Candy Bomber

I grew up in a military family, we moved often and made friends that became like family.  This was long before internet but my parents kept in touch over the years with these close friends, even visiting with them as they drove across country many times.  Christa & Mert Reynolds were some of these friends. They were stationed with us in Lincoln, Nebraska (early 60′s) and again at Hickam, Hawaii (early 70′s).  Chris recently wrote a book telling her story of growing up in Berlin during World War II. Always with a bright cheery smile you would never have known what she had went through at such a young age.  The book pictured above is available on Amazon in print or download form.  They now live in Arizona, when her book was published a resident nearby heard about it & contacted her to meet.  It was Col. Gail S. “Hal” Halvorsen, the Candy Bomber.  She had been one of the little children chasing the candy parachutes.  Here is a PBS documentary with old footage and Col. Halvvorsen.  I get teary eyed over this story & the chance meeting for them.  Pictured above at their meeting he is wearing his flight suit from 1948!