More Major Artifacts Added As National Army Museum Takes Shape – Two historic helicopters, a WWI-era Liberty Truck, and an anti-aircraft weapon were the latest macro artifacts installed in the National Museum of the United States Army now under construction at Fort Belvoir, VA.
Crews recently hoisted into place one of the iconic “Huey” helicopters made famous during the Vietnam War.The massive, four-ton aircraft flown by the 129th Aviation Company, 10thCombat Aviation Battalion now hangs above the Museum’s Cold War Gallery.
Also installed was an R-4B helicopter, more commonly known as “The Sikorsky,” in the Army and Society Gallery. The Sikorsky was the world’s first mass-produced helicopter and used in World War II. Sikorsky helicopters made history in 1944 conducting the first combat rescue mission in the China-Burma-India Theater and the first helicopter mercy mission when it transported blood plasma to sailors who survived the sinking of the USS Turner.
In April, a World War I Liberty Truck and World War II Bofors Gun were placed into position. The Liberty Truck, also in the Army and Society Gallery, was the first truck specifically developed for military use. Experts say this truck was restored to near-original condition.
The scene displaying the Bofors Gun, a naval and land anti-aircraft weapon adopted by the U.S. Army in 1941, will depict African-American Soldiers of the 466th Anti-aircraft Artillery (AW) Battalion preparing to fire on Japanese aircraft attacking an Army airfield in New Guinea.
The Museum will open next year at Fort Belvoir, VA and construction of the building is largely funded by individual donations made through The Army Historical Foundation. The Foundation also raises funds through the Army Brick Program and Unit Tributes, which allow individuals and Army Units to order personalized bricks and plaques that will line the Museum’s outdoor pathways. These permanent recognitions can be ordered through the Foundation’s website, armyhistory.org.
Article compliments of NapsNet & Army History.