Oral History Interview with Wilmer "Bill" Carlsen, 1984 August 29

Wilmer Carlsen discusses joining the smokejumpers under the Civilian Public Service program (CPS) in 1943 because he was a conscientious objector during World War Two. He describes his experiences as a smokejumper, including the fires he worked, and his relationships with regular Forest Service employees, as well as other religiously-affiliated conscientious objectors. Carlsen recalls his training, as well as the duties to which he was assigned in the off-season, including cooking and working on construction projects.