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SALT LAKE CITY — Utah native and 100-year-old "Candy Bomber" Gail Halvorsen has tested positive for COVID-19, family members confirmed Friday. The former U.S. pilot is known for dropping hundreds of candy boxes over West Berlin during the Soviets' blockade after World War II.
Halvorsen began developing symptoms Thursday night, a friend told Outer Banks Voice. Since then, Halvorsen — who lives in a retirement home in Provo — has been quarantining and "slightly improving."
The former pilot has regained fame in recent months as several Utah lawmakers recommended Halvorsen should be awarded the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom — the highest honor a civilian can receive.
More than 70 years ago, Halvorsen was widely known for dropping hundreds of boxes over war-torn Germany providing supplies, aid and candy to hungry children.
