Last week, Latter-day Saint and beloved WWII aviator Gail Halvorsen passed away at the age of 101. News outlets like NPR, The New York Times, and The Washington Post and leaders alike—both locally in his native Utah and those he blessed across the ocean in Germany—shared their love and appreciation for his life and legacy.
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Here are a few of their statements on Halvorsen’s life:
“Gail Halvorsen enchanted the children of Berlin. It wasn’t the candy. It was his profound gesture, showing us that somebody cared.”
—Ursula Yunger, one of the young German children who benefitted from Halverson’s service, as reported by the New York Times
“Halvorsen’s deeply human act has never been forgotten.”
—Berlin Mayor Franziska Giffey, as reported by NPR
“[Mr. Halverson] built a bridge of humanity and compassion between Americans and Berliners.”
—President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier
“Colonel Halvorsen, Brother Gail, or the Candy Bomber, as you may know him, was a dear man, and we shared the thrill of having “slipped the surly bonds of Earth and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings” (John Gillespie Magee Jr., “High Flight”). Today my friend has flown to even greater heights and returned to his heavenly home. He will be remembered with love and missed by many. He lived an exemplary life of goodness and represented the gospel and the Church of Jesus Christ worldwide in a very unique and authentic way.”
—Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, on Facebook
“Col. Gail Halvorsen is a hero to so many. His courage and compassion in the most difficult of times have inspired generations and remind us all that kindness and goodness can win.”
—Utah Governor Spencer Cox, on Twitter
“Few episodes of history bring smiles and touch hearts as quickly as that of ‘The Candy Bomber.’”
—Utah Lieutenant Governor Deidre Henderson, as reported by Deseret News
“From Garland, Utah, to the skies over Berlin, ‘Candy Bomber’ Colonel Gail S. Halvorsen epitomized the defining characteristics of the Greatest Generation. May he ever remind us that hope always exists, even in our darkest hour. Rest in peace to one of the world’s finest men.”
—Utah Senator Mitt Romney, as reported by Church News
“His actions did fundamentally change the relationships between two great countries. But in small ways, it was in all the people that he touched, all the people that he saw and he inspired.”
—Retired US Air Force General Duncan McNabb, as reported by The Salt Lake Tribune
“Live a life of service for others and have integrity. He showed us how to do that.”
—Ryan Williams, Halverson’s grandson, as reported by Deseret News
