Smokejumping and
Forest Fire Fighting Oral History Project
Dates:
1930s-2000s ( inclusive )
Quantity:
28 oral history interviews (30
narrators) and 1 cubic foot (74 audio cassettes, 2000 pp of transcripts and
other paper documentation, 1 box of research and
correspondence)
Collection Number:
Smokejumping
Summary:
The Smokejumping and Forest Fire
Fighting Oral History Project was begun by the staff at the Idaho Oral History
Center to gather and preserve the stories and memories of Idaho residents who
fought fires in Idaho, the Pacific Northwest, and the U.S. The time period
discussed by the narrators spans from the 1930s through the early
2000s.
Repository:
Idaho State Historical
Society. Public Archives and Research Library. Idaho Oral History Center
Funding for encoding this finding
aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Endowment for the
Humanities.
Historical Note
The Smokejumping and Forest Fire Fighting Project chronicled the
recollections of men and women who fought forest fires in Idaho and throughout
the western. United States during the half century spanning the mid 1940s
through the early 1990s. Individuals interviewed for the project represented a
variety of past employees of the United States Forest Service and Bureau of
Land. Management, including smokejumpers (firefighters who dropped by parachute
to fight forest fires), smokechasers (firefighters dispatched by other means to
fight fires), fire crew members, fire dispatchers, fire tower lookouts, and
pilots.
The forests of Idaho, including the Boise, Nez Perce, Payette,
Salmon-Challis, and Sawtooth National Forests are prone to fires resulting
primarily from lightning. When a fire tower lookout or patrol plane spotted a
forest wildfire, a smokejumper team would be dispatched and dropped into the
area. Upon arrival the smokejumpers evaluated the blaze and radioed to lookouts
or spotters to advise if the fire was small enough to be suppressed by the
crew, or if it should be considered a project fire, which required additional
"hot spot" fire crews for containment and suppression.
The narrators collectively recounted the evolution of forest fire
fighting techniques over the sixty-plus year period. When the program started,
smokejumpers were dispatched out of the McCall or Idaho City bases, using small
single-engine airplanes. Smokejumpers would paradrop close to a fire site and
establish fire stop lines by removing trees or starting small control fires to
deprive the main blaze of fuel. Firefighters used basic tools in their work:
shovels, a Pulaski (part axe, part grub hoe), mattocks (a large hoe with a 12"
blade), a two-man crosscut saw, small back-pack water pumps, drift torches, and
small radios. Later, larger transport planes were used to drop more
smokejumpers, and bulldozers and aerial tanker planes were employed to contain
larger project fires.
Narrators discussed the use of air tankers and helicopters in fighting
forest fires. In the 1940s, aircraft would drop sodium calcium borate (earning
the pilots the nickname of "Borate Bombers") as flame retardants. When they
discovered that this was a soil sterilant, aircrews turned to slurry compounds
containing fertilizer and bentonite clay. The narrators acknowledged that
aerial tankers served as tremendous tools in attacking a fire before it reached
a blow-out stage, but that employing these on larger fires proved a waste of
resources. They also mentioned the technology, like aerial infrared fire
scanning, used in the Western Zone Air Unit in Boise.
Narrators explained the occupational dangers of smokejumping and
forest fire fighting. A jumper faced potential injury if landing in a tree or
against cliffs or large rocks. Firefighters on the ground encountered dangers
associated with quickly changing fire behavior and rough terrain.
Narrators spoke about the close camaraderie they felt among the
firefighters and described the social aspects of the region. Narrators detailed
the jobs they would perform for the forest service when not fighting fires.
Smokejumpers and fire crew members expressed their views on forest
firefighting based on their experiences. Many described the "Smokey Bear
Syndrome," explaining how directions issued by forest agencies for three to
four decades required nearly all forest fires to be put out and how the
agencies finally came to realize that some fires should be left to burn
excessive undergrowth and brush. Narrators commented on the growth of
populations inside forest wilderness areas and compared fire fighting in
various conditions and terrains.
