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The East German Hot Air Balloon Escape
Description
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.
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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"
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