Who oversaw the Allied airlift of Berlin in 1948-49?

• A. Dwight D. Eisenhower
• B. George C. Marshall
• C. Omar Bradley
• D. Lucius D. Clay

Answer: (D)

Lucius D. Clay, as the U.S. military governor in Berlin, oversaw the Allied airlift. When the Soviet blockade cut off ground access to West Berlin in 1948, Clay took charge of the response, coordinating with Britain and France and shaping the strategic decisions that kept the city supplied by air for nearly a year. The operation delivered food, fuel, and other essentials to millions, demonstrating how political leadership on the ground in Berlin guided and sustained the effort alongside the aircrews carrying out the missions. While the daily airlift work was carried out by the air forces and their commanders, Clay’s overarching authority and policy direction were crucial to the success of the mission. The other figures were prominent military leaders in different contexts, but the one who directed the Berlin airlift in this period was Lucius D. Clay.