The Smokejumping and Forest Fire Fighting oral history project does
contain interviews with 30 men and women who worked as smokejumpers, forest
fire fighters, and support personnel in Idaho from the 1930s through the 2000s.
There is also a one-cubic-foot box of records that includes research and
correspondence. The material was created by staff at the ISHS' Oral History
Center between 1999 and 2003.
Content Description
The Idaho State Historical Society's Smokejumping and Forest Fire
Fighting Oral History Project collection consists of tape-recorded interviews,
transcripts, indexes, summaries, signed release forms, and biographical
information.
Use of the Collection
Restrictions on Access :
Collection is open for research.
Administrative Information
Arrangement :
The collection has been divided into two series, with the content on
each interview being Series I and the box of research and correspondence being
Series II.
Acquisition Information :
The collection was acquired between 1999 and 2003.
Related Materials :
See the numerous other research material with the ISHS Public Archives
and Research Library, including the general book collection, maps, vertical
files, and photographs for additional information about forest fire
fighting.
Location of Originals :
Originals and copies of recordings and paper documentation are held at
ISHS Public Archives and Research Library.
Detailed Description of the Collection
OH1463: A. Glen "Ace" Nielsen
interviews
Nielsen, A.
Glen, (interviewee)
2 cassettes. Sound recordings
:
48 leaves. Transcript :
Nielsen discusses his three year career as both a smokejumper and
parachute rigger, starting in 1946 and ending in 1948. Although Nielsen only
worked part-time for the U.S. Forest Service during his summer breaks from the
University of Idaho, he jumped a total of thirty-six fires. He was known for
landing in trees, rather than on the ground. He further discusses his extensive
pilot training with the Navy before the end of World War II. He also includes
details about many planes that were used during this period, some of which he
had personally flown.
Interviewed on 12 Mar. 2001 by Troy Reeves and on 1 May 2001 by
Troy Reeves and Matt Walker as part of the repository's Smokejumpers and Forest
Fire Fighters Oral History Project.
2001 Mar. 12 and May 2
OH1449: Bernie Nielsen
interview
Nielsen,
Bernie, (interviewee)
1 cassette. Sound recordings
:
24 leaves. Transcript :
Nielsen discusses his experience as a smokejumper in McCall,
Idaho, from 1947 through 1950. He further discusses co-workers he jumped with
in the Boise, Payette, and Nez Perce national forests and includes descriptions
of small towns surrounding these forests.
1999 Oct. 19
OH1980: Bert Strom interviews
Strom, Bert,
1936- (interviewee)
3 cassettes. Sound recordings
:
102 leaves. Transcript :
Strom describes numerous positions he held while working for the
U.S. Forest Service for forty years (1956-1996). He worked at the St. Joe
National Forest, Salmon National Forest, and the Boise National Forest. Strom
gives a very detailed description of how all the different fire agencies,
including national ones and the BLM, actually work together.
Interviewed by Troy Reeves on 21 Feb., 14 June, and 31 Aug. 2001
as part of the repository's Smokejumpers and Forest Fire Fighters Oral History
Project.
2001 Feb.21-Aug. 31
OH1454: Bud Filler interview
Filler, Bud,
1934- (interviewee)
2 cassettes. Sound recordings
:
39 leaves. Transcript :
Filler discusses his experience as a smokejumper in McCall, Idaho,
from 1952 through 1955. He continued working at McCall for yet another year as
a forester for the U.S. Forest Service. Filler also describes his smokejumping
coworkers and his book, "Two-Man Stick, Memoirs of a Smokejumper," which
includes true stories about smokejumping in Idaho.
Interviewed by Troy Reeves on 3 Feb. 2000 as part of the
repository's Smokejumpers and Forest Fire Fighters Oral History Project.
