Donald, Missouri, 1969. No. 078: Expecting to be Called

I became classified as 1-A in April 1971, after leaving the US Air Force Academy and passing the army physical. I then attended college, fully expecting to be called during that Spring semester. However, in approximately November or December 1971,  Sec. of Defense...

Neil, Missouri, 1969. No. 21: Play Ball

I “avoided” the draft by joining the US Army Reserves in 1968. Since I was already in, the draft was not a concern for me. On draft night, I arrived late in joining a group of frat brothers listening to the numbers being called. Of the remaining numbers, mine...

Larry, Missouri, 1969. No. 277: Focus of Conversation

I was living in Hardin House at the time of the lottery. I was a senior at the time and I graduated in January 1970. The draft had a bigger influence on my future career than it did on my education because regardless of the number, I probably would have completed my...

Gary, Michigan, 1969. No. 364: Disbelief and Relief

I was working at the Columbia Missourian that night. I took a quick look at the numbers before going out on a reporting assignment. But I saw only the most recent birth dates picked, and the lottery was still ongoing. Pressed for time, I went to my assignment thinking...

Joseph, Missouri, 1969. No. 137: Three Rabbits From a Hat

I earned a BS in Agricultural Economics from the University of Missouri in May 1970. On June 22, I took a train, for my first-ever train ride, from my hometown of Hermann, Missouri, to St. Louis. On June 23, 1970, I was inducted into the Army to serve my beloved...