1940 Ford Field Artillery
Tractor (FAT) This Cab 11 FAT was restored by Walter Brand of Petrolia, Ontario along with Albert Baines who owns a 1944 Chev C15 cab 13, the two of them painstakingly restored this vehicle to 10 out of 10 points condition.
This particular vehicle is marked as belonging to the 4th Division, 5th Anti-Tank Regiment Royal Canadian Artillery.
The FAT was used as a Field Artillery Tractor and was capable of towing a 25 Pounder Gun Limber and the 25 Pounder Gun. The Fat also carried the gun crew and their personal belongings.
This particular vehicle is marked as belonging to the 4th Division, 5th Anti-Tank Regiment Royal Canadian Artillery.
The FAT was used as a Field Artillery Tractor and was capable of towing a 25 Pounder Gun Limber and the 25 Pounder Gun. The Fat also carried the gun crew and their personal belongings.
1942 F15A CMP (Canadian Military Pattern)
Built in Windsor, Ontario, this Ford 15 Cwt GS (General Service) truck was last used as a snow plow in North Bay, Ontario. Restoration was initiated by Rob Groves who subsequently sold it to Mike Timoshyk. After 18 months of restoration work Mike had it legally licensed for daily use. Displayed as a vehicle of the 77th Btry of the 3rd Field Artillery Regt of the First Canadian Division circa 1943 during the Italian Campaign.
1945 Ford GPW Jeep with D Day markings
1945 Ford GPW Jeep with D Day markings. Vehicle is owned by Mickey Moulder, a member of the Canadian Transportation museum who has owned it for about 9 years. There is no known history on the unit's past except that it did come from Michigan when last purchased. This vehicle has participated in many veterans' events in and around the Windsor area and is often seen at the museum.
1943 F60S Canadian Military Pattern (CMP)
1943 F60S CMP (Canadian Military Pattern) Built and restored in Windsor, Ontario, this F60 was last used by J. Sherman & Sons to haul tomatoes to the Heinz plant in Tecumseh, Ontario. Geoff Bottoms rescued this truck April, 2008 and spent 12 months to bring it back to this state. Originally built in 1943 as a Derrick Truck, Geoff chose to rebuild the vehicle to represent an Australian Field Artillery Tractor (Aus FAT). It is adorned with decals representing the 408 Goose Squadron (Lancaster) which was adopted by the town of Kingsville during WW2.
1943 Mk.1 Armoured Car (Canadian) "Fox"
1943 Mk.1 Armoured Car (Canadian) "Fox" This vehicle is one of 1,506 built by General Motors of Canada in Oshawa, Ontario (the hull by the Hamilton Bridge Company in Hamilton, Ontario). It was purchased as war surplus in the early 1950's from the government disposal site in Haggersville, Ontario by a wrecking yard that had plans on re-selling it as a snow plow. There were no buyers other than Levy Brothers, a Toronto area supplier of military vehicles and parts to foreign governments, who stripped the vehicle for parts, leaving little except the hull, turret and frame. It was recovered in the mid 1980's by a vehicle collector who was finally convinced to sell it to its current owner. A slow restoration was
completed in 2009.
There are five surviving Fox in North America and this is the only running example. The markings are for a vehicle in C Squadron, Royal Canadian Dragoons as it would have appeared in Italy in late 1943
completed in 2009.
There are five surviving Fox in North America and this is the only running example. The markings are for a vehicle in C Squadron, Royal Canadian Dragoons as it would have appeared in Italy in late 1943
1943 Universal Carrier Mk.1* "Bren Carrier"
1943 Universal Carrier Mk.1* "Bren Carrier" Built by Ford of Canada in Windsor, this is one of 29,000 carriers produced for Canadian and Commonwealth forces in WW2. After the war, many were converted to civilian uses like log skidders, hunt camp get-abouts and tractors. Typically the upper armour was cut off to lighten the vehicle and make it easier to get in and out of. This carrier was saved that fate when it was given to a veterinarian in exchange for an outstanding invoice for service on a cow. Unsure what to do with it, the vet gave it to his sons who drove it about the farm without oil or water until it stopped. They then pushed it down a hill into a swamp where it sat until recovered.