2000 Feb. 3
OH1817: Dale Matlack interview
Matlack,
Dale, (interviewee)
1 cassette. Sound recordings
:
26 leaves. Transcript :
Matlack describes his experiences fighting fire beginning in 1952,
the numerous forest fire-related positions he held, and the different places
where he was stationed on fires, including Yellowstone National Park, Pike
National Forest (Colo.), Black Hills, S.D., and Sundance, Wyo. Matlack also
held positions as a forester and as a pilot with the U.S. Air Force
(1956-1959), U.S. Coast Guard (1964-1967), and the Idaho Air National Guard
(1968-1981), before retiring in 1988.
Interviewed by Troy Reeves on 26 June 2000 as part of the
repository's Smokejumpers and Forest Fire Fighters Oral History Project.
2000 June 26
OH1706: Donald R. "Don" Reed
interview
Reed, Donald R.,
1938- (interviewee)
3 cassettes. Sound recordings
:
63 leaves. Transcript :
Reed discusses his career working for the U.S. Forest Service in
the Boise National Forest from 1955 to 1988. Reed describes the different
positions he held during that time. He lived in Idaho City during the 1950s
through the 1970s. After Reed retired in 1988, he purchased a sailboat and
sailed the Pacific Ocean before returning to the U.S. in the fall of 1994.
Interviewed by Troy Reeves on 26 July and 31 Aug. 2000 as part of
the repository's Smokejumpers and Forest Fire Fighters Oral History
Project.
2000 July 26 and Aug. 31
OH1853: Elmer and Wilma Huston
interview
1 cassette. Sound recordings
:
55 leaves. Transcript :
Elmer and Wilma Huston talk about their years spent being a (or
being the wife of a) U.S. Forest Service employee (1940s-1976). Elmer Huston
worked in fire control, including a couple of years as a smokejumper. Both
Hustons worked on a fire lookout and at a guard station (although only Elmer's
work was paid). The Hustons discuss changes in the forest service since Elmer
retired, particularly how it affected forest fire fighting.
Interviewed by Troy Reeves on 14 Aug. 2000 as part of the
repository's Smokejumpers and Forest Fire Fighters Oral History Project.
2000 Aug. 14
OH1883: Gene Crosby interviews
Crosby, Gene,
1932- (interviewee)
3 cassettes. Sound recordings
:
106 leaves. Transcript :
Crosby describes smokejumping and piloting smokejumpers in Idaho
and New Mexico during the 1950s and 1960s. He is an experienced backcountry
pilot also. Prior to smokejumping and flying, Crosby spent a summer in the
1950s working in northern Idaho on a blister rust program. Originally from
Oklahoma, he received two degrees in agriculture from the Oklahoma State
University (previously Oklahoma A & M). Crosby is a seasoned writer and
describes various stories and commercials he has written during his lifetime.
Crosby discussed the time period from the 1950s through 2001.
Interviewed by Troy Reeves on 14 and 20 Dec. 2000 and 24 Jan. 2001
as part of the repository's Smokejumpers and Forest Fire Fighters Oral History
Project.
2000-2001
OH1979: Gene McVey interview
McVey,
Gene, (interviewee)
1 cassette. Sound recordings
:
33 leaves. Transcript :
McVey describes his experiences fighting fire on a Hot Shot Crew,
which he did in 1961 and 1962 in Idaho. McVey, who originally resided in Twin
Falls, Idaho, paints a very descriptive picture of places where he fought
fires, including areas around the towns of McCall, Ketchum, Hailey, and Sun
Valley. He describes how, during the 1962 season, he witnessed two deaths on
two different fires.
Interviewed by Troy Reeves on 5 and 12 July 2000 as part of the
repository's Smokejumpers and Forest Fire Fighters Oral History Project.
2000 July 5 and 12
OH1455: Gordon Stevens
interview
Stevens, Gordon
J., (interviewee)
2 cassettes. Sound recordings
:
22 leaves. Transcript :
Stevens discusses his experiences as a smoke-chaser, forester, and
various positions he held with the Forest Service. He also discusses the
forestry and timber classes he took while at Utah State University, where he
eventually obtained his master's degree. Stevens has more than thirty years
experience regarding various fires around the U.S. and still works as a fire
management consultant.
