Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
Tells the human story of a spectacular aviation and logistical accomplishment that has had lasting geopolitical significance.
Synopsis
At the close of World War II, the Soviet Union controlled all of eastern Germany with the exception of the American, British, and French sectors of Berlin. In June 1948, Soviet authorities halted the West's land access to the city, apparently dooming the inhabitants of its Western sectors to starvation. Would half of Berlin remain free and democratic, or would it succumb to Stalin's stranglehold? American and British planes immediately began a massive airlift that would last for fifteen months. Flying 276,926 dangerous missions, often in bad weather, and bringing in 2.3 million tons of food and coal, the legendary Berlin Airlift cost the lives of 75 U.S. and British airmen but saved the besieged enclave. Focusing on the experience of airmen, politicians, and ordinary citizens, historian Michael D. Haydock tells the human story of a spectacular aviation and logistical accomplishment that has had lasting geopolitical significance.
Synopsis
At the close of World War II, the Soviet Union controlled all of eastern Germany except the Allied sectors of Berlin. In June 1948, Soviet authorities halted all rail traffic between the city and the outside world, resulting in a massive supply airlift by American and British air forces. By focusing on the experiences of airmen, politicians and ordinary Berliners, the author tells the story of this aviation and logistical accomplishment that has had lasting geopolitical significance.
Michael D. Haydock holds a degree in history and political science from the University of the State of New York and recently retired from public service. He now works as a consultant and freelance writer and serves on the faculty of Empire State College. He is a frequent contributer to American History, Military History and VFW Magazine, and his articles have appeared in Air Force Times, Army Times, American Heritage of Invention & Technology, Buffalo Spree, the Bermuda Maritime Museum Quarterly, Confrontation, Wild West and World War II. He has written and aided in the production of several documentaries for the History Channel. He lives in upstate New York.