Veterans put a face to a local military artifact
By Sauk Valley Newspapers - What We Think - letters@svnmail.com
Armed with rockets and machine guns, maneuverable and dependable, the Cobra helicopter was a workhorse weapon during the Vietnam war in the 1960s and early 1970s.
When the veterans who spearheaded Dixon’s new Veterans Memorial Park secured one of these flying machines 4 years ago, people took note.
The Army helicopter, painted, fixed up and on display, is a big draw. It helps attract visitors who then take time to view the more traditional displays that honor men and women who served in all branches of the military.
While local vets knew quite a bit about the Cobra, they had trouble answering several questions about its history.
That’s why last week’s visit by one of its former pilots was so important.
Bill Heilman, of Hooks, Texas, stopped by the park to check out the helicopter that he flew for 40 hours of combat missions. It wasn’t the only gunship he piloted. Far from it. Heilman logged 800 combat hours in all.
Yet, he was able to fill in some important data about the two-seat chopper that now sits at Dixon’s western edge, beckoning drivers to pull off state Route 2 and have a look.
Heilman shared stories of his Army days flying the Cobra in 1966 and 1967. Local veterans now know more about where the helicopter flew and some of its missions. The veteran pilot told of one close call where the helicopter was hit by enemy bullets and caught fire. Thinking quickly, Heilman slowed down and opened the canopy; the blast of air from the chopper’s blades blew out the flames, and he flew it safely back to base.
Now that the helicopter’s first former pilot has visited the park, local veterans will be asking others to come. We hope they succeed.
In addition, we encourage other area groups to research the history of the cannons, tanks, rockets, missiles, and other weapons and military relics that have found their way to places of honor across the Sauk Valley.
Such knowledge would help put a face to the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who once used these historic weapons to defend the nation. By doing so, the public can gain more understanding – and respect – for all veterans.
