YL-37 was manufactured in Bridgeport, Connecticut in 1961.  She served in Vietnam for 1965-1968.  Designated as UH-34D, YL-37 is a Sikorsky helicopter with documented combat history assigned with the United States Marine Corps.  YL-37 survived intact and returned home to become a flying memorial to all Vietnam Veterans who perished and to those that survive.

During the numerous missions she flew, YL-37 was fired upon many times by the Vietcong. Once she was disabled to the point that she had to be carried out of the crash zone by a CH-53.  Today, YL-37 wears fifty-four patches over bullet holes and shrapnel damage sustained in Vietnam.  YL-37 operated out of every major air base in the I-Corps quadrant.  YL-37 also operated at sea aboard the LPH Okinawa and the LPH Princeton in support of the war effort in South Vietnam.  A multitude of her landing included hillsides, rice paddies, and field combat bases while supporting the diverse needs of America's Military forces. At other times, she carried wounded to medical support areas which included the "Hospital Ship, Repose" cruising off shore.

This rare aircraft served with 1st Marine Air Wing with squadron HMM-362 (first in and last out) known as the "Ugly Angels".  On her side, you will see a bronze plaque that she proudly wears with the names of thirty-three Marines of the "Ugly Angels", who gave their lives in Vietnam in service to our country.

The historic YL-37, is flown today with some of her surviving crewmembers, bringing to life the role in history she played to a new generation of young people, as a part of the "hands on" educational process.