Interviewer
Kim Taylor
Files
Description
Ed Nafzinger recalls his childhood, his registration for conscientious objector status, and his decision to become a smokejumper. Nafzinger details his training and talks about one hard landing he had during training that resulted in a concussion. He describes working on parachute rigging after his recovery and performing exhibition jumps for Paramount Studios and the Armed Forces to demonstrate slotted parachutes. Nafzinger notes that his parents weren’t happy about his decision to become a smokejumper. He discusses the camaraderie among the smokejumpers, despite their diverse philosophical backgrounds. Nafzinger mentions memorable fires and pack-outs with which he was involved as well as his experience with wildlife. He ends by stating the important role smokejumpers play in keeping communities and the environment safe.
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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; Mennonite Church; 4-E classification; Cooley, Earl; Smokejumper training; Seeley Lake Ranger Station, Montana; Armed Forces; Paramount Studios; Grand Canyon; Geology
Original Date
8-11-1986
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 163-005
Media Type
Sound; Text
Original Format
1 sound cassette (01:00:00 min.) analog + 1 transcript (13 p.: 28 cm.)
Digital Format
audio/mp3; application/pdf
Run Time
00:53:56 minutes
Local Filename
OH_163_005.mp3; OH_163_005.pdf
Citation
Nafzinger, Ed, "Ed Nafzinger Interview, August 11, 1986" (1986). Civilian Public Service Smokejumpers Oral History Project. 5.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/civilianpublicservicesmokejumpers_oralhistory/5