Caroline, those photos are the "last flight" of AH-1 Cobra, tail number 66-15325.

“The Peacemaker” “325” flew in Vietnam with B Troop, or “Bravo Troop,” of the 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division from August 1968 until September 1970, when it crashed and was returned to the United States to be rebuilt.

I've been helping the guys at the VFW post in our town, East Hampton CT, prepare the ship for display. I was the "re-assembly" consultant, and re-did the markings after the ship was repainted. Took care of some other stuff for them also.

They actually requested a Huey from the Army, but were offered the Cobra and grabbed it. I hate to admit it, but from the public's perspective, the Cobra probably makes a better display piece. That crane is a 100 ft boom crane that had to thread the ship over and through that tangle of wires.

The area under the ship and across the front of the club has been completely landscaped and a "Walkway of Honor" made of engraved bricks installed, leading from the parking area to the helicopter. The entire project has cost in the area of $60,000, all raised from donations and brick sales, and there's probably been an equal dollar amount furnished in material and labor donations.

The project, in addition to being a great static display, has revitalized the Post. The interest the helicopter has generated is phenominal. They're picking up new members every week, and old members are becoming more active.

The dedication ceremony is coming up in a couple of weeks, and the aircraft's last AC, Ron Inlow, who crashed it in Sept 70, is coming in to be the keynote speaker at the ceremony. Great stuff. I'll post pictures after the dedication.

Thanks,
Bob