On June 26, 1948, U.S. and British pilots began delivering food
and supplies by airplane to Berlin after the city was isolated by
a Soviet Union blockade.

As a result, beginning on June 24 the western section of Berlin
and its 2 million people were deprived of food, heating fuel and
other crucial supplies.

Though some in U.S. President Harry S. Truman’s administration
called for a direct military response to this aggressive Soviet
move, Truman worried such a response would trigger another
world war. Instead, he authorized a massive airlift operation.

Harry S. Truman (1884 – 1972). The 33rd
president of the United States, serving
from 1945 to 1953.          
      
      
     

TIM MAGUIRE

On June 26, 1948, U.S. and British pilots begin delivering food and
supplies by airplane to Berlin after the city is isolated by a Soviet
Union blockade.

When World War II ended in 1945, defeated Germany was divided into Soviet, American, British and French zones of occupation. The city of Berlin, though located within the Soviet zone of occupation, was also split into four sectors,
with the Allies taking the western part of the city and the Soviets the eastern.

In June 1948, Josef Stalin’s government attempted to consolidate control of
the city by cutting off all land and sea routes to West Berlin in order to
pressure the Allies to evacuate. As a result, beginning on June 24 the
western section of Berlin and its 2 million people were deprived of food,
heating fuel and other crucial supplies.