Restored in 1994, the markings are for the Irish Regiment of Canada, an infantry battalion in the Canadian 5th Armoured Division, Italy, 1944. The name "Bogus IV" is in honour of Ted Patrick, a signaler in the Irish who crewed (and was shot out of) a series of carriers during the war, all named 'Bogus'.
Restored in 1994, the markings are for the Irish Regiment of Canada, an infantry battalion in the Canadian 5th Armoured Division, Italy, 1944. The name "Bogus IV" is in honour of Ted Patrick, a signaler in the Irish who crewed (and was shot out of) a series of carriers during the war, all named 'Bogus'.
1944 Universal Carrier MkII*
944 Universal Carrier MkII* This mortar-carrying variant of the Canadian-built carrier is aMkII*. Made in Canada at the FORD plant in Windsor, Ontario inMay of 1944. The markings selected indicate that it is the Mortar Pl commanders vehicle which was driven ashore on 6 June 1944 by Nelson Hilborne. Nelson lives in Cambidge, Ont., and assures us that he was the youngest member of the Canadian Army on the beach that day. Nels lost two carriers to enemy fire before VE Day.
The Regimental markings are of the Highland Light Infantry of Canada, 9the Bge, 3rd Cdn Div. and is equipped with a Boys .55 cal anti tank rifle, a 3 " mortar, and a 2" mortar.
The Regimental markings are of the Highland Light Infantry of Canada, 9the Bge, 3rd Cdn Div. and is equipped with a Boys .55 cal anti tank rifle, a 3 " mortar, and a 2" mortar.
1942 Harley WLA
Harley sent about 88,000 of these to England before the D-Day invasion.
1944 Chevrolet C15A VAN
1944 Chevrolet C15A VAN This particular Cab 13 Chev CMP belongs to Albert Bains of Petrolia Ontario. The truck was used on Walpole Island as a farm vehicle after release from the Canadian Army.
Albert and his friend Walter Brand spent about 2 years bringing this vehicle back to "just off the assembly line" condition. The truck is marked as belonging to the 2nd Division, 11 Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers.
Albert and his friend Walter Brand spent about 2 years bringing this vehicle back to "just off the assembly line" condition. The truck is marked as belonging to the 2nd Division, 11 Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers.
1952 Willys M38A1
1952 Willys M38A1 This M38A1 Jeep is owned by Terry and Muriel Shelswell. The M38A1 jeep replaced the flat fendered Willys M38. This version sports familiar rounded fenders for the first time and is similar to the CJ5 in appearance only. The M38A1 came with the standard military 24 Volt electrical system and more robust frame along with a reversed front spring shackle assembly. With a higher highway speed and newer engine the M38A1 is still in service with many countries throughout the world.
Terry and his M38A1 participated in the 2009 MVPA Transcontinental Motor Convoy from Washington, D.C. to San Francisco California.
Terry and his M38A1 participated in the 2009 MVPA Transcontinental Motor Convoy from Washington, D.C. to San Francisco California.
1944 Dodge 3/4 ton WC51
1944 Dodge 3/4 ton WC51 This Dodge WC 51 weapons carrier was built in Detroit and used a 92 HP flathead 230 cc 6 cylinder engine. The WC 51 was excellent off road and could carry 3 times the weight in cargo and passengers as the Jeep. It was sometimes referred to as a "Beep" (big Jeep). The WC 51 served in all theatres of WW2, in Korea and in Vietnam.
This particular one is owned and driven regularly by Rob Donnelly. This vehicle actually went overseas and after WW2 it was sold to Denmark under the MDAP, mutual defence aid program and remained in their army until 1995. It was subsequently purchased by a gentleman in Maine who brought it back to North America. It was owned and maintained by him until summer 09 when Rob bought it.
The Dodge WC 51 weapons carrier was a real work horse. Compared to the Jeep the WC 51 is not as well remembered but proved itself as just as worthy of recognition.
This particular one is owned and driven regularly by Rob Donnelly. This vehicle actually went overseas and after WW2 it was sold to Denmark under the MDAP, mutual defence aid program and remained in their army until 1995. It was subsequently purchased by a gentleman in Maine who brought it back to North America. It was owned and maintained by him until summer 09 when Rob bought it.
