Interviewer
Kim Taylor
Files
Description
Hubert Roher briefly provides biographical information about his life prior to becoming a smokejumper. He recalls what led to his decision to become a conscientious objector [CO] during World War Two. Roher discusses why he applied for smokejumping within the Civilian Public Service [CPS] program as well as the physical tests and required training he underwent. He describes two instances when he had problems landing while training as a smokejumper, including his last jump that left him with a broken ankle. Roher talks about working as a camp cook on the Bell Lake [Idaho] fire in 1944. He also recalls working with other CPS smokejumpers during the off-season to move a steel bridge from St. Regis to Lozeau for the Forest Service. Rohrer concludes the interview by reflecting on why many of the CPS members chose smokejumping over other jobs that were available through the program.
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Document Type
Oral History
Subjects
American Friends Service Committee; Civilian Public Service; Conscientious objectors, United States; Smokejumpers, Idaho; Smokejumpers, Montana; World War, 1939-1945; Methodist Church; 4-E classification; Buck Creek, North Carolina; Smokejumper training; Continental Patrol; Big Prairie Ranger Station; Cooley, Earl; Bell Lake Fire, 1944; German prisoners of war [POWs]; Seeley Lake, Montana; Dodge, R. Wagner “Wag”
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 163-004
Media Type
Sound; Text
Original Format
1 sound cassette (01:00:00 min.) analog + 1 transcript (12 p.: 28 cm.)
Digital Format
audio/mp3; application/pdf
Run Time
00:46:25 minutes
Local Filename
OH_163_004.mp3; OH_163_004.pdf
Citation
Rohrer, Hubert, "Hubert Rohrer Interview, August 12, 1986" (1986). Civilian Public Service Smokejumpers Oral History Project. 4.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/civilianpublicservicesmokejumpers_oralhistory/4