USA - Army Bell UH-1B Iroquois 62-12537

Photographer's remark
(26.2.2014, 08:04 CET)
From the March Field Air Museum web site. "Although we were initially unable to determine UH-1B 62-12537's whereabouts from its 1962 manufacture until it was re-conditioned at Corpus Christi, TX in 1968, during the restoration process museum employees and volunteers uncovered important clues. Stripping away decades of paint revealed the Crossed Sabers of the 1st Squadron 4th Cavalry and several battle damage repairs (i.e. bullet holes). Along with a curved nose panel denoting the probable installation of an M75 40mm Grenade Launcher turret it became clear 62-12537 is in fact, a long forgotten war-weary, combat veteran of the famous “Quarterhorse" Cavalry. Most likely a member of the 1st Squadron 4th Cavalry's D Troop Gunship Section the "Mustangs," a part of 62-12537's missing years, specifically from the units overseas deployment in 1965 until the 1968 re-conditioning, were spent in Vietnam participating in some of the most intense fighting of the war. With this exciting new information, and in keeping with our commitment to preserving the heritage of the aircraft entrusted to our care, the March Field Air Museum will restore 62-12537 to its original configuration as a "First of the Fourth" Gunship. This aircraft is currently owned by the museum."

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