The Dodge WC 51 weapons carrier was a real work horse. Compared to the Jeep the WC 51 is not as well remembered but proved itself as just as worthy of recognition.
1953 M38A1 1/4 Ton
1953 M38A1 1/4 Ton Originally made by Ford of Canada, this 1953 M38A1 Jeep is owned by John Tatham of Georgetown, Ontario. John bought his Jeep from Jim Rolfe of Pembroke in the early fall of 2009 after Jim spent 4 loving years restoring it to immaculate condition.
John chose to mark his Jeep with the markings of the 5th Division Maple Leaf and the number 61 representing the Perth Regiment. Being a proud member of the Perth Regiment reenactment group was what helped John determine the markings. The Jeep also bears the Korean War 1st Division crest on the front left fender. A tribute to all those who served in "The Forgotten War." John plans to represent the Canadian Troops who fought in Korea in an effort to educate the public about Canada's involvement with that conflict.
John chose to mark his Jeep with the markings of the 5th Division Maple Leaf and the number 61 representing the Perth Regiment. Being a proud member of the Perth Regiment reenactment group was what helped John determine the markings. The Jeep also bears the Korean War 1st Division crest on the front left fender. A tribute to all those who served in "The Forgotten War." John plans to represent the Canadian Troops who fought in Korea in an effort to educate the public about Canada's involvement with that conflict.
Type 181 VW Kurierwagen/Kuebelwagen
The Type 181 VW Kurierwagen/Kuebelwagen was introduced into Bundeswehr service in 1969. It was designed as light weight, low cost, 4x2 stop gap until the Europa jeep project was completed. That project fell through and the 181 was replaced by the German-made heavier, 4x4 Type 183 Iltis in 1979 by which time 50,000 had been supplied. Sales continued to other NATO countries for a few more years. The 181 was a hybrid - flat 4 engine from Type 1 Beetle, floor from Karmann Ghia and reduction gear from VW Transporter. A civilian demilitarized version was built in Mexico from 1971 to 1980. However strict new vehicle regulations stopped sales in US (1973 - 74, 35,000) and Canada (only 1974 3,500).
Mike Appel acquired this 1974 1600cc 181 in 1988. The previous owner started it as a junkyard recue project. It had lost a race with a train and had been left outside with no roof. He was not a VW fan and had done a lot of silly things to it. Mike had to have most of his fixes professionally repaired.
Mike Appel acquired this 1974 1600cc 181 in 1988. The previous owner started it as a junkyard recue project. It had lost a race with a train and had been left outside with no roof. He was not a VW fan and had done a lot of silly things to it. Mike had to have most of his fixes professionally repaired.
1943 BMW R75
1943 BMW R75 It carries a MG42 machine gun as its main armament. Originally built for Russia, it has a special heating system for the side car that uses exhaust gasses to warm the feet of the side car occupant. After service in the Eastern Front (Russia), the bike was shipped to the Italian front and it was there that it was captured
After the war, the bike ended up in Hollywood where it was featured in many of the WW2 TV shows of the late 50's and 60's. It was then purchased by a collector and eventually was sold to an individual whom I met and purchased it from in 2007 in Palm Springs, California.
Considering the conditions under which it was originally built, (constant bombing by allied aircraft) the motorcycle is truly a miracle of engineering. It has two-wheel drive which is selectable, hydraulic brakes at the rear and side car wheels and oil filled dampened front forks.
After the war, the bike ended up in Hollywood where it was featured in many of the WW2 TV shows of the late 50's and 60's. It was then purchased by a collector and eventually was sold to an individual whom I met and purchased it from in 2007 in Palm Springs, California.
Considering the conditions under which it was originally built, (constant bombing by allied aircraft) the motorcycle is truly a miracle of engineering. It has two-wheel drive which is selectable, hydraulic brakes at the rear and side car wheels and oil filled dampened front forks.
