The First Division Museum at Cantigny Park plans to exhibit its UH-1 helicopter, an iconic symbol of the Vietnam War, beginning Wednesday, September 1. The prized macro-artifact will be interpreted outdoors at Cantigny for one month.
The Bell UH-1 Iroquois helicopter, or “Huey,” was the workhorse for Army assault units in Vietnam. Its body style and rotor sound made it one of the most recognized aircraft in the world. The UH-1 was the first turbine powered helicopter to enter production for the U.S. military and entered service in 1959.
Different configurations of the UH-1 were deployed in Vietnam in a variety of roles, including troop transport, air assault, command and control, and evacuation of the wounded. With its flexibility and speed, the ubiquitous Huey transformed modern warfare, allowing commanders to place combat troops at almost any point on the battlefield, engage the enemy and quickly extract soldiers upon mission completion.
On September 24, museum educators will conduct a family program, “Masters of Flight: The Nature of the Huey,” with demonstrations and activities for all ages. The 6 pm program is free, but registration is required; visit fdmuseum.org or call 630.260.8162.
Also in September, the First Division Museum will exhibit and interpret pieces from its historic military vehicle fleet every Thursday, from 1 to 3 pm, weather permitting. Exhibit dates are September 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30.
The First Division Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 am to 5 pm, with extended hours until 8 pm on Wednesdays. Entry is included with Cantigny’s parking fee. Face coverings are currently required inside the museum, regardless of Covid-vaccination status. More information is online FDMuseum.org.
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About the First Division Museum at Cantigny Park
The First Division Museum, part of the Robert R. McCormick Foundations, promotes public learning about America’s military heritage and affairs through the history of the “Big Red One”—the famed 1st Infantry Division of the U.S. Army. The museum’s main exhibit hall, First in War, transports visitors to the trenches of World War I, the beaches of World War II and the jungles of Vietnam. A second exhibit hall, Duty First, explores the 1ID’s history in more recent times. The Robert R. McCormick Research Center, open to the public, houses the museum’s library, archival and photo collections. Outside, tanks from every era are interpreted, along with artillery pieces and a personnel carrier. Solemn memorial markers and commemorative statuary invite quiet reflection.