WASHINGTON, March 19
A Vietnam combat Huey helicopter landed on the National Mall in front of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, on Friday, March 19. It was the culmination of a month long, nationwide journey that began in Fort Worth, Texas. The helicopter is slated to be the central artifact of the Vietnam War section of the museum's new exhibition, "The Price of Freedom," scheduled to open on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
"The museum is honored to receive this icon of the Vietnam War to tell the story of the Vietnam experience," said Museum Director Brent D. Glass. "Visitors will be able to see an actual helicopter that carried troops into battle and out of harm's way, evacuating them from the battlefield."
The Huey 65-10091 was manufactured by Bell Helicopter in 1965 for the U.S. Army and deployed to Vietnam in 1966. It served with the 173rd Assault Helicopter Company, known as "The Robin Hoods," and was shot down on January 7, 1967. After being repaired in the United States, it returned to service until 1995.
A group of Vietnam veterans and other volunteers formed the 091 Committee to facilitate the helicopter's transfer.
The helicopter departed Fort Worth on Feb. 10, to embark on a month-long, cross-country delivery, billed as the Huey's "Final Journey Home." This nationwide tour was an educational program of the 091 Committee and included stops at the U.S. military academies, schools, and other destinations nationwide, ending with the landing at the museum.
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Whatever people's political views may be on Vietnam, IMHO having a combat Huey on display in Washington is a fitting tribute to all the servicemen who served their country there - and to those who gave their lives.