM PST by TASMANIANRED (TAZ:Untamed, Unpredictable, Uninhibited.)
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