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The Spirit of Freedom “Candy Bomber” was damaged as strong storms and tornadoes battered South Carolina on Monday. The Douglas C-54 was parked at the Lowcountry Regional Airport in Walterboro, SC.

At least 20 planes at the airport were destroyed or damaged. The storms caused widespread destruction and loss of life. One death was reported in a nearby county. According to the Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation, the Candy Bomber suffered significant damage.

For 20 years, the Spirit of Freedom has flown into Dare County for the December Wright Brothers celebration of flight and to reenact the Berlin Airlift candy drop. The historic C-54 piloted by Col. Gail Halvorsen, known as the Candy Bomber, dropped candy to children as they ferried tons of food and supplies to the blockaded city. Halvorsen has been the guest of honor during many of the reenactments.

A statement released by the foundation said “it is too early to assess the extent of the tornado damage, however, photographs reveal the leading edge of the right outer wing and the rear left center wing flap area received substantial damage. “

Because of restrictions now in place during the COVID-19 virus epidemic, it will take some time to reach a full evaluation of the damage, according to the statement.

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