Interviewed by Troy Reeves on 22 Mar. 2000 as part of the
repository's Smokejumpers and Forest Fire Fighters Oral History Project.
2000 Mar. 22
OH1981: Harold Eshelman
interviews
Eshelman, Harold,
1937- (interviewee)
2 cassettes. Sound recordings
:
60 leaves. Transcript :
Eshelman describes his fourteen years working for the U.S. Forest
Service (1957-1971). He worked on ten-month contracts and never received
permanent work. Eshelman's career began working on the Scott Mountain lookout
in 1961. After the lookout position, Eshelman worked many different jobs for
the Forest Service, including working on the brush crew and as recreational
patrolman. He fought eighty-six fires in three different districts in the Boise
National Forest (Landmark, Garden Valley and Idaho City) and the Donner Summit
fire on the Nevada/California border.
Interviewed by Troy Reeves in Mar. and Apr. 2001 as part of the
repository's Smokejumpers and Forest Fire Fighters Oral History Project.
2001 Mar.-Apr
OH1450: J. Charles "Hawk" Blanton
interview
Blanton, J.
Charles, (interviewee)
2 cassettes. Sound recordings
:
44 leaves. Transcript :
J. Charles "Hawk" Blanton discusses his experience as a
smokejumper in McCall, Idaho, from 1947 through 1950. He further discusses his
coworkers (smokejumpers) and his various roles in CineSound Corporation
documentary films on firefighting and smokejumping.
Interviewed by Troy Reeves on 21 Oct. 1999 as part of the
repository's Smokejumpers and Forest Fire Fighters Oral History Project.
1999 Oct. 21
OH1469: Jeff Fereday interviews
Fereday, Jeff,
1949- (interviewee)
6 cassettes. Sound recordings
:
158 leaves. Transcript :
Fereday discusses his work for the U.S. Forest Service, 1968-1975.
He describes his experiences working as both a "hot shot" and as a smokejumper
on fires in Idaho, New Mexico, California, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska.
After completing law school at Columbia University, he worked first in the
legal field for the Idaho Conservation League and later as an attorney in
Boise, focusing on environmental issues. Fereday also describes smokejumpers'
attitudes in the early 1970s about the Vietnam War.
Interviewed by Troy Reeves on 28 June, 6 July, 27 July, 12 Sept.,
7 Nov., and 20 Nov. 2001 as part of the repository's Smokejumpers and Forest
Fire Fighters Oral History Project.
2001 June 28-Nov. 20
OH1457: Jim Larkin interviews
Larkin,
Jim, (interviewee)
3 cassettes. Sound recordings
:
64 leaves. Transcript :
Larkin discusses his long flying career fighting forest fires,
beginning in 1949. He also flew during World War II through the Civilian Pilot
Training program and later flew smokejumpers in the McCall, Idaho, area. He has
traveled all over the world as a pilot, including India, China, and Canada.
Larkin thereafter worked for the U.S. Forest Service in several different
positions as a pilot before he retired in 1978. To this day, Larkin continues
to teach pilots at the seminars offered by McCall Mountain Canyon Flying, LLC.
Larkin was in a film produced by the Canadian Discovery Channel entitled,
"Flightpath III: Wild Wings" and is also mentioned in a book written by Bud
Filler, "Two-Man Stick."
Interviewed by Troy Reeves on 19 Apr., 26 Apr., and 24 Aug. 2000
as part of the repository's Smokejumpers and Forest Fire Fighters Oral History
Project.
2000 Apr. 19-Aug. 24
OH1880: John Krebs interviews
Krebs, John
Daniel, 1933- (interviewee)
2 cassettes. Sound recordings
:
57 leaves. Transcript :
Krebs describes in detail his various positions with the U.S.
