Halvorsen gained fame — and his nickname — during the 15-month Berlin Airlift following World War II. The Western Allies flew planes across Germany daily to drop critical supplies into West Berlin, which had been blockaded by the Soviet Union.
“Two million people in Berlin needed food, mostly women and children. And so I felt very good about helping the former enemy, because they were grateful,” Halvorsen told CNN in 2009.
He became known to young Berliners as the Chocolate Uncle, and received stacks of mail with thanks and requests.
Halvorsen spent most of his youth and retirement years in Utah. On Thursday, the state’s governor mourned his loss. “Gail Halvorsen is an international hero who demonstrated extraordinary compassion and kindness during a very dark time in world history,” Gov. Spencer Cox said in a written statement. “We mourn his loss but celebrate his exemplary life and legacy.”
“Gail was a man of deep and certain faith,” his foundation said. “Faith in God, faith in his country and faith in his friends.”
