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Welcome to YL-37 GROUP FOUNDATION INC

The YL-37 Group Foundation is a TAX DEDUCTABLE 501C3 fund totally supported by generosity of Veterans Groups and Friends.
 
 THE YL-37 GROUP FOUNDATION
14157 East 580 Road
Inola, Ok 74036
Phone: 918.543.8175
Fax: 918.543.3766
gdoss@cox.net
 

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.

Mission Statement

YL-37 flies in support of Veteran Events, Schools and Air Shows as a hands on flying museum.  She brings to life the history and events of times past as a flying tribute to the Veterans of Vietnam and all of America's Armed Forces.  She has hosted thousands at her side rousing memories and bringing closure to those under her wings of healing.

"It is not the critic who counts, nor the man who points out where the strong man stumbled, or where a doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man in the arena whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs, and who comes up short again and again, who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause. The man who at best knows the triumph of high achievement and who at worst, if he fails, fails while daring greatly, so that his place will never be with those cold timid souls who never knew victory or defeat."

---Teddy Roosevelt

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YL-37 stands ready for another mission over a friendly sky.

Vietnam 1967
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Gary Doss Crew Chief

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Tales of an Ugly Angel

gdoss@cox.net

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Contact us for views and comments at: YL37@aol.com or
                                                                           gdoss@cox.net