Forest Service, the majority (thirty years) of which he spent in the Palouse
fire district. As a previous fire behavior analyst, Krebs explains both pros
and cons about prescribed burning in the national forests. Krebs was originally
from Kansas, where he received his degree in chemistry from the University of
Kansas.
Interviewed by Troy Reeves on 14 Mar. and 26 Sept. 2001 as part of
the repository's Smokejumpers and Forest Fire Fighters Oral History
Project.
2001 Mar. 14 and Sept. 16
OH1465: Ken Hessel interviews
Hessel,
Ken, (interviewee)
2 cassettes. Sound recordings
:
71 leaves. Transcript :
Ken Hessel discusses his experience working as a firefighter in
Orofino, Idaho in 1956, in the Chamberlain Basin in 1957, and as a McCall
smokejumper from 1958 through 1962. He also discusses how in the 1960s during
the Vietnam War, smokejumpers from Idaho and Montana were recruited by the CIA
to work in southeast Asia, which he did from 1963 through 1975. Hessel
describes in detail time spent in northern Thailand and Laos during that
period. Upon returning to the U.S., Hessel worked for the Forest Service in La
Grande, Or., from 1975 until his retirement in 1994.
Interviewed by Troy Reeves on 21 Mar. and 1 May 2001 as part of
the repository's Smokejumpers and Forest Fire Fighters Oral History
Project.
2001 Mar. 21 and May 1
OH1882: Larry Moore interview
Moore, Larry,
1939- (interviewee)
2 cassettes. Sound recordings
:
56 leaves. Transcript :
Moore describes the various programs he worked on with the U.S.
Forest Service. He jumped on fires in Idaho, Alaska, Montana, New Mexico, and
Nevada. Moore also describes other non-jumping positions he had in Jackson
Hole, Wyo., and also during the 1964 riot in West Yellowstone. Originally from
Oklahoma, Moore received his degree in botany from the University of Arizona
and was employed with Fire-Trol Holdings, LLC at the time of the interview.
Interviewed by Troy Reeves on 4 Jan. 2001 as part of the
repository's Smokejumpers and Forest Fire Fighters Oral History Project.
2001 Jan. 4 and Jan. 31
OH1451: Leo Compton interview
Compton,
Leo, (interviewee)
1 cassette. Sound recordings
:
32 leaves. Transcript :
Compton discusses his experience as a smokejumper in McCall and
Idaho City, Idaho, from 1947 through 1948. His last jump was at the Pack Saddle
Creek fire where he dislocated both ankles, both wrists, and broke two ribs.
After leaving smokejumping, Compton coached baseball in Wendell, Idaho. He also
discusses Boise Junior College and coach Lyle Smith's undefeated 1947 football
team.
Interviewed by Troy Reeves on 28 Oct. 1999 as part of the
repository's Smokejumpers and Forest Fire Fighters Oral History Project.
1999 Oct. 28
OH1756: Leo Cromwell interview
Cromwell,
Leo, (interviewee)
2 cassettes. Sound recordings
:
75 leaves. Transcript :
Cromwell describes in detail both the McCall and the Idaho City
smokejumper bases where he was a smokejumper from the early 1960s through 1997.
Cromwell was a native of Cascade, Idaho, the compiler and creator of "Who's Who
in Region 4 Smokejumping, 1943-1997," and taught history and mathematics in
Cambridge and Boise when not fighting fires during the summer.
Interviewed by Troy Reeves on 6 and 12 Dec. 2000 as part of the
repository's Smokejumpers and Forest Fire Fighters Oral History Project.
2000 Dec. 6 and 12
OH1477: Reid Jackson interview
Jackson,
Reid, (interviewee)
2 cassettes. Sound recordings
:
43 leaves. Transcript :
Interviewed on 8 Mar. 2002 by Troy Reeves as part of the
repository's Smokejumpers and Forest Fire Fighters Oral History Project.
