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News & EventsMineral Wells, TX
March 24, 2006Museum Acquires Second UH-1H
On Monday, February 13, 2006, The National Vietnam War Museum took delivery of its second UH-1H with a Vietnam pedigree. 68-16376 was purchased by the Army in October 1969, and served with B Troop, 3/17 Cavalry from November of that year until February 1971 when it returned to the United States. During its 15 months as a “Burning Stogie” aircraft, 376 logged 1004 total hours in-country, with an unknown incident bringing an end to its tour.
The aircraft was rebuilt at Bell Helicopter in Fort Worth, and then spent 4 years at the Aviation School at Fort Rucker. Subsequent to its service at Fort Rucker, the aircraft was acquired by the U.S. Forest Service and based in Kinston, North Carolina until its transfer to the museum. Because the aircraft has only recently been decommissioned, it is fairly complete and in good condition.
With the addition of 68-16376, the museum’s artifacts now include two Vietnam veteran UH-1Hs; an OH-6A Vietnam veteran; a Fort Wolters OH-23D, an M35A2, 2-1/2 Ton prime mover; a 400 gallon water trailer; and several smaller items. Also promised to us for the future is a fully restored, static display TH-55A in school markings, to compliment the OH-23D.
Because our available storage space at the Mineral Wells Airport is limited, 68-16376 will be housed at the Veterans Flying Museum of Texas heliport in Weatherford for restoration. A second UH-1H, 65-10068, was acquired along with 68-16376, but it has no Vietnam provenances we can determine. It will also be undergoing restoration at the Veterans Flying Museum of Texas, but its ultimate use by the museum has not been determined.
The museum is looking for sponsors and volunteers to work on the restoration of all our major artifacts.
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.
