History

Gerald & Lillian Hail : Guardians of YL-37’s Legacy

The story of YL-37’s second life begins with two extraordinary people—Gerald and Lillian Hail, a husband-and-wife team whose love of aviation and respect for military service changed countless lives.

Years after the Vietnam War had ended, Gerald discovered an old, forgotten UH-34D helicopter in a military boneyard—weathered, worn, and nearly lost to history. But this wasn’t just any aircraft. This was YL-37, a helicopter that had once flown dangerous missions with Marine squadron HMM-362—the “Ugly Angels”—in the jungles of Vietnam.

Where others saw scrap, Gerald and Lilly saw a story that deserved to be told.

With unwavering dedication, they rescued YL-37 from the boneyard and began a painstaking process of restoration. It was a labor of love—every bolt, every panel, every detail carefully brought back to life. Their goal wasn’t just to restore an aircraft—it was to honor the brave Marines who had flown in her, relied on her, and sometimes didn’t come home.

What followed was nothing short of remarkable.

YL-37 didn’t just fly again—she became a symbol of healing, remembrance, and brotherhood. Gerald and Lilly used her to reunite veterans who hadn’t seen each other in decades. She brought together Marines who once flew side by side in combat, many for the first time since Vietnam. She gave families a chance to connect with the legacy of their loved ones—and helped a new generation understand the sacrifices of those who served.

Thanks to the Hails’ vision and tenacity, YL-37 transformed into more than a helicopter. She became a flying memorial, a vessel of stories, and a bridge between the past and the present.

Though Gerald and Lillian have since passed on the stewardship of YL-37, their legacy lives on in every mission, every event, and every life she touches.

Their story reminds us that honoring history doesn’t always happen in museums—it sometimes takes flight, carried by the hearts of those who believe in keeping memories alive.