At the DeLand Naval Air Station Museum, history comes to life through incredible aircraft like the Sikorsky HO5S-1 (S-52) helicopter, a Korean War-era MASH evacuation helicopter that played a vital role in saving lives on the battlefield. MASH Stands for Mobile Army Surgical Hospital.
A Critical Role in the Korean War
The HO5S-1, built by Sikorsky in 1952, was a lifeline for wounded troops during the Korean War. Operating as a MASH (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital) evacuation transport, this helicopter rushed injured soldiers from the front lines to field hospitals for stabilization before transferring them to hospital ships in Inchon Harbor.
Unlike the Bell helicopters featured in the TV series MASH*, which required patients to be strapped to the skids outside in freezing temperatures, the Sikorsky HO5S-1 offered an enclosed, heated cabin, allowing two patients to be transported inside—a critical advantage in the harsh Korean winters.
Key Features of the Sikorsky HO5S-1:
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Enclosed, heated cabin – Protected wounded troops from the elements.
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Easier patient access – Front door opened for rapid loading and unloading.
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20 mph faster than Bell models – Reduced evacuation time to save lives.
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Capable of night operations – Providing around-the-clock medical transport.
With a call sign of WB41 (“Willy Baker 41”), this helicopter flew over 974 combat hours in Korea—an astonishing feat considering the dangers of wartime missions. Remarkably, it survived all of those hours without sustaining damage, a testament to its durability and the skill of its pilots.
Donated by Fred & Nancy Clark: A Legacy of Aviation Excellence
The museum’s Sikorsky HO5S-1 was generously donated by Fred & Nancy Clark in 1998. Fred Clark, a former U.S. Air Force pilot and aviation expert, was instrumental in preserving this incredible piece of history.
As the owner of Orlando Helicopter Airways, Inc., Clark played a major role in commercial helicopter operations, military support, and NASA projects. His helicopters provided charter services, sightseeing flights, and even helped lift steel beams onto the Vertical Assembly Building at Cape Canaveral.
During the early Mercury and Gemini space programs, his helicopters were on standby during major rocket launches, rushing news film from CBS, NBC, and ABC to McCoy Airport for same-day delivery to New York—before the era of digital media. His shuttle flights also carried famous passengers such as Wernher von Braun, Jules Bergman, and Walter Cronkite.
In addition to WB41, a second sister helicopter, WB42, was also donated by the Clarks and is now on display at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C.
A Must-See Piece of Military and Aviation History
Today, this historic HO5S-1 helicopter stands proudly at the DeLand Naval Air Station Museum, serving as a reminder of the brave pilots, crew, and medics who risked everything to save lives in combat.
Visit the DeLand Naval Air Station Museum to see this remarkable aircraft up close and learn about its heroic service during the Korean War. Step back in time and experience the legacy of aviation pioneers like Fred & Nancy Clark, whose contributions continue to inspire new generations.