By Taylor Sterling
Anthony Cosimano began his journey in 1956, inspired by a Bell 47 helicopter which Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz had flown into his hometown while promoting their movie, The Longest Trailer. Cosimano pursued an aviation career at the University of Michigan and West Point, earning his helicopter wings in 1963 and is one of the unsung heroes who flew the infamous Huey Helicopter in VietNam for a year! He arrived in South Vietnam in August of 1964 and was assigned to the 114th Aviation Company based in Vinh Long, Mekong Delta, about 45 miles southeast of Saigon. Tony initially flew UH1 D Hueys as troop carriers. Tony went on to fly the UH1 B armed helicopter which was equipped with 4 external machine guns, 16 rockets, and two machine guns operated by the door gunners. Tony also flew several missions daily in support of the helicopters that were transporting troops and various ground battle missions. The year he was in Nam Tony flew about 1,200 combat missions and on three different missions was shot down, however he navigated the helicopter to safety in the worst of times and walked away to fly another day. Tony shared a joyous moment when Bob Hope performed for the troops with other entertainers, which gave them a few minutes of home during the horrors of war. Although Tony shared that most important to him was spending time, whenever possible, with the children in Viet Nam. He returned in September of 1965 and for his last year in service, State side, he was an Army Helicopter Flight Instructor. After being discharged in 1966 he continued his love for flying the birds which placed him at one of the most iconic events in American history, Woodstock! The summer of 1969 brought the Woodstock festival where the weather was the utmost worst it could have been with pouring rain for that 3-day festival on farm fields with everyone covered in mud. As we all know they expected 50,000 and ended up with close to 500,000. Between Tony and the other helicopter pilots he called in to assist, they had to fly medical professionals and people in need, in and out as that was the only way out as the roads were closed in every direction. Tony has been witness to some of the most brutal and iconic events in American history. This past weekend he was honored with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award, which “salutes excellence in management and leadership and is granted to an individual for long and,” according to VAI (Vertical Aviation International) “with significant service to the international vertical aviation community.” Cosimano’s 60-year career showcased his remarkable contributions to the helicopter industry. In 1968, he co-founded Decair Helicopters, and also created the Helicopter Emergency Lift Program (HELP) for community aid. Tony’s later career involved management roles in various companies, contributing to the development of the AW139 and starting International Aircraft Purchase & Lease and much more as he continues to pilot and develop the state of the art helicopters. Over 60 years in aviation, between the Army, Decair aviation, Envirogas helicopter, Metromedia, AIG, and his current company, International Aircraft Purchase & Lease, Heather Howley, Founder and owner of Independent Helicopters who was also in California to help celebrate Tony’s award had this to say…”Tony has created a legacy in the helicopter world to inspire many future aviators. With his dedication to the industry, he promotes mentorship by gracefully guiding others, like myself, along their professional journey. His commitment to safety and aviation shines through his active support in the industry and his community. ” Tony still flies around the world consulting for the newest Helicopters and will be in Monaco shortly. Nothing slows Tony down. He is also on the waiting list for HONOR FLIGHT and was told he is too young in his 80’s. He loved the compliment as they go by age and there are thankfully many WWII Veterans on the waiting list in their 90’s. God bless them all! Thank you, Tony, for your service to our country and to all of us. One of these days you will get me in one of those birds.
