BERLIN AIRLIFT 60^TH ANNIVERSARY

Held at Ft. Bliss, TX on July 11^th, 2008

At the Air Defense Museum and Study Center

Arranged and conducted by the German Air Force USA under the command of Col  Michael Kuhn and on behalf of the German Ambassador to the US, Klaus Scharioth.

Opening the ceremonies was a message from the Ambassador which read, “This year marks the 60^th year anniversary of the Berlin Airlift. The heroic efforts of the United States and her Allies saved more than 2 million men, women and children in Berlin.

The 1948/49 Berlin Airlift helped lay the foundation for the deep and enduring friendship between the people of the United States and Germany.

The German people will always remember this noble humanitarian action with deep gratitude. The friendship which was planted in the hearts and minds of the German people endures.

At this historic juncture, we join in commemorating and cherishing this friendship.”

s/Klaus Scharioth, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the United States

Welcoming and introduction of guests was done by Col Michael Kuhn, Commander of the German Air Force USA, MG Howard B. Bromberg, CG of Ft Bliss, and Dr. Bernard Buecker, Honorary Consul for Germany. Following the introductions, Mr. Bob Frye, producer of news programs and documentaries, presented a short video documenting the Airlift and the efforts of the US and Allied Air Forces to supply Berlin.

Three people were recognized for their humanitarian efforts and received a certificate of appreciation from the German government. One was a pilot, one was a flight engineer and the other was a communications specialist. In passing, Mr. Frye mentioned there were American Troops in Berlin.

I was impressed by the outreach of the German Government to recognize the efforts of the US and Allied Forces to feed the people of Berlin. At the time of the Airlift there were several US Units performing occupation duty such as, the US 16^th Constabulary, Horse Platoon, Hospital Personnel, Air Force personnel and others whose duties were to protect the people of Berlin from the Russians. It must be remembered that the Constabulary, British and French units were the only expendable forces facing the Russians at the time. Our food and other supplies came into Berlin on the same planes as those for the Berliners. If they received stale bread, so did we.

Following the presentation, I met with Dr Buecker, Col Kuhn and Mr. Frye about the content of the documentary and how it was 99% skewed in favor of the Air Forces with only a mention of the ground troops. I pointed out that our missions in Berlin was multiple and important to the security of the populace. We patrolled the autobahns, interfaced with the Russians, exchanged guard duties at Spandau Prison with the Russian, English and the French military units, responded to threats at the ASA Hqs and according to one trooper, guarded the convoys of supplies off- loaded from the planes to prevent theft.

I would like to remind our readers that occupation duty in Berlin was no bed of roses before during and after the Blockade. For those who remember,  we were originally in a Military Kaserne in Lankwitz and moved over to The Mac Kay Radio Factory called Mc Nair Barracks where there was a larger motor pool and more space for parades and other pomp and circumstances. Yet, our mission to patrol the autobahns, guard the Spandau Prison and maintain peace and security in the American Sector did not change. When the blockade started, we immediately felt shortages like tooth past, metal polish, shaving supplies and gasoline, reduced rations. In fact, we were reduced to ten gallons of gas per vehicle per month which greatly affected the mobility of our M-8s and other vehicles. I also recall seeing german automobiles chugging along with what looked like huge stoves on the rear smoking away but the auto kept running. Shortages pointed us toward the British NAAFI stores for Cherry Blossom shoe polish and Brasso. The crowning blow was at elevn o’clock at night when the Russians turned off the electricity to our sector.

Recognizing the importance of maintaining our presence in Berlin, the Constabulary was disbanded in 1950 and replaced with the 6^th Infantry Regiment which increased the combat readiness three fold. This reorganization sent many Troopers to other locations in Germany, and ultimately forced many married NCOs to other units in the Zone. I had married in 1951 and in 1952 was reassigned to the 16^th Infantry Regiment of the 1^st Infantry Division in Furth (Nurnberg).

The legacy of the Berlin Airlift continues to live on in the hearts and minds of those who participated. I have spoken to people who lived through the ordeal whose memories are as accurate today as they were then. Children of the “Candy Drops” remembered “uncle Wiggle Wings” whose candy drops made their day. Even those born years later, learned about the “Luftbruecke” from their parents and are thankful that America cared for them as well as their own people.

Finally, the remembrance of that event is cast in concrete and stone at the entrance to Tempelhof Airport in Berlin. Inscribed on its base is the names of those who gave their lives in support of the people of Berlin. A similar monument can be found at the Rhein Main Airport outside Frankfurt, Germany.  

Respectfully submitted

Dan Schulte Cmdr OP 7

A/16^th Constabulary, Berlin, GY 1948-50