A 98 Year Old USAF Veteran Remembers the Berlin AIrlift (417)

0:00Welcome to Cold War Conversations, the home of real stories of the Cold War.

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1:36Templehoff Airport appeared like a large, round, and flat area. Final approach to landing, it required descending down over a cemetery and close to apartment buildings. When glancing to the right, we were passing buildings at balcony level. This is Cold War Conversations, If you're new here, you've come to the right place to listen to first-hand Cold War history accounts. Please follow us in your podcast app so you don't miss a single episode. The Berlin Airlift stands as one of the most significant events in Cold War history, a testament to the resilience and determination of the Allies in the face of Soviet adversity.

2:16I speak with 98-year-old veteran Ralph Dion, who played a crucial role in this monumental operation. Ralph details the story of the Berlin Airlift and shares his journey from basic training to becoming a flight engineer. His insights provide a unique perspective of the challenges faced by military personnel tasked with delivering food, coal and other supplies under the threat of Soviet control. I'm delighted to welcome Ralph Dion to our Cold War Conversation. As your Cold War Conversations podcast covers a full spectrum of events and the individuals involved during the Cold War, I share your thought that this is an appropriate time to look back and recall how the Cold War began.

3:03And following World War II, defeated Germany was divided into two separate zones, that of the Allies consisting of the UK, the USA, and France, all occupying the western half of Germany, boarding on France. The eastern half of Germany was occupied by the Soviet Union, boarding with the former Poland. Unfortunately, the city of Berlin was located deep within the Soviet zone. The city itself was similarly divided, with the Allies controlling the western sectors and the Soviets controlling the eastern sector. In order for the Allies to support their three garrisons quartered within their respective zones in the city, it was necessary to travel through Soviet-controlled territory that completely surrounded Berlin.

3:59Following World War II in 1945, early signs of disagreement began to develop between the Allies and the Soviets in occupied Germany, and they incrementally increased during 1946 and 1947. It was a period during which the Soviets aggressively installed and supported communist politicians in the city of Berlin, resulting in much discord and troubling incidents. On January 1, 1947, the USA and the UK united the two western zones of occupation outside of Berlin, to be known as Bizonia, which further increased Soviet tensions. In June, the European recovery program, known as the Marshall Plan to rebuild Western Europe, including Germany, added further to Soviet discontent.

4:57At that time, the Soviets did not want Germany to rebuild again into a powerful nation and become a new threat in the future. In early 1948, the three Allies secretly planned to combine their three Western zones into a new German state. When the Soviets discovered the Klan, they withdrew from participation in any further meetings of the Allied Control Council. On June 20, 1948, the USA and UK secretly introduced a new currency, the Deutschmark, in their western Bisonia zone of control and also in West Berlin. It was issued to further consolidate their zones of occupation and replace the current greatly inflated Soviet currency, the Reichmark, which was in existence at that time.

5:51It quickly resulted in a very strong Soviet response, for on June 24th, which consisted of closing all roads, railroads, and barge travel to Berlin, thereby cutting off food, electricity, and coal to over 2 million West Berliners. Fortunately for the Allies, earlier on February 4th, 1945, a meeting had been held in Yalta, located in Crimea, between President Roosevelt, Prime Minister Churchill, and dictator Joseph Stalin, during which the Allies were granted three permanent air corridors leading into Berlin in order to support the future Allied garrisons that would be stationed there. Thanks, Ralph, for the background there.

6:41That's really useful to give some context. What was the reaction of the Allies to this blockade? Well, the Allies realised they were now faced with a huge military challenge and one that also required an immediate response. Fortunately, British Air Commodore Rex Waite, who was stationed in Berlin and responsible for air transportation matters, immediately sought to analyze the challenges faced to supply the garrisons and the blockaded citizens of West Berlin by aircraft. His calculations were sound, but also most demanding. Upon presentation of his calculations and recommendations to the British Commandant, General Herbert, the proposal failed to receive the General's support.

7:33Undaunted, Rex Waite next presented his calculations and recommendations to the British Commandant, General Robertson, who was impressed and subsequently discussed the matter further with U.S. Army General Clay, the military governor of Germany, whose response was most favorable. With the additional full support of President Harry S. Truman and USAFE, which is U.S. Air Force in Europe, The first U.S. Air Force Berlin airlift flight over Soviet-controlled territory into Berlin took place on June 26, 1948. Also under full support on Air Marshal Arthur R.S. Tenner, RAF flights began two days later on June 28.

8:20One month later, U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff General Hoyt S. Vandenberg appointed General William H. Tunner, the master of the famous Somalian over-the-hump airlift operation during World War II, to be head of the Combined Airlift Task Force. The U.S.A. portion of the airlift effort became known as Operation Vittles, and the U.K. portion became known as Operation Plane Fair. Time for breather. How are you doing, Ralph? Well, I have to ask you that. No, I'm fine. I'm fine. I'm ready, Ian. Okay, great, great. Well, Ralph, it's great to see the ideas of the British being taken on board there. But were any military options considered?

