The 1968 Bell Iroquois UH-1H Huey helicopter, serial number 68-16609, was loaned to the city of Williamson by the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command in 1999. Transported by Dick Ward, the helicopter arrived in Williamson and was entrusted to a dedicated team of volunteers who restored it to its former glory. This group included Joe Stewart, Tim Powers, Bill James, Dave Keaton, Todd Thaxton, Debbie Stewart, and Robby Taylor, who all played vital roles in the restoration process. As part of this effort, the Huey was repainted at the DeltaOps hangar in Atlanta, GA, further ensuring its historical accuracy and visual impact.
The helicopter’s markings indicate it was part of the 1st Air Calvary Division, 229th Helicopter Battalion out of Fort Hood, Texas. It spent time in Alaska before it was moved to Corpus Christi Army Depot in 1986. It served the American Embassy in San Salvador from 1987-1990 before coming back to Corpus Christi to be prepared for service in Missouri. It remained in Missouri until its retirement in 1994.
Notable pilots with ties to this Huey are Jack McCormick, a former CW2 who flew 1,204 combat hours in Vietnam, Colonel Ralph Kahlan, another Vietnam veteran who is involved with the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation, and Major Bruce A Whitley, who has over 15 years of service including tours in the Persian Gulf and Central America.
The UH-1H Huey now stands as a lasting tribute to the brave men and women who served, a symbol of their sacrifice and dedication. Thanks to the tireless efforts of volunteers and veterans, its legacy continues to inspire future generations.