Fort Miles Museum historian to present Berlin Airlift lecture
The Fort Miles Historical Association will present “Berlin Airlift: First Victory of the Cold War” as its lecture series continues at 10 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 17, in the north gun room of Battery 519, Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes.
Lecturer Ed Paterline, a World War II historian and FMHA board member, brings years of research and interpretive experience to the topic, offering audiences a clear and engaging look at one of the defining events of the early Cold War.
The Berlin Airlift began in 1948 after the Soviet Union blocked all ground access to West Berlin in an attempt to force the Western Allies out of the city. In response, the United States and its allies launched a massive and unprecedented air operation, delivering food, fuel and essential supplies to more than 2 million civilians for nearly a year. The effort ultimately compelled the Soviets to lift the blockade, marking a decisive political and moral victory for the West.
Paterline’s presentation will examine the origins of the Berlin crisis, the enormous logistical challenges involved in supplying an entire city by air, and the broader historical significance of the airlift. The lecture will also highlight the courage of the pilots and ground crews who sustained the operation, and the lasting impact it had on Cold War strategy and international relations.
“This lecture highlights how resolve, cooperation and humanitarian commitment shaped the early Cold War,” said Paterline. “It remains one of the most powerful examples of peaceful resistance in modern history. I find it of particular interest because my father flew transport aircraft into Berlin as part of the airlift campaign. Together, we attended the 50th anniversary celebrations of the airlift in Berlin and were able to meet many other of the airlift participants.”
Admission is free, but online registration is recommended to ensure a reserved seat. To learn more, go to fortmilesmuseum.org and select the Historical Lecture Series 1/17/2026 under Fort Miles Tours and Events.
