Pat, Florida, 1969. No. 335: High and Low

Because of my job I was unable to listen to the first 100 or so birthdays drawn in the first lottery.  When I returned to my apartrment my three roommates were all listening to the broadcast.  When I asked if my birthday had been called they responded...

Geoffrey, Florida, 1969. No. 357: The Waste of War

Like everyone I was listening for my number on the radio. I couldn’t believe my good luck. Over the next few days numbers were all anyone was talking about on campus (UF). I was glad of course but also sad for the fellows who did not do as well. In a way the...

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...