Whatcom READS: Triple Nickles

This first all-black paratrooper unit’s mission and service involving Washington state made quiet history and is all but forgotten. In a surprising and insightful presentation, Robert L. “Bob” Bartlett tells the tale of the “555,” paratroopers who, despite being prevented from serving in Europe or realizing some of the same privileges and rights granted white soldiers at home, served with distinction when cross-trained to become “Smokejumpers.”

Trained by U.S. Forest Service Rangers, members of the “555” jumped on some 36 forest fires as first responders, including the 1945 Mt. Baker fire. In the process of helping to save our forest, they gained military fame as the first all-black “Airborne Infantry Firefighters.” This free community event is part of Whatcom READS. This year’s book is The Big Burn: Teddy Roosevelt and the Fire that Saved America by Timothy Egan.