Supporters gathered for “Here’s to the Huey” event welcoming helicopter that will be on display when the Museum opens in March 2025

Arlington, TX – Yesterday, the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation and hundreds of supporters welcomed a fully-restored Bell UH-1 “Huey” helicopter to the Museum ahead of its installation in the exhibition gallery. The “Here’s to the Huey” public celebration featured a fireside chat with Medal of Honor Recipient and Huey pilot General Patrick Brady, moderated by Jason Allen of CBS DFW.

The Huey was donated to the Museum by a Vietnam War Huey pilot, Chuck Carlock. The helicopter was restored in Murrieta, California by Aircraft Restoration Services (ARS), a Vietnam veteran-owned company that specializes in Vietnam Huey restorations. James Rodgers, a former Huey pilot in the Vietnam War, worked on the restoration. Photos and video of the event, as well as renderings of the Huey exhibit, are available here.

Chris Cassidy, NMOHMF President and CEO, said: “The brave men who flew Huey helicopters represent the best of America. Their dedication and selflessness saved thousands of lives in Vietnam, and we are incredibly grateful to be able to display this restored aircraft in the National Medal of Honor Museum. I am deeply thankful to Chuck Carlock for his donation and the team at Aircraft Restoration Services for their work on the restoration. We look forward to using this Huey to help tell the stories of Medal of Honor recipients like Gen. Brady.”

“I flew Hueys the way I was taught by Major Charles Kelly: ‘without hesitation, anytime, anywhere,’” added Gen. Pat Brady, Medal of Honor recipient and NMOHMF board member. “The actions us pilots performed in this aircraft were done in service to something greater than ourselves, to save lives. I’m thrilled that future generations will be able to learn about the Huey and its legendary pilots, and I hope they take inspiration from our stories.”

Gen. Brady is one of the most decorated helicopter pilots of the Vietnam War, flying over 2,500 combat missions and evacuating more than 5,000 wounded. He earned the Medal of Honor for his actions on January 6, 1968, when he made repeated landings in enemy territory under heavy fire and amidst dense fog to rescue wounded soldiers. Throughout the day, Gen. Brady utilized three helicopters to evacuate a total of 51 seriously wounded men, many of whom would have perished without prompt medical treatment. He served in the Army for 34 years, holding a wide variety of key assignments across the globe.

The Huey will be a centerpiece of the Museum’s 31,000 square foot exhibition gallery, highlighting the stories of Medal of Honor recipients like Gen. Brady who earned the Medal of their actions while flying the iconic helicopter. The Museum will open to the public in March 2025.

 

About the National Medal of Honor Museum, Monument and Griffin Institute: The National Medal of Honor Museum, Monument and Griffin Institute will inspire individuals by honoring and preserving the history of the highest military decoration awarded for valor in combat.

The Museum, opening in 2025, will serve as a national landmark located in America’s heartland in Arlington, Texas, and provide an unrivaled, interactive visitor experience that commemorates the historical thread of sacrifice, patriotism, and courage that connects members of the United States military service past and present. It is the Museum’s mission to tell the stories of Medal of Honor recipients in a dynamic and interactive setting that will inspire visitors to recognize the potential for the extraordinary that resides in us all. 

Through dynamic and far-reaching curriculum and programming, the National Medal of Honor Griffin Institute is bringing to life the core values inherent to the Medal of Honor in classrooms, boardrooms, and communities around the country.

In 2021, The National Medal of Honor Monument Act was signed into law, paving the way for the monument’s placement in Washington, D.C. Soon, Americans and visitors of every nation will have the opportunity to reflect on the values represented by those whose selfless and courageous actions have served to safeguard freedom and democracy the world over.

For more information please visit the National Medal of Honor Museum website or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.