1945 25 Pdr, Self-Propelled, Tracked. (Sexton)
1945 25 Pdr, Self-Propelled, Tracked. (Sexton) This Sexton II is the 2115th of 2150 produced. It came off the assembly line at Montreal Locomotive Works in Jan/Feb 1945. Built on a Sherman chassis, it is fitted with a 25 Pdr Gun making it a self-propelled howitzer. It was used by Canada until the mid fifties when it was sent to Portugal under the MDAP. When Portugal sold them as surplus in 1979, 40 were brought to the US by SECO in Augusta, Georgia. Perry Kitson purchased this one in 2003 and repatriated it to Canada for restoration. Perry figures it will be finished for spring, 2010.
The Sexton was used by Self-propelled Regts in an Armoured Division to provide close fire support to an armoured brigade.
The Sexton was used by Self-propelled Regts in an Armoured Division to provide close fire support to an armoured brigade.
1944 Universal Carrier, MKII (Bren Gun Carrier)
1944 Universal Carrier, MKII (Bren Gun Carrier) This MKII carrier owned by Perry Kitson came off the line in Windsor Ontario on Feb. 10, 1944 and was assigned the War Department number 266827. The vehicle's restoration was completed 15 years ago and is marked as belonging to the First Division, The Royal Canadian Regiment, from WW II.
1976 M816 Wrecker, 5 Ton
1976 M816 Wrecker, 5 Ton The wrecker is an A M General M 816 medium duty 5 ton truck. It is powered by a Cummings diesel. This truck was used by the RCEME, Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechinal Engineers. It is very complete including all the tooling and specialty items that it would have carried.
This truck is owned by Bill Anthony and has been driven long distances to attend events and has been trouble free.
This truck is owned by Bill Anthony and has been driven long distances to attend events and has been trouble free.
1942 Chevrolet Cab 13 15cwt GS Truck
1942 Chevrolet Cab 13 15cwt GS Truck This truck is a 1942 early Chevrolet 15cwt General Service truck with civilian instruments. General Motors Products of Canada Ltd of Oshawa Ontario was the manufacturing center for the Chevrolet CMP (Canadian Military Pattern) trucks. This particular truck is rust free and recovered from Alberta, Stewart Loy dragged it home to Ontario (where it was built) in 2006. It has the early square roof hatch, and received none of the upgrade modifications that most trucks got throughout the war.
1944 Universal Carrier T-16
1944 Universal Carrier T-16 This 1944 Ford Universal Carrier T-16 was brought back from Europe by SECO to be converted to a log skidder following a career in the Swiss armed forces. It has welded rather than riveted construction and interestingly was made in a US jeep factory - a vehicle with which it shares many parts.
1941 Ford F8 CMP
This Ford F8 CMP (Canadian Military Pattern) 8 hundredweight (cwt) truck belonging to David Moore of Kingston, Ontario, was delivered out of the Ford Windsor plant in November 1941. It is one of the last Cab 12 Fords made before the switch over to the reverse-slope windshield Cab 13 in January 1942. It is also one of the last 8 cwt CMP's made - the smallest CMP truck became the 15 cwt (three quarter ton) in 1942. These 8 cwt trucks were intended for the North African desert campaign, their light weight and "balloon" tires making them ideal and popular with both the Commonwealth forces - and the Germans when they could lay their hands on one! As anyone who has driven a "Mickey Mouse" Cab 11 or 12 will tell you, there's no room for your feet - and the exhaust manifolds in the V8 Fords are less than an inch from your legs! Air conditioning is provided by the ability to lock the suicide doors partly open! All of the CMP designs were made by both Ford and Chev - they look very similar but there is a host of detail differences if you care to look carefully!
This particular truck was obtained by the present owner after many years of civilian service - it was reasonably well preserved when restoration began three years ago. Its military career is not known but it probably served with either the Princess of Wales Own Regiment or the Brockville Rifles. Like any of the restored Canadian trucks seen here today, it never actually went overseas. Work on the truck is still in progress - markings have yet to be added. They are planned to be the markings of the 4th Battalion, Wiltshire Regiment, 43rd Wessex Division as of 1944 - honouring the owner's family ties.
This particular truck was obtained by the present owner after many years of civilian service - it was reasonably well preserved when restoration began three years ago. Its military career is not known but it probably served with either the Princess of Wales Own Regiment or the Brockville Rifles. Like any of the restored Canadian trucks seen here today, it never actually went overseas. Work on the truck is still in progress - markings have yet to be added. They are planned to be the markings of the 4th Battalion, Wiltshire Regiment, 43rd Wessex Division as of 1944 - honouring the owner's family ties.
