Fire Fighting Skymasters

[Borden]

I would be interested in learning more about the 337s,and Skymaster Pilots who risked their lives to protect our country's natural beauty, as well as the homes and lives of others.

It is my understanding that usually a Skymaster with the On Scene Commander would make the first low level run over a Fire Zone to warn the fire fighters on the ground to take cover. He would then climb to an orbiting altitude and direct the tankers to begin their runs along the same flight path and altitude. In the movie "Always", which has a short highlight of the Skymaster, Steven Spielberg shows the viewer just how difficult and dangerous these missions could be.

A quick internet search revealed several Skymaster Pilots who died fighting fires.

Any information, experiences, and/or stories our Members could share would be appreciated. It appears the 337's contribution to this vital mission has not been fully recognized. Borden
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