Operation Manna/Chowhound: Delivering Food From The Skies
19Operation Manna/Chowhound was a massive air campaign to deliver food to starving Dutch civilians in the closing days of World War II. As the war raged and Nazi-occupied western Holland descended into chaos, heavy bombers of the Royal Air Force ("Manna") and the US Eighth Air Force ("Chowhound") flew dangerous low-level missions to deliver tons of food parcels in designated drop zones. Nazis still manned their guns while Allied planes flew precise agreed-upon routes to reach the starving population. This humanitarian mission was the first time in history that a massive airlift campaign was planned and executed. Its amazing success not only saved thousands of lives, but set an example for future humanitarian operations such as the Berlin Airlift.
The National WWII Museum was delighted and honored that the 100th Bomb Group Foundation selected New Orleans as the host city for its 2015 reunion. In conjunction with the 100th Bomb Group Foundation, the Museum was proud to present an evening program open to its friends and members, as well as attendees of the 100th Bomb Group Reunion.
Moderator: Mark Copeland—100th Bomb Group Foundation, Board of Directors.
Panelists: Hans Onderwater—Dutch historian and author of Operation Manna/Chowhound, Lt. Joe C. Martin—349th Bombardment Squadron assigned to the 100th Bombardment Group, Lt. James W. Johnson—351st Bombardment Squadron assigned to the 100th Bombardment Group, Lt. Hank Cervantes—349th Bombardment Squadron assigned to the 100th Bombardment Group.
Special Guest: Jonna Doolittle Hoppes—historian/author, granddaughter of General James H. Doolittle.
00:00:00 Introduction
00:14:17 Lecture
01:13:02 Veteran Panel