In tribute to a Vietnam hero, Apache attack helicopters will swoop low over Sharpsburg on this D-Day anniversary as part of the dedication ceremony for a construction project at American Legion Post 106.

The flyover, in honor of the late Chief Warrant Officer Michael Novosel Sr., an Etna native, Post 106 member and Medal of Honor winner, will undoubtedly be a thrill for tiny Sharpsburg.

But some residents of a nearby cul-de-sac on Heinz Terrace might be less than enthusiastic about this spectacle.

For more than a year, they've been fighting the borough and the Post 106 over the new handicap-accessible deck and parking lot.

The neighbors, including Allegheny County Senior Judge Robert Gallo and his wife, Violet, say their chief complaint is that the parking lot is unsafe because it forces motorists to gain access by driving across a sidewalk.

"They have to jump the curb to get into the lot. It's a safety concern for the children," said Violet Gallo, 76, who has lived in the neighborhood with her husband for more than 30 years.

"They're worried that someone's going to get hurt," said attorney Stephen Farino, who represents the Gallos and other neighbors who filed a complaint against the borough last year.

In court filings, the neighbors said Sharpsburg Council improperly allowed the project to go forward without requiring the post to submit a land use development plan.

Last year, Judge Joseph James ordered the post to submit those plans and told council to hold a public hearing, which happened in May.

Michael Witherel, attorney for the borough, said many neighbors voiced complaints about the construction.

Now the parties are examining the issues raised at the hearing to address those concerns.

Meanwhile, said Gary Salitrik, secretary-treasurer for the post, "The whole thing is up in the air."

It might even be removed. The project, begun in 2006 with a $5,000 state grant, has cost a total of $35,000.

John Kurtz, a post member who handles public relations for the American Legion and other veterans' groups, said the dedication will go on today at noon regardless of the legal dispute.

In addition to the Apache helicopters, a UH-60 Medevac Blackhawk will also be part of the flyby as a nod to Michael Novosel Sr., and his son, Michael Jr., who were both rescue helicopter pilots in Vietnam.

Michael Jr., who lives in Florida, will make the dedication speech.

The men were the first father-and-son combination to see combat in the same unit, and both saved the other after being shot down.

In 1969, Warrant Officer Novosel, then 47, flew his unprotected chopper into battle near Kien Tuong Province six times to rescue 29 wounded South Vietnamese allies.

On his last trip, a sniper's bullet tore into his right leg and shrapnel sliced open his hand. But he maintained control of the craft and flew his crew and the last of the wounded men to safety.

President Nixon awarded him the Medal of Honor, America's highest award for valor in combat.

In February 1970, he and his son, then 20, rescued each other in missions only a few days apart. Under fire from enemy gunners, the senior Mr. Novosel's chopper crashed and young Mike arrived to haul everyone to safety.

A week later, his father did the same for him after the younger Mr. Novosel's chopper was shot down.

The senior Mr. Novosel died in 2006 at 83.