2002 Mar. 8
OH1851: Robert Montoya
interviews
Montoya,
Robert, (interviewee)
2 cassettes. Sound recordings
:
72 leaves. Transcript :
Montoya describes in detail the McCall, Idaho City, and Boise,
Idaho, smokejumper bases, where he was a smokejumper from the early 1960s until
3 Jan. 1979. Montoya began his smokejumping career as a lookout in New Mexico
in the late 1950s. Included are detailed descriptions of fires, dates, places,
and individuals' names.
Interviewed by Troy Reeves on 6 Dec. 2000 and 28 Mar. 2001 as part
of the repository's Smokejumpers and Forest Fire Fighters Oral History
Project.
2000 Dec. 6-2001 Mar. 28
OH1458: Robert "Spike" Baker
interview
Baker,
Robert, (interviewee)
2 cassettes. Sound recordings
:
43 leaves. Transcript :
Robert "Spike" Baker discusses his experiences and long career
with the Forest Service, primarily as a dispatcher. He speaks of his first fire
in 1948 near Arrowrock Dam (Idaho) where he worked with the ground fire crew.
He also discusses many other fires he was present at either as a dispatcher,
ground crew, air crew, or the lookout towers. Baker worked for the Forest
Serice training seasonal employees to fight fires, and during the non-fire
season, he worked on regional and national fire issues. He discusses the many
changes occuring during his career, including the kinds of planes used, use of
helicopters, and the original hiring of a full-time pilot. During his entire
career, he remained in the Boise National Forest. Baker and his predecessor
served as dispatchers for the Boise National Forest for over sixty of the
seventy-five years it has been in existence; he was employed there from 1951
through 1983. A history of "Smokey the Bear" is also in this interview.
Interviewed by Troy Reeves on 16 May 2000 as part of the
repository's Smokejumpers and Forest Fire Fighters Oral History Project.
2000 May 16
OH1580: Roger "Rod" Davidson
interviews
Davidson, Roger,
1927-2005 (interviewee)
2 cassettes. Sound recordings
:
91 leaves. Transcript :
Davidson discusses his experience working as a smokejumper in
Idaho during the summers of 1947 through 1950. During the winters he attended
both Washington State University and the University of Idaho where he obtained
his degree in 1950. Davidson then attended the American Institute for Foreign
Trade in Phoenix, Ariz. The training he received from that institution landed
him a job with Mobil Oil Company in southern California. In 1963 he transferred
to Boise, Idaho. While he was employed with Mobil Oil, he was also co-owner and
accountant for the Brass Lamp Pizza parlors. In the 1960s and 1970s, Davidson
bought property for the Brass Lamp Pizza parlors. He also bought property in
McCall and Boise, including a building at 6th and Main in Boise.
Interviewed by Troy Reeves on 27 June and 20 Sept. 2002 as part of
the repository's Smokejumpers and Forest Fire Fighters Oral History
Project.
2002 June 27 and Sept. 20
OH1452: R.P. "Dick" Wilcomb
interview
Wilcomb, R.
P., (interviewee)
1 cassette. Sound recordings
:
35 leaves. Transcript :
R.P. "Dick" Wilcomb discusses his experience as a smokejumper in
McCall, Idaho, in 1947. He also talks about packing parachutes, which he did
during the year he was in McCall. After leaving smokejumping, Wilcomb briefly
attended the University of Idaho. He later worked in the construction field on
various projects for Morrison-Knudsen on the Snake River, including the Bliss
Power Plant, among others. Wilcomb also talks about construction of the Salt
Lake Hardware Building (currently the Boise Public Library.)
Interviewed by Troy Reeves on 23 Nov. 1999 as part of the
repository's Smokejumpers and Forest Fire Fighters Oral History Project.
