At first he proposed discarding his parachute to reduce wind resistance , but was finally persuaded to take it .
As a last resort Sergeant Ward volunteered to make an attempt to smother the fire with an engine cover which happened to be in use as a cushion .
At first Sergeant Ward proposed discarding Sergeant Ward 's parachute to reduce wind resistance , but was finally persuaded to take it .
As a last resort Sergeant Ward volunteered to make an attempt to smother the fire with an engine cover which happened to be in use as a cushion .