H. Lee Hebel Interview, August 13, 1986

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.https://scholarworks.umt.edu/civilianpublicservicesmokejumpers_oralhistory/1017/thumbnail.jp