
About this episode
In September of 1979, two East German families escaped to the west using a very unconventional method - a hot air balloon. It was an escape that required failed prototypes, a near disaster, and raw gumption. This is the story of the East German Hot Air Balloon Escape.
Sponsor
Go to factormeals.com/dispatchespod50off to get 50 percent off and free breakfast for a year. New subscribers only, varies by plan. 1 free breakfast item per box for 1 year while subscription is active.
Sources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Germany_balloon_escape
https://thewallmuseum.com/en/balloon-escape-from-the-gdr
Popular Mechanics: Feb 1980; "The Freedom Balloon"
History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com
Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected]
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Get every episode summarized
Each time History Dispatches publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes



