David L. Koren was a dedicated American Peace Corps volunteer stationed in Nigeria during the late 1960s, a period marked by the outbreak of the Biafran Civil War. He initially worked as an educator in rural Nigeria, but the war’s eruption in 1967 drastically altered his mission. As the conflict intensified and a humanitarian crisis unfolded in the secessionist region of Biafra, Koren became actively involved in the international relief effort.

His most notable contribution was during the Biafran airlift, where he took part in perilous missions to deliver food, medical supplies, and essential aid to civilians cut off by the Nigerian blockade. These flights, often carried out at night to avoid Nigerian military attacks, were lifelines to the starving Biafran population, particularly children. The airlift operation was a massive international humanitarian effort, and Koren’s participation reflected his deep commitment to saving lives amidst the chaos of war.

Koren’s impact during the war extended beyond his physical presence on the flights. He became a witness to the horrors of famine and conflict, advocating for greater global awareness of the suffering in Biafra. His firsthand experience shed light on the complexities of war, the limits of humanitarian aid, and the resilience of those involved in the relief efforts. Through his work, Koren helped ensure that thousands of Biafrans survived one of the most devastating periods in Nigerian history, and his legacy remains tied to the selfless spirit of humanitarian intervention in times of crisis.