9:11Yes, Ian. There are several options considered, both diplomatically and militarily. There were Allied governmental members who recommended the removal of Allied forces from blockaded Berlin. However, this abandonment would have been seen as a sign of Allied weakness and would have allowed the Soviets to assume complete control of Berlin. A diplomatic solution was considered. However, past experience of negotiating with the Soviets were very contentious and rarely resulted in success. Also, the Soviets had made it clear that they would require the Allies to remove their newly issued Deutsche Mark currency from Berlin, which the Allies positively would not do.

9:59There was also an aggressive military option considered. General Clay recommended that a railroad train loaded with fully armed infantry aboard be sent across Soviet territory to Berlin. This was seen as a very dangerous military provocation. It would possibly result in World War III. As a result, the Allies had no other options to peacefully cope with the Soviet challenge than attempting to supply Berlin through the available open-air corridors. The Allies were military at a great disadvantage. Following World War II, the Allied ground forces of both the UK and the USA had been returned to their respective countries and demobilized, no longer in a position to counter one million Soviet troops deployed in their European zones of occupation.

10:50However, secretly and with the permission of Prime Minister Clement Attlee, on October 17th and 18th of 1948, two U.S. Air Force squadrons, each occupied with 30 atomic bomb-capable B-29 bombers, were deployed to RAF air bases in England. This was unknown by we, who were busy meeting the challenges of supplying Berlin by air. However, it was known by the Soviet High Command and dictator Joseph Stalin, which effectively encountered any overt military interference at that time. But in fact, there was always the possibility of an unplanned military incident occurring and resulting in responses leading to World War III.

11:38Now, what was your involvement in the airlift? Well, it was also in late July of 1948 that my military assignment to serve in the Berlin Airlift took place. I wish to digress at this point to relate the past circumstances that led to my personal involvement in both military life and the Berlin Airlift. One year after World War II, in June of 1946, I had graduated from high school in the small city of Nashway, New Hampshire, in the USA. Having experienced an early and strong interest in military aviation on both World War I and World War II, I enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force for a period of three years.

12:25as my enlistment included a possible GI Bill benefit of a college education, which could result in my being qualified for re-entering as an Air Force officer candidate and hopefully would lead to a career in military aviation. I received basic training at the Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. From there, I was sent to the Keesler Air Force Base for technical training as an aircraft mechanic specializing in Douglas C-54 aircraft maintenance. Following graduation, I was transferred to my permanent station at Westover Air Force Base, which was located on the east coast near Boston. The air base served as a departure point for military air transport service flights to Europe.

13:13I had gained much experience at Westover, and by mid-1948, was promoted to the rank of sergeant. On July 26, a notification appeared on our squadron bulletin board that listed the names of the officers and the enlisted personnel who were to report within three days to flight operations for departure to Germany. It was for a temporary period of 90 days with assignments to the 1250th Air Transport Squadron Station at the Rhine-Maine Air Force Base near the city of Frankfurt. All personnel involved advised to bring their personal affairs up to date and to remove all personal property from the airbase, including their automobiles to which I complied.

14:00On the day of departure, after a three-hour flight delay, a fully loaded C-54 with personnel, duffel bags, and many toolboxes was finally on its way. As we flew past the Sancho of Liberty, I recall earlier seeing World War II news films of the many sailors and servicemen who cheered as they sailed past that great monument. They were off to war and sadly many never to return. Would I return? Wow, that must have been some moment that, Ralph. Don't forget it. Were you told what to expect in Germany? Did you know what the mission was at that point, even? Well, Ian, to my recollection, there are no formal briefings held as to what to be expected in Germany.

14:52It was therefore assumed that we would be informed later on reporting for duty in Germany. Prior to our departure, we were basically aware that there was something going on in Germany. We've seen in local newspapers the famous photo of C-47 aircraft parked in a semicircle being unloaded at the Tempelhof Airport in Berlin. The photo was not supported by a lot of detailed information concerning the operation itself. Newspapers were advised at that time to limit their information concerning the Berlin airlift crisis, especially for any alarming news of incidents. incidents that could lead to our nation back to war our country was in a post-war peacetime role and ill-prepared for return to wartime conditions i'm sure the same situation applied to both the uk and france yes indeed ralph both the uk and france were in the process of post-war recovery and looking forward to renewing uh peaceful goals but uh obviously this interrupted that.

16:04But Ralph, can you continue with your account of your flight to Germany? Yes. During our flight from Westover Air Force Base, we stopped in Bermuda for food and fuel. Later, we departed for distant Europe. Following a long flight, we arrived the next day by midnight at the Rhein-Main Air Force Base. We were cleared through customs after which our personal US dollars were exchanged for U.S. military payment certificates known as script currency for use in the occupied zones. We were also advised that military non-flatization rules were still in effect, which referred to non-contact for German civilians.

