History makes an appearance in Tingley
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By Jeff Snyder
TINGLEY, Iowa — A special guest was on hand as Tingley hosted its annual Ice Cream Social last Sunday to help kick off the celebration as Marine Corps helicopter YL-37 took up a prominent position right in the center of Main Street.
This helicopter, one of only 20 believed to still exist in flying condition, is a work horse piece of flying history. On May 30, 1961 YL-37 came off the assembly line in Bridgeport, Connecticut preparing for its long journey to Southeast Asia to aid in the allied effort in the Vietnam War. The helicopter now serves as a flying educational and memorial platform shared by a dedicated team of volunteers and pilots who have their own history connected to this museum piece.
Retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel Nicholas A. Turner is the current owner and custodian of this important piece of American history. Turner’s connection to this aircraft dates back to his father who crewed this very helicopter appearing in Tingley during 11 combat missions from 1965 to 1968.
During its service time in Vietnam, this chopper, as it used to be called, took its share of abuse. Twice downed by enemy fire the machine was repaired and returned to service and served as a reliable troop carrier, medivac transport vehicle and overall air support system. It was moved to Atsuki, Japan for repairs after sustaining combat damage but was deemed salvageable since it had so few air hours registered and ultimately returned to combat duty.
Toward the end of this machines useful time and with the military integrating newer, more advanced turbo charged air craft, the YL-37, as it stood, was one of the last of a breed of “Piston” powered helicopters. Once decommissioned, the aircraft found its way back to the United States where it spent its retirement days as a training platform. Its final retirement from service in 1971 began the next stage in this aircraft’s life.
The helicopter made its way through several owners over the next 15 years, eventually settling in Oklahoma where it spent the next 14 years in moth balls until it’s final restoration started and its new life began. The aircraft was stripped down and examined revealing 54 previous repaired bullet holes and a re-sectioned tail piece from one of its earlier downings. The restoration crew decided to return the aircraft as close to it’s original condition as they could. They used first hand accounts, photos and original specifications to plan the restoration. They spent months and thousands of dollars to bring the aircraft back to life. The final finished product included repainting the machine with original livery from 1961.
Turner, an accomplished helicopter pilot himself, now flies all over the county exhibiting the aircraft as a tribute to the fallen service members who died while crewing similar machines in Vietnam. There are 33 soldiers memorialized in the exhibit’s literature and each of their stories are described on its website.
Turner has more than a passing interest in this aircraft as a result of his personal family history. His sharing of his time and knowledge of this warbird will remain invaluable to all those who are privileged to see it in person.
“I do it because it’s important,” Turner responded as to why he dedicates such a large portion of his time to the cause. They give of their time and financial resources with no return expected other than the thousands of newly informed visitors that walk away from this exhibit with a true understanding of the meaning of honor, courage and commitment baked into each service member.
The tribute tours schedule can be found on their web site www YL-37.org.
