PORTLAND (AP) – Three Maine veterans have been recognized for their roles in delivering supplies to Berliners 60 years ago in one of the largest humanitarian efforts of all time.

Harry Winger of Portland, Linwood Wright of New Sharon and John Zazzera of Kittery were awarded the German-American Friendship Award on Wednesday for their part in the Berlin Airlift.

The airlift – which took place from June 26, 1948, to May 1949 – carried 23 million tons of food, medical and fuel supplies to some 2 million West Berliners cut off from the West by Soviet forces after World War II.

The Maine men were among 16 New England veterans who were presented the award by the German Consul General, based in Boston, at a ceremony in Portland.

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Information from: Portland Press Herald, https://www.pressherald.com

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