One More Mission: Eurocopter Golden Hour Award

The crew of a vintage Bell UH-1D Huey had flown their 1965 helicopter from their base in Concord, Calif., to the 2011 National Championship Air Races at Stead Field in Reno, Nev. There, they were to be part of the National Aviation Heritage Invitational static display and competition, which is held annually at the races. It was a chance for the owners and crew of the meticulously restored “25th Infantry” helicopter to win an award for their work. It was supposed to be a pleasant weekend for the men, answering spectator questions about their helicopter, which was painted in Vietnam-era livery, mingling with other Vietnam vets in attendance and, of course, watching the fastest motor sports event on the planet.

It didn’t work out that way.

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