1999 Nov. 23
OH1464: Stanton "Stan" Tate
interviews
Tate, Stan,
1932- (creator)
7 cassettes. Sound recordings
:
200 leaves. Transcript :
In his seven interviews from July 2000 through February 2002 with
Troy Reeves, Stan Tate discusses his experience as a smokejumper in McCall from
1953 through 1963 and other aspects of his life from his early years (1930s) to
2002. Stan describes growing up in Boise in a wealthy, prominent family who
owned the Triangle Dairy, before becoming a smokejumper and chaplain. During
non-fire seasons in Idaho, Tate continued to work with smokejumpers as their
chaplain, which earned him the title “Idaho’s Smokejumping Chaplain.” He kept a
journal of those smokejumping experiences, and in 1995 converted into his book,
Jumping Skyward. His accomplishments include: running for state legislature in
1972, teaching philosophy/religion/ethics at BSU, Oregon State University, and
the University of Idaho, and helping young adults working as a priest, judge,
probation officer, and a member of the state’s juvenile justice commission.
Tate’s vast education includes a Bachelor’s degree in philosophy from the
University of Idaho, a Master’s degree in pastoral theology from Princeton
Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate in Biomedical Ethics from San Francisco
Theological Seminary. Retired from smokejumping, Stan continued to serve
smokejumpers, non-smokejumpers, and their familys with his traditional and
non-traditional style of ministry. Interviewed July 19, Sept. 22, and Oct. 27, 2000, Mar. 13, June
29, and Sept. 27, 2001, and Feb. 28, 2002, by Troy Reeves as part of the
repository's Smokejumpers and Forest Fire Fighters Oral History Project.
2000-2002
OH1467: Ted and Joy Koskella
interviews
2 cassettes. Sound recordings
:
49 leaves. Transcript :
Ted Koskella describes the numerous positions he held with the
U.S. Forest Service from the early 1930s until his retirement in 1976. Topics
include his World War II service as a Navy pilot; attending Oregon State
University where he received a degree in forestry; work as a lookout at the
Payette National Forest; and service in many other locations, including Oregon;
Utah; Washington, D.C.; New Mexico; Wyoming; California; and Idaho. His wife,
Joy Koskella, worked along side him as an unpaid volunteer and both express
their dedication to the national forests and their pride in having contributed
to them.
Interviewed by Troy Reeves on 17 May and 21 June 2000 as part of
the repository's Smokejumpers and Forest Fire Fighters Oral History
Project.
2000 May 17 and June 21
OH1466: Tommy "Shep" Johnson
interviews
Johnson, Tommy,
1931- (interviewee)
2 cassettes. Sound recordings
:
63 leaves. Transcript :
Johnson discusses his experience working as a smokejumper in
Idaho, New Mexico, and Alaska from 1956 to 1962. He discusses his life before
smokejumping while he was in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1950 to 1955, including
his experience during the Korean War. Johnson was recruited to work for the
CIA, kicking cargo, in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1975.
Upon his return to the U.S., he worked for the Bureau of Land Management from
1976 until he retired in 1990 after a truck accident.
Interviewed by Troy Reeves on May 1 and May 30, 2001, as part of
the repository's Smokejumpers and Forest Fire Fighters Oral History
Project.
2001 May 1 and 30
OH1982: Woody Williams
interview
Williams, Woody,
1941- (interviewee)
2 cassettes. Sound recordings
:
70 leaves. Transcript :
Williams describes his career with the U.S. Forest Service from
1957 until his retirement in 1996. The national forests Williams worked in
include the Wallowa-Whitman, Malheur, Rogue River, and the Willamette, all of
which are in Oregon. He also describes various positions he held, including one
as an Incident Commander on a National Incident Management Team.
Interviewed by Troy Reeves on 23 Mar. and 5 Apr. 2001 as part of
the repository's Smokejumpers and Forest Fire Fighters Oral History
Project.
2001 Mar. 23 and Apr. 5
Subjects
This collection is indexed under the following headings in the online
catalog.
Researchers desiring materials about related topics, persons, or
places should search the catalog using these headings.
