Interviewer
Kim Taylor
Files
Description
Robert “Bob” Searles provides biographical information about his life prior to becoming a smokejumper, including his college years, and working in the radio and television business. Searles explains how he became a conscientious objector and what led to his decision to train as a smokejumper. He recalls his first jump, which resulted in two sprained ankles, and details a difficult let-down when he got his chute caught in a tree. Searles describes some of his off-duty activities, including transplanting trees, working as a cook, and assisting with a training movie. He discusses two experiences he had involving a moose and another with a mountain lion while working on a fire. Searles recalls the camaraderie among the Civilian Public Service [CPS] smokejumpers as well as other servicemen, and he emphasizes his continued support of pacifism.
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Document Type
Oral History
Subjects
American Friends Service Committee; Civilian Public Service; Conscientious objectors, United States; Smokejumpers, Montana; Smokejumpers, Oregon; World War, 1939-1945; The Charlie Ruggles Show, Oxford movement; Gandhi, Mahatma; Methodist Church; Cooley, Earl; Wesley Club Student Union; Smokejumper training; Cascade Locks, Oregon; Big Meadow Creek Fire; Seeley Lake, Montana; Missoula, Montana
Original Date
8-12-1986
Time Period
Twentieth century
Geographic Coverage
Montana
Language
eng
Original Collection
Civilian Public Service Smokejumpers Oral History Project, OH 163, Archives and Special Collections, Mansfield Library, University of Montana-Missoula
Digital Publisher
University of Montana--Missoula. Mansfield Library
Rights
Copyright to this collection is held by the interview participants and by the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, University of Montana-Missoula. Permission may be required for use. For further information please contact Archives and Special Collections: (406) 243-2053 / library.archives@umontana.edu
Oral History Number
OH 163-003
Media Type
Sound; Text
Original Format
1 sound cassette (01:00:00 min.) analog + 1 transcript (11 p.: 28 cm.)
Digital Format
audio/mp3; application/pdf
Run Time
00:34:37 minutes
Local Filename
OH_163_003.mp3; OH_163_003.pdf
Citation
Searles, Robert, "Robert Searles Interview, August 12, 1986" (1986). Civilian Public Service Smokejumpers Oral History Project. 3.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/civilianpublicservicesmokejumpers_oralhistory/3