16:49It was also soon learned that it was neither heeded nor enforced. German civilian workers were crucial to our mission and were also found to be trustworthy. We were then transported from the airbase via military buses driven by German drivers in darkness to the nearby city of Frankfurt, about a distance of seven and a half miles, to a gated compound with multiple-story brick buildings that had served as past dormitories for Hitler's SS troops. There was a centralized mess hall with German workers, opened 24 hours a day due to the around-the-clock airlift operation. The separate rooms included four single beds.

17:36However, due to our normal entering, sleeping, or departing our rooms at all hours, there was very little opportunity to chat and develop friendships. The living quarters at a number of other U.S. Air Force and RAF air bases, including those for the pilots and staff officers, were definitely primitive and very inadequate. The immediate influx of personnel from both air and sea transport was the cause of the imposed serious lodging challenges. Some nearby German family homes had to be evacuated on short notice in order to provide both living and administrative quarters for allied personnel. How are you doing, Ralph?

18:23So we took a short break at this point and we come back with Ralph talking about his first impressions of Germany. So you've had your water, Ralph. You're ready to go, yeah? I'm ready. Fantastic. OK. Ralph, what were your first impressions of Germany? Well, on the first morning after Mass, meaning breakfast to non-veterans, we boarded a waiting GI bus and were driven through the city of Frankfurt on our way to the Rhine-Main Air Base. The city was quiet. Streets were devoid of cars. Just a few people in sight, some on bicycles, mostly old and dressed in black clothing, many carrying satchels and often stopping to pick up discarded cigarette butts.

19:10and carefully saving them. Daily, a number of women were gathered at the compound's front gate, receiving and returning GI clothing that were faithfully being laundered and pressed for payment in American cigarettes. Can you imagine living under such conditions? Soviet printed and issued money was worthless. The city was also scarred by many war damaged buildings, reminders of the results of war, not to soon be forgotten. Arriving at the Rhinemain Air Base was also an experience. We were driven to the opposite side of the airfield, where C-54s were parked in a line opposite a small maintenance and operations concert hut.

19:58There was much activity taking place. On the opposite side of the airbase's central runway, two U.S. Navy squadrons of C-54 aircraft had arrived with their air crews, maintenance, and administrative personnel to include their supply of C-54 spare parts. The airbase was also becoming a beehive of maintenance and flight activity. Daily aircraft maintenance was performed outside around the clock, regardless of the time or the weather, often in wet, cold, and muddy field conditions. Wooden ladders, including flashlights at night, were in use to remove engine collie to work on the engines and their accessories.

20:45Eventually, wooden roofed work stands were constructed to improve access to the C-54's engines for inspection and maintenance. Indeed, the cost of 24 hours of flight operations resulted in substantial needs for replacements such as engine spark plugs, 112 for C-54 aircraft, batteries, starters, wheel brakes, tires, electrical and hydraulic components, and cleaning of the aircraft. Now at Lowe's, Faster Quotes started the Lowe's ProDesk. Got a material list handwritten on a sticky note or saved as a photo? Perfect. Bring it to us and get a quote in minutes. And if you don't see what you need on the shelf, we'll help you get it.

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22:08Effects of Botox may spread hours to weeks after injection causing serious symptoms. Alert your doctor right away as difficulty swallowing, speaking, breathing, eye problems, or muscle weakness can be signs of a life-threatening condition. Patients with these conditions before injection are at highest risk. Side effects may include allergic reactions, neck and injection site pain, fatigue, and headache. Allergic reactions can include rash, welts, asthma symptoms, and dizziness. Don't receive Botox if there's a skin infection. Tell your doctor your medical history, muscle or nerve conditions, including ALS Lou Gehrig's disease, myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome, and medications, including botulinum toxins, as these may increase the risk of serious side effects.

22:42Why wait? Ask your doctor, visit BotoxChronicMigraine.com, or call 1-800-44-BOTOX to learn more. Yeah, I think people forget how much work there is behind the scenes to keep an aircraft flying. And you've illustrated that well there. I'm interested to know what was the attitude of the incoming air crews that had served in World War Two that had actually fought the Germans? Well, Ian, both the military and civilian situational attitude was very important at that time. A number of American and British pilots and airmen involved in World War II had been bombing Berlin, and in return were shot at or captured.

23:28They and the Berliners who survived were not on the best of the terms. However, the Soviets had now become the common aggressor. which made a considerable difference as we are now on the same team. In late June, as a friendly gesture, a young U.S. Air Force pilot began dropping candy bars and gum attached to small parachutes from his C-54 aircraft during its landing approach. The German children, who were safely behind the perimeter fence, were the recipients. It also became a very significant factor in the airlift. The pilots' continued acts of kindness led to the children telling their parents about the airmen's caring and generous effort of dropping candy to them.

