Firefighters with Joe Harris and family (Photo: Neil Gallagher)
While combating the Los Angeles wildfires, a group of Marine Veterans and active wildland firefighters made a special stop to visit 108-year-old Joe Harris, a World War II Veteran and one of the last surviving members of the historic 555th Parachute Infantry Regiment. Known as the “Triple Nickles,” the unit was the first all-Black parachute infantry battalion in U.S. history and played a significant role in combating wildfires during the war.
During the visit, the group presented Mr. Harris with a Pulaski, a firefighting tool still in use today, and a paratrooper patch. For Harris, who made 72 parachute jumps during his service, the gesture was deeply meaningful, symbolizing a bridge between his legacy and the ongoing work of today’s wildfire fighters. Neil Gallagher, a former wildland firefighter and founder of Preserving the Stories, organized the visit with members of his old firefighting crew, all of whom are Marine Corps Veterans.
The 555th Parachute Infantry Regiment was created during World War II in response to a recommendation to establish an all-Black airborne unit. Formed in 1943 and nicknamed the “Triple Nickles” after their numerical designation and insignia of three buffalo nickels, the unit faced significant racial prejudice but rose to become one of the most skilled airborne teams of the era. Although they did not see overseas combat, they were deployed in 1945 to the West Coast for a classified mission known as Operation Firefly. Their mission was to combat wildfires caused by Japanese balloon bombs—incendiary devices launched across the Pacific to ignite forest fires in the United States.
The Triple Nickles made history as the first airborne military firefighters, parachuting into rugged terrain to suppress fires and dismantle undetonated bombs. Over six months, they completed 36 fire missions, paving the way for modern smokejumping techniques. Despite their achievements, their contributions remained largely unrecognized for decades. Following the war, the 555th was integrated into the 82nd Airborne Division, becoming part of the first integrated division in the U.S. Army.
Joe Harris’s story reflects the courage and determination of the Triple Nickles. After his service, Harris worked for the U.S. Border Patrol and has lived in Compton, California, for over 60 years. As one of the few remaining World War II Veterans—and possibly the last living member of the 555th—Harris represents a vital link to a chapter of military history that is too often overlooked. Of the 16 million Americans who served during the war, fewer than 100,000 are alive today, making it all the more important to preserve their stories.
Gallagher founded Preserving the Stories in 2008 to ensure that the personal histories of Veterans from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War are not lost. The organization has since conducted interviews with over 150 Veterans across three continents. While Gallagher initially hoped to interview Harris for the nonprofit, the Veteran’s health prevented it. Gallagher stresses the urgency of capturing these narratives, particularly as time runs out for many Veterans. As Harris approaches his 109th birthday in June, his story continues to inspire.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
