Charles, Illinois, 1970. No. 167: Beneficial Training

My lottery number was called in my last month of eligibility, and I received an induction notice during my first year of law school at Boston College.  I notified my Selective Service Office, which gave me a deferment to the end of the school...

Al, Colorado, 1969. No. 135: By The Grace of God

I had one quarter of school left to complete my degree requirements.  In August of 1969 a busload of potential draftees, self included, had been bussed to Denver AAFES (Army Air Force Examining Station) for our pre-induction physical. I passed with flying...

Terry, 1963

I started college in 1963 (age 18) at SUNY Stony Brook New York and continued for 5 semesters before joining the Marine Corps. I expected to serve 2 years then return and complete my engineering degree. We all knew that service of some kind was bound to occur sooner...

Don, Illinois, 1969. No. 048: Six-pack in Hand

I was a senior at Eastern Illinois University. I was in the trailer of a fraternity brother, six-pack of beer in hand. My number came up 48. I signed up for the delayed entry program -decided on schooling for air traffic controller – but my father, a retired...

Terry, Maryland, 1969. No. 087: Tower Rat

I was living in Annapolis, Md. In October 1969 I turned 19. In November 1969 I took and passed my pre-induction physical in Baltimore. In December 1969 my birthday got No. 087 in the lottery. Then I heard nothing more for all of 1970. My family moved to...