1944 MkII* Bren Gun Carrier
This 1944 MKII* Bren Gun Carrier, also known as a Universal Carrier, was manufactured in Windsor, Ontario, by the Ford Motor Company, and is owned by Adam Everingham.
This carrier is in remarkable condition and is completely original as released from the Canadian Army after the end of the Korean War.
This carrier is in remarkable condition and is completely original as released from the Canadian Army after the end of the Korean War.
1952 M37 CDN w/Winch Cargo Truck
1952 M37 CDN w/Winch Cargo Truck This particular M37 CDN is owned by Terry and Muriel Shelswell.
There is no specific vehicle history known for the truck however this Dodge participated in the 1993 OMVA Convoy from Kitchener - Ottawa - Toronto. Powered by a Dodge T-249 L Head engine with a 24 Volt electrical system, approximately 4,500 Canadian M37 CDNs were produced between 1951 and 1955.
There is no specific vehicle history known for the truck however this Dodge participated in the 1993 OMVA Convoy from Kitchener - Ottawa - Toronto. Powered by a Dodge T-249 L Head engine with a 24 Volt electrical system, approximately 4,500 Canadian M37 CDNs were produced between 1951 and 1955.
1943 Ford GPW 1/4 Ton
1943 Ford GPW 1/4 Ton More commonly known as the Jeep, this 1/4 Ton GPW was built by Ford. Willys Overland and Ford shared the contract and production of this most ubiquitous vehicle. This particular one belongs to Rob Donnelly. He purchased this vehicle from Willys Acres. The frame, engine, combat rims, windshield and hood are all original. The body is a reproduction from MD Juan.
It is adorned with the "invasion star" found on all allied vehicles landing in France. This was not only an aircraft recognition symbol, but helped to identify allies in the heat of battle. No sense in the good guys shooting up each other.
It is adorned with the "invasion star" found on all allied vehicles landing in France. This was not only an aircraft recognition symbol, but helped to identify allies in the heat of battle. No sense in the good guys shooting up each other.
1944 Chevrolet C15TA Armoured Truck
1944 Chevrolet C15TA Armoured Truck Produced at the General Motors plant in Oshawa Ontario, the C15TA 's primary role was that of an armoured personnel carrier in the forward areas of the battlefield.
It is adorned with the "invasion star" found on all allied vehicles landing in France. This was not only an aircraft recognition symbol, but helped to identify allies in the heat of battle. No sense in the good guys shooting up each other.
This particular truck was transferred to the Dutch Army (KL) at the end of the war. Having finally been declared surplus it was bought by the Dieffenbach Collection in Belgium. Dirk Leegwater from Holland bought the vehicle in March 2001. Both he and his son Stefan brought it back to its former glory with a complete restoration. They had it ready and participated in the 60th anniversary celebrations at the Normandy beaches in 2004.
It is adorned with the "invasion star" found on all allied vehicles landing in France. This was not only an aircraft recognition symbol, but helped to identify allies in the heat of battle. No sense in the good guys shooting up each other.
This particular truck was transferred to the Dutch Army (KL) at the end of the war. Having finally been declared surplus it was bought by the Dieffenbach Collection in Belgium. Dirk Leegwater from Holland bought the vehicle in March 2001. Both he and his son Stefan brought it back to its former glory with a complete restoration. They had it ready and participated in the 60th anniversary celebrations at the Normandy beaches in 2004.
1941 Dodge WC-18 Ambulance
1941 Dodge WC-18 Ambulance This 1941 DODGE WC-18 ambulance is one of only 1,555 that were produced. Classed as a 1/2 ton vehicle, this 4 X4 is powered by a 218 cu. in. L-head straight 6cyl engine with a non-synchronized 4-speed transmission.
Owned by Brian Olivieri, this WC-18 underwent a 2yr restoration to bring it back to its original glory. Adorned with WW2 markings, it is representing the 13th Corp of the 446th Medical Regiment, Echo Company, truck number 17. (XIII 446M E17)
Outfitted for casualty evacuation, the carrying capacity for those unable to walk is 4 litter positions or 6 seated casualties (walking),or a combination of both.
