In 1941, as the United States faced the growing threat of World War II, the Wilbraham Fire Department responded to the escalating national emergency with foresight and determination. Recognizing the potential for wartime crises, the department established the Auxiliary Fire Department to strengthen the town's emergency preparedness.
This newly formed unit is comprised of twenty-three dedicated volunteers who are trained and equipped to assist the main fire department with firefighting and other critical tasks. Their readiness was a testament to the community's collective resolve, ensuring Wilbraham was prepared to face any challenge the war might bring.
That resolve was put to the test on a crisp winter day, December 19, 1942, when the skies above Wilbraham bore witness to a dramatic event. Lieutenant Russel D. Lynn, a 24-year-old pilot with the 342nd Fighter Squadron, took off from Westover Field in Chicopee, Massachusetts, in his P-47B Thunderbolt (Serial No. 41-5960). Flying in formation with his squadron on a training mission, Lt. Lynn’s powerful aircraft represented the cutting edge of American aviation.
As the formation soared over the quiet, snow-covered hills of Wilbraham, disaster struck. Lt. Lynn's aircraft began trailing smoke—a clear sign of engine trouble. Facing a dire situation, he acted with remarkable composure and a deep sense of duty. Steering his stricken plane away from populated areas, he prioritized the safety of the town below.
Meanwhile, the unmanned P-47 continued its descent, eventually crashing and exploding in a wooded area off Stony Hill Road, about a quarter-mile from the intersection with Old Boston Road near the Ludlow town line. The fiery wreckage sent smoke billowing into the cold winter sky, drawing the attention of residents and first responders alike.
Members of the North Wilbraham Fire Department, along with state police, rushed to the scene. Amid the chaos, they worked to extinguish the flames and secure the area, preventing further harm. Lt. Lynn, shaken but uninjured, made his way to the crash site, where he was met by these brave responders.
The events of that day demonstrated both Lt. Lynn’s courage and quick thinking and the steadfast dedication of Wilbraham’s emergency personnel. This dramatic episode became a vivid chapter in the town’s history, symbolizing the challenges and sacrifices faced during a time of war.
For the people of Wilbraham, the crash served as a stark reminder of the perils endured by young pilots training for combat. It also underscored the importance of their preparedness efforts—efforts that began with the establishment of the Auxiliary Fire Department just a year earlier.
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