24:18The children had suffered greatly during the war and certainly had been devoid of gum and candy bars for many years. The lieutenant pilot's name was Gail S. Halvorsen, who became known as the candy bomber. A candy drop effort was subsequently officially approved and expanded into Operation Little Vittles, which became a true symbol of hope and friendship for the Berliners. Yeah, that's a great story. I was lucky enough to interview Gail Halverson, and I'll make sure I link to that episode in the episode notes when this gets published. How did the West Berliners react to the airlift? The West Berliners reacted with appreciation for the attention provided to the children.

25:07They also soon became aware of the serious efforts being made by the Allied forces to break the Soviet blockade, and they were also invited to assist. The Berliners rallied and provided support in every way possible. The help was needed to provide security, construction, transportation, and aircraft maintenance services to include the loading and unloading of aircraft that brought food, milk, coal, and critical supplies to the city. They were also involved in the final distribution of the cargos to the intended recipients. The all-important coal came from the mines of France. It was required to keep the only power plant in the Allied Zone of Berlin operational.

25:56It generated the needed electricity to operate the pumps, maintaining pipeline water flow, and for continued discharge of the city's sewage waste. Each Berlin family was also supplied with a meager allotment of one hog of coal per week for heating and cooking purposes. An outstanding example of reciprocal help from Berliners developed when there was a critical need for a third airport in Berlin to receive additional food and supplies. The French military authorities had open land available in the French zone of Berlin, and under their supervision began construction of a 7 ,966-foot runway. It was made possible through the assistance of 17 ,000 German civilian workforce, of which 40 % were women.

26:53The pay rate was just over one Durschmark per hour and one meal per day, of which portions were brought home to their children. The runway was built from shattered brick debris from city buildings, rolled and paved over with 10 ,000 50-gallon drums of asphalt, which had to be flown into Berlin. Also, the required steamrollers and equipment had to be torch-cut into pieces, flown into Berlin, and re-welded for use on the construction site. It was a massive challenge and Tegel became operational within an incredible three months. That's great stuff, Ralph. Do you want to have another swig of water and have a break?

27:41We're over halfway now, by the looks of it. But really appreciate you reading this for me. And it's an honour to be speaking to a Berlin Airlift veteran as well. come down here okay ralph are you ready for uh round three i think or round two okay um ralph did you fly in the airlift yourself yes ian after my having provided three months of full maintenance support my temporary duty status in germany was extended for another 90 days When I next reported for work at our squadron's operation hut, I was informed that my military occupational specialty classification had been upgraded to that of a flight engineer.

28:31I was also informed to report to the pilot in command of a specific C-54 parked across the taxi strip. My parting brief instructions were to assist in flight duties and follow the pilot's exact instructions at all times. After meeting and reading the pilot and the co-pilot, we completed our assigned aircraft walk-around inspection. Then climbed a ladder located at the rear doors of the C-54 and entered the cargo area. It was loaded with 10 tons of coal, all packed and tied down in duffel bags. The pilot and the co-pilot proceeded forward to the cockpit in preparation for flight. My typical duties continued as follows.

29:19While I remained positioned at the open cargo door, a ground crew member removed the external landing gear locks and passed them up to me. The six-foot removable tail post was also passed up to be stored. The ten-foot entrance ladder was then lifted and stored inside. Then I closed and securely latched the two cargo doors. Go sitting forward, slightly aft and being between the pilot and co-pilot. close to the various manual controls for lowering or retracting the landing gear, for the lowering or raising of the wing flaps to the requested settings by the pilot in command. During the initial engine start-ups and in-flight, I monitored all engine and oil-related instruments for correct quantities, pressures, and operating temperatures.

30:12When at cruising level, I adjusted the engine and propeller pitch settings to achieve a smooth running harmony. After our flight arrival in Berlin and the aircraft is parked and the engines shut down, I return to the cargo cabin area and open the cargo door to emit access by the unloading crew waiting in a trailer truck. Within a half hour, we are again lining up to a line of similar aircraft, five or six ahead, with engines idling and all awaiting the eventual control towers call for pilots to line up on the runway, apply takeoff power and return to your home bases. Wow, Ralph, that's a great description there.

31:00Can you remember your first flight to Berlin and what you were warned about? Yes, my first flight to Berlin was unique in that it was very different from my prior maintenance duties to learning all flight duties involved, and actually being on the delivery end of the essential supplies to Berliners, the initial experience of seeing Berlin from the air as we descended to lower altitudes was stunning at that time, for many scars of war were still most evident from the results of prior bombings. Tepelhof Airport appeared like a large, round, and flat area in the middle of a huge city of tall buildings.