In 1944, twenty-one (Y)R-5A helicopters were converted to R-5D standard through the addition of a nosewheel and a rescue hoist. This one wears post-1947 roundels. It is seen here in North Carolina. We have a nice colour photo of this H-5D, as the designation then was, at Selfridge AFB in 1953. On 14 December 1953 it had an accident at Ellington AFB, Texas while with the 47th ARS. The last H-5s retired from US military service in 1957. Photo from: Iredell County Public Library

Crews of the 5th Air Rescue Squadron posing with their equipment. The early helicopter was originally an YR-5A. A Grumman SA-16 Albatross is on the right and a Fairchild SC-82A Packet, 45-57737, on the left. The C-82 Packet was the progenitor of the C-119 Flying Boxcar. The SC-82 carried the tracked amphibious rescue vehicle behind the helicopter - stuff of the Thunderbirds! Photo from: Wayne State University