Nation: The Chopper That Couldn't

They helped mine Haiphong Harbor, retrieved airmen downed in hostile territory during the Viet Nam War, rescued crew members of the Mayaguez, who had been seized by Cambodian Communists, and flew in the commandos who raided the San Tay P.O.W. camp in North Viet Nam. The honor roll is long and distinguished for the Sikorsky S-65 series of helicopters, a mammoth, 25-ton rotary-blade airship that in its various versions, including the affectionately named Jolly Green Giant, has been one of the most dependable workhorses for the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force.

But there were no honors last week for the...

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