Owned by Brian Olivieri, this WC-18 underwent a 2yr restoration to bring it back to its original glory. Adorned with WW2 markings, it is representing the 13th Corp of the 446th Medical Regiment, Echo Company, truck number 17. (XIII 446M E17)
Outfitted for casualty evacuation, the carrying capacity for those unable to walk is 4 litter positions or 6 seated casualties (walking),or a combination of both.
1944 Ford Truck, Amphibian, GPA, 1/4 ton, 4x4
The GPA amphibious jeep was developed by Ford Motor Company from components of the Ford GPW 1/4 ton 4x4 jeep.
This particular vehicle is owned by Wally Wheeler in Michigan and here is his story.
My desire for a GPA started when I was seven years old. My dad and I were in a model-A Ford and pulled onto M-24, when a semi with two GPAs on it went by. I said, "Look Dad, what's that?" He told me what they were and what they could do. I said, "Lets get one, we can use it for fishing." "We can't have one," he replied, "they only make them for the army." I said, "Someday I'll have one."
Well, it took forty years. I found mine just twelve miles from home, hidden in a barn. It was in junk condition, partly disassembled, it cost me dearly, but was the answer to an old dream.
It took all of two years to restore it as you see it today. It turns out there are only 31 registered in the world. Now I'm getting too old to work on it so its time to pass IT on to a younger man.
This particular vehicle is owned by Wally Wheeler in Michigan and here is his story.
My desire for a GPA started when I was seven years old. My dad and I were in a model-A Ford and pulled onto M-24, when a semi with two GPAs on it went by. I said, "Look Dad, what's that?" He told me what they were and what they could do. I said, "Lets get one, we can use it for fishing." "We can't have one," he replied, "they only make them for the army." I said, "Someday I'll have one."
Well, it took forty years. I found mine just twelve miles from home, hidden in a barn. It was in junk condition, partly disassembled, it cost me dearly, but was the answer to an old dream.
It took all of two years to restore it as you see it today. It turns out there are only 31 registered in the world. Now I'm getting too old to work on it so its time to pass IT on to a younger man.
American Huey 1964
1964 - Delivered to the U.S. Army Fort Benning, GA
1965 - Arrived in Vietnam September 1965, 1st Cav., 15th Med. BN.(APO 96490). Flew as a Medevac Air Ambulance for the first two years in Vietnam.
1967 - Transferred to Soc Trang, to the 336th Assault Helicopter Company (Warriors and T-Birds) "Warrior 11" flew as a slick.
1968 - On March 8, 1968, crash landed in a burning LZ, skids ripped off, a.c. shut down, restarted and flown 45 minutes back to Soc Trang and landed on sand bags Click here to view photos. Later that month 803/Warrior 11 would be shipped back to ARADMAC, N.A.S., Corpus Christie, Texas, for complete overhaul repairs and inspections (completed September 13, 1968).
1969 - Transferred back to Fort Benning, Georgia.
1972 - Converted from a D model to an H model
1976 - Transferred back to AASF1 MA (Otis ANGB) where she would fly for the next 18 years in the Massachusetts Army National Guard. We thank all the men and women who spent 18 years maintaining and flying her. Honorably we mention; Bruce Martin, A. Tavilla, David Karakeian, Richard R. Mogeau, Richard Lothrop, Larry Mayer, Anthony Mimmo, David A. Carvalho, James D. McCabe, Henry W. Brilliant, Andy Chamarro and many more!
1995 - Retired by the Army she was released to the state of New York GSA and was transfered to the Burgard Vocational High School in Buffalo, New York. Principal Thomas P. Kopera, Congressman John LeFalce, his daughter and her husband Michael Barnes (instructor), would be responsible for 803's acquisition and future care. Click here to view photo. Eight years later, this rich in history Huey would be donated to the Niagara Aerospace Museum, Niagara Falls, New York.
2005 - Thanks to Mr. Raymond T. O'Keefe (Executive Director of Niagara Aerospace Museum) and his committed board members, this great Icon, this three-year Vietnam Veteran Huey, this Medevac 1st Cav-15th Med BN/336th AHC Warrior 11, this 18-year MA AANG Iroquois would be donated and rescued from the outdoors by the members of American Huey 369!
