SPECIAL EXHIBITIONS

July 1-September 1, 2022
Explore the Helicopter's Role in Combat

This exhibit provides a glimpse into the helicopter’s role in combat and how it expanded enormously from its invention in the early 20th century to the American war in Vietnam. Operational and tactical efforts were improved including rapid transportation for medical evacuation, logistical operations, rescue missions and fighting forces.

The United States first used helicopters in warfare during World War II to extract flight crews from Burma. Their use expanded during the Korean War, mainly with the H-13 and it’s role in medical evacuations, as well as troop insertions and in limited reconnaissance roles. During Vietnam, the United States utilized the helicopter as never before. Mobility and firepower were keys to the American operations provided by the ‘choppers.’

As part of this exhibit, the Museum will feature Colonel Bruce Perry Crandall, a retired United States Army officer who received the Medal of Honor for his actions as a pilot during the Battle of Ia Drang on November 14, 1965, in South Vietnam. During the battle, he flew 22 missions in a Bell Huey Helicopter into enemy fire to evacuate more than 70 wounded soldiers and bring ammunition and supplies to United States' forces. On display is Crandall’s biography, photos of his helicopter and one of his Medal of Honor Challenge Coins.

​Crandall's exploits at the Battle of Ia Drang are depicted in the 1992 book We Were Soldiers Once...And Young (by Colonel Harold G. Moore and Joseph L. Galloway), and in the related 2002 movie, We Were Soldiers, where he is portrayed by Greg Kinnear. Crandall served as an aviation consultant during filming in 2001.