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News & EventsMineral Wells, TX
October 13, 2004
[PRINTABLE VERSION - PDF]Museum Acquires UH-1H
Members of The National Vietnam War Museum Board of Directors pose with UH-1H 70-15707 at Mineral Wells Airport. Left to right are: Jim Messinger, Treasurer; Gerald Brazell; Bill Kane, President-elect; Wayne Sanderson; Edd Luttenberger, President; Rowena Ash, Secretary; Rob Taylor; Richard Gaurkee, Vice President-elect; and Tom Forbes. Not pictured: Charles Bogle, Janet Holland, Choi Nguyen, Angelo Spelios. On Wednesday, October 13, 2004, The National Vietnam War Museum took possession of its most important and significant asset to date. A UH-1H, serial number 70-15707, was delivered to Mineral Wells Airport and signed over to the museum by the Texas Building and Procurement Commission, Surplus Property Program, Fort Worth District. The aircraft will be displayed at the airport until the museum is built, at which time it will become a static display at the museum. The Huey joins the museum’s OH-23D, M35A2, 2-1/2 Ton Truck, and 400-gallon Water Trailer as another major artifact.
The aircraft has a Vietnam history, having served with the 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile) (HHC 2nd Brigade); 604th Transportation Company; H Troop, 16th Cav (F Troop, 1st Squadron, 9 Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division); and 59th Aviation Company (CAC). The aircraft served in-country with these various units during the period from May 1971, through February 1973.
The original plan was to mount the aircraft on a pole at the museum site, but because of its good condition, the decision was made to restore the aircraft to use as a static display. The museum will continue to look for an aircraft in a less complete condition for the pole mounted display, as the interior will not be visible, and need not be in show condition.
The UH-1 is arguably the most prominent symbol of the Vietnam War, and as such deserves a place of honor in The National Vietnam War Museum. Used by all branches of the service, and in all types missions, this aircraft will provide a permanent memorial to all who served and were served by her.
What is needed now is a project manager to lead the restoration of the aircraft, volunteers to assist, and sponsors to fund the project. Ideally, sponsorship of the aircraft and its restoration would come from the units it served with, but any group or individual is free to participate. We would also like to hear from any pilots and crewmembers that flew the aircraft and are willing to share stories and photos about it.
To be involved with this project, contact The National Vietnam War Museum, P. O. Box 146, Mineral Wells, TX 76068, or online at www.nationalvnwarmuseum.org.
UH-1H, 70-15707, being delivered and lowered into place at Mineral Wells Airport.Airport Manager and VHPA member Bobby Bateman, in the red shirt, directs the operation, with assistance from truck driver Thaddieus Harper of Jetco Delivery, who transported the aircraft from Houston.
