European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - July 25, 1959, Darmstadt, Hesse                                1 1 i devastation in rib Delago after dam burst causing inundation of the town. Note the High water Mark on building at left. The 16th of Good neighbors in Spain operation Samaritan got american airmen off on the right foot continuing Good deeds have helped win warm friendships the 16th air Force in Spain was only15 months old when the Mediterranean port City of Valencia was flooded to Depths of five to six feet after terrific Rains in october 1957. Young though the command was its personnel and dependents immediately mobilized a Relief action that was fittingly dubbed operation  from 16th of Headquarters at Torrejon near Madrid 4,800 blankets were rushed to Valencia. By Thurston Macauley staff writer at the american elementary school in Madrid principal Henry Willis told All classes about operation  the children took Home bags which they filled with food and clothing for the Valencia flood victims. Collections were also made at the  and at the joint . Military group in Madrid. Aid also came from the Carrier Lake Champlain with the 6th Fleetin the Mediterranean. The Flattop sent out helicopters to Rescue persons marooned in flooded areas and to Fly in urgently needed medical supplies. Valencia newspapers quickly expressed their gratitude for the . Aid in time of need in stories under such headlines As North american Solidarity with Valen Cia a Little american girl s note to her Mother summed up american s feelings dear Mother the Little children of Valencia need these things More than bet continued on Page is saturday july 25, 1959 rib Delago villagers get blankets and Beds from 16th of mrs. H. K. Mooney visits an orphans party on three Kings day., / ,. The stars and stripes 9