Existing comment:
U.S. Military Helicopters
1947-1953
In 1943 Congress criticized the Navy for neglecting the helicopter as a potential antisubmarine weapon and ordered the development of naval helicopters. The Navy initially passed that responsibility to the Coast Guard. However, within five years the Navy and Marine Corps led the world in developing helicopter technology and doctrine. In the Korean War, helicopters from all the military services removed any doubt about their utility by rescuing about 25,000 United Nations soldiers and Koreans, supplying forward positions, and flying covert missions deep into North Korean territory. The war would ensure the survival of the struggling American helicopter industry. |