The Berlin Airlift began on June 26, 1948 with 32 flights by American C-47 planes into Berlin.  The Americans called their effort “Operation Vittles,” while the British dubbed their side of the operation “Operation Plainfare.”  U.S. General Lucius Clay, commander of the U.S. occupied German sector, had advocated sending supplies with an armed convoy straight into Berlin, calling Joseph Stalin’s bluff.  He didn’t think an airlift could deliver enough supplies.  Allies estimated that Berliners required 4,500 tons of supplies each day.

Video __>