2005 - 2007 Restored as a static display and trailered to various Vietnam Veterans events, 803/Warrior 11 would give thousands of Veterans/Patriots the opportunity to see, touch and sit in her sacred airframe.
IMPORTANT - After achieving our goal of the restoration of 369 back to flight, the decision was made in October 2007 to restore 803/Warrior 11 back to flight as well. Your membership/donation helped guarantee this monumental task!
2007 - 2009 After 18 months and several work weekends, 803/Warrior 11 would take to the skies again! On July 16th, 2009, 803/Warrior 11 completed it's ground and flight M.O.C.'s (maintenance operation checks) at the hands of Mr. Paul Wheeler, our own Vietnam Army Maintenance check pilot. This monumental task was made possible by our Veterans, members, donors, sponsors and our very experienced maintenance personnel. On July 17th, 2009, 803/Warrior 11 would join American Huey 369 in their first official formation flight to Thunder Over Michigan at the Willow Run Airport in Belleville, Michigan. Both aircraft will educate future generations for years to come!
1965 - Arrived in Vietnam September 1965, 1st Cav., 15th Med. BN.(APO 96490). Flew as a Medevac Air Ambulance for the first two years in Vietnam.
1967 - Transferred to Soc Trang, to the 336th Assault Helicopter Company (Warriors and T-Birds) "Warrior 11" flew as a slick.
1968 - On March 8, 1968, crash landed in a burning LZ, skids ripped off, a.c. shut down, restarted and flown 45 minutes back to Soc Trang and landed on sand bags Click here to view photos. Later that month 803/Warrior 11 would be shipped back to ARADMAC, N.A.S., Corpus Christie, Texas, for complete overhaul repairs and inspections (completed September 13, 1968).
1969 - Transferred back to Fort Benning, Georgia.
1972 - Converted from a D model to an H model
1976 - Transferred back to AASF1 MA (Otis ANGB) where she would fly for the next 18 years in the Massachusetts Army National Guard. We thank all the men and women who spent 18 years maintaining and flying her. Honorably we mention; Bruce Martin, A. Tavilla, David Karakeian, Richard R. Mogeau, Richard Lothrop, Larry Mayer, Anthony Mimmo, David A. Carvalho, James D. McCabe, Henry W. Brilliant, Andy Chamarro and many more!
1995 - Retired by the Army she was released to the state of New York GSA and was transfered to the Burgard Vocational High School in Buffalo, New York. Principal Thomas P. Kopera, Congressman John LeFalce, his daughter and her husband Michael Barnes (instructor), would be responsible for 803's acquisition and future care. Click here to view photo. Eight years later, this rich in history Huey would be donated to the Niagara Aerospace Museum, Niagara Falls, New York.
2005 - Thanks to Mr. Raymond T. O'Keefe (Executive Director of Niagara Aerospace Museum) and his committed board members, this great Icon, this three-year Vietnam Veteran Huey, this Medevac 1st Cav-15th Med BN/336th AHC Warrior 11, this 18-year MA AANG Iroquois would be donated and rescued from the outdoors by the members of American Huey 369!
2005 - 2007 Restored as a static display and trailered to various Vietnam Veterans events, 803/Warrior 11 would give thousands of Veterans/Patriots the opportunity to see, touch and sit in her sacred airframe.
IMPORTANT - After achieving our goal of the restoration of 369 back to flight, the decision was made in October 2007 to restore 803/Warrior 11 back to flight as well. Your membership/donation helped guarantee this monumental task!
2007 - 2009 After 18 months and several work weekends, 803/Warrior 11 would take to the skies again! On July 16th, 2009, 803/Warrior 11 completed it's ground and flight M.O.C.'s (maintenance operation checks) at the hands of Mr. Paul Wheeler, our own Vietnam Army Maintenance check pilot. This monumental task was made possible by our Veterans, members, donors, sponsors and our very experienced maintenance personnel. On July 17th, 2009, 803/Warrior 11 would join American Huey 369 in their first official formation flight to Thunder Over Michigan at the Willow Run Airport in Belleville, Michigan. Both aircraft will educate future generations for years to come!