Jim, Wisconsin, 1969. No. 113: Forced Out

My birth date was 113 in the lottery.  I had to go to Milwaukee on a bus with a bunch of other young men and go through the military’s screening tests.  I did NOT want to go to the war, which I thought was immoral and just plain wrong.  So I...

Edmund, New Jersey, 1966. Pre-Lottery MOS Draft

This is the story of Edmund Weinberg who served as a captain, Veterinary Corps, attached to Army Munitions Command, Ford Detrick, Frederick Maryland, 1966-1968. I write this to point out that everyone who served was not selected by or subject to the lottery;...

Alan, Illinois, 1969. No. 364: Cramming At The Library

The evening of the very first lottery had everyone on campus glued to the TV or radio, save a few of us who had other considerations.  I was facing a major Econ exam scheduled for early the next morning and, not being an A student, needed every minute of...

Tom, New York, 1969. No. 30: Packing Up A Life In Five Days

Since 1969 I have been telling friends that the only lottery that I have ever won was the 1969 draft lottery.  I remember being in the den of my dorm (I was the Housefellow) watching TV with all the other residents. Just men at the time and most all...

Ron, Illinois, 1969. No. 95: The Built-Up Heel

I attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison, during the years 1969 – 1971 after completing my first two years of college near my home at the UW Sheboygan Center Campus. I feel privileged to have attended the UW during that unique and memorable time in...