The Last of the Hueys

If you were old enough to watch a news-cast any time from the mid-1960's to the mid-1970's, you would have almost had to see a report on the Vietnam War, often as the lead-in story...with the tally of our soldiers' deaths verses the those of the NVA and Viet Cong, the assorted political protests, and whatever peace talks that might have been taking place.

You would probably also have seen footage of dark-painted helicopters sweeping in low and fast above a rice paddy, carrying heavily armed soldiers who would leap from the choppers' skids without the craft ever touching down.

Chances are that the helicopter was a UH-1D. It's Army designation was "Iroquois", but everyone called them "Hueys".

Hueys did it all. Besides carrying troops into battle, they were used to evacuate wounded soldiers. They could outfitted with mini guns, rocket and grenade launchers, and counter-insurgency equipment, while a cargo hoist in the belly of the helicopter allowed it to transport over-sized loads.

Flown by unbelievably brave pilots, in the world's most dangerous environment, Huey's were pushed to legendary feats of rescue under direct fire, with their crews coaxing more power and performance from their machines than the helicopter's original designers had imagined. The young crews often put themselves directly between enemy fire and our troops, and door gunners, wielding their M-60's, fought from their wide-open positions in the helicopter's sides.

Huey 022515 is an OH-1H, and was built in 1974. It's one of two operated by the Missouri National Guard based in Springfield. There are now less than 20 of these utility helicopters in military service across the country, and all will be retired by September 2009...probably to be surplussed out, and returned to duty in some other country's military.

Because of the differences in their military specifications verses the FAA's aircraft licensing requirements, Hueys are not easily adaptable for use in the civilian, commercial workforce, but some will still survive in the hands of collectors who can afford to maintain them for airshow performances and displays.

So, the Huey's four decade long career with our U.S. Military will come to a close in less than a year.

The book, "Firebirds" by Chuck Carlock, provides a vivid account of the young crews and their Hueys in Viet Nam. It's published by Bantam Books: ISBN:0-553-57705-0

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