General Lucius D. Clay

General Lucius D. Clay was a prominent American military leader and diplomat, best known for overseeing the U.S. occupation of Germany after World War II. He played a key role in managing the reconstruction and stability of occupied Germany, especially in Berlin. Clay's leadership helped prevent the city’s collapse during the Berlin Blockade in 1948-1949 by organizing the Berlin Airlift, which supplied supplies via air. His work was crucial in shaping post-war Europe's recovery and in strengthening U.S. commitment to containing communism during the Cold War.