Germans recognize airlift vets

Coast Guard rescues sick passenger 5:21 PM Three Mainers are among 16 veterans from New England honored by the German government this afternoon for their role in the Berlin Airlift. The event at the Portland Jetport marks the Maine launch of an exhibition that celebrates the 60th anniversary of the airlift, a 322-day effort to fly food and supplies to residents of West Berlin who were blockaded by the Soviet government. The airlift began June 24, 1948, and ended May 12, 1949. Here's a list of the veterans who are being recognized at today's event, which began at 5 p.m.: Richard Barney, Framingham, Mass. Edward Dahlborg, North Falmouth, Mass. Ralph Dionne, Dracut, Mass. Edwin Gere, Leverett, Mass. George A. Gols, Wayland, Mass. Gerald Kercher, Quaker Hill, Conn. Gary Kirsten, West Hartford, Conn. William Loughlin, Jr.,... [read full story]