Interviewer
Rosa Stone
Files
Description
H. Lee Hebel, who was raised in the Lutheran church, describes his decision to register as a conscientious objector [CO] during World War Two. He talks about working various Civilian Public Service [CPS] jobs, including smokejumping in Montana and Idaho. Hebel recalls how smokejumping increased his appreciation of both nature, and how he wanted to serve his country by doing something that he felt was courageous. Hebel details what it was like working for Wagner “Wag” Dodge, and Earl Cooley, and details the differences between the two crew leaders. He recalls being hospitalized during his time in CPS due to a pilonidal cyst. Hebel describes clearing snow in Luray, Virginia, and working on a cattle boat after being discharged from smokejumping. He reminisces about taking trips to Danzig, Poland, and Trieste, Italy, working as a cattleman with members of the Church of the Brethren.
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Document Type
Oral History
Subjects
American Friends Service Committee; Civilian Public Service; Conscientious objectors United States Interviews; Smokejumpers Montana Interviews; Smokejumpers Idaho Interviews; World War, 1939-1945 Conscientious objectors; Cooley, Earl; Dodge, Wagner; Luray, Virginia; Newport News, Virginia; Danzig, Poland; Trieste, Italy; Cattle Boat; Church of the Brethren
Original Date
8-13-1986
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 163-010
Media Type
Sound; Text
Original Format
1 sound cassette (01:30:00 min.) analog + 1 transcript (14 p.: 28 cm.)
Digital Format
audio/mp3; application/pdf
Run Time
00:43:27 minutes
Local Filename
OH_163_010.mp3; OH_163_010.pdf
Citation
Hebel, H. Lee, "H. Lee Hebel Interview, August 13, 1986" (1986). Civilian Public Service Smokejumpers Oral History Project. 9.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/civilianpublicservicesmokejumpers_oralhistory/9