VANCOUVER, Wash.– The VA Portland Health Care System unveiled its newly restored iconic Vietnam War-era helicopter, “Lady Bell,” at a ceremony held at the Vancouver VA campus, Sept. 25.
Lady Bell, a UH-1 Iroquois “Huey,” is believed to have first served in Vietnam with Company D, 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion.
She flew a total of three years and one month in Vietnam before returning to Fort Rucker, Alabama, in February 1972. Withdrawn from active duty in March 1973, she later served with the Wyoming National Guard and Kentucky National Guard before transferring to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources for firefighting duty.
In June and July, Lady Bell underwent an extensive restoration that included cleaning, inspection, sanding, refinishing, and re-making with insignia reflecting her service history. While not technically accurate, she now carries both Army and Navy markings, signifying her new role as a medical evacuation aircraft tribute stationed at a VA Medical Center.
“When I heard Lady Bell was in need of attention, I was thrilled to give back what had been given to me during my time in the Navy in service to others,” said James Donnelly, architect and healthcare engineer with VA Portland Health Care System. “I have been around planes much of my life because my dad was in aviation, so I have a sentimentality, but mostly I wanted to help those who see displays such as the Lady Bell as a beacon of hope in healing old wounds.”
The UH-1 Iroquois “Huey,” produced from 1956 to 1987, is one of the most iconic military helicopters in U.S. history. With more than 60 years of service, the Huey carried soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen into battle, evacuated the wounded, and brought many home. The restored Lady Bell now stands as a memorial to those who served in Vietnam and beyond.
Donnelly’s restoration effort was supported by a team of VA Portland employees who volunteered their time and energy. What began as Donnelly sharing his expertise became a labor of love. “Many people made many sacrifices, specifically in Vietnam,” Donnelly said. “Medevac aircraft like Lady Bell served as a beacon of hope to those most in need.”