Henry, Pennsylvania, 1969. No. 350s: Defeat from Victory

I was a supporter of the war…conservative before my time. Because I did support the war, I planned to enlist if drafted, so I wasn’t particularly worried, although I was very frustrated by the war protesters and main stream media undermining support within...

William, North Carolina, 1969. No. 362: No-Fly Regrets

In 1969, I had applied to, and been accepted for, Air Force ROTC.  But, I knew it was unlikely I would get pilot opportunities because of vision.  I received the acceptance letter before the lottery, with a deadline for acceptance of the slot...

Mark, 1969. No. 59: Ski Accident Lucky Break

Since I was 24 in 1969 and would soon no longer be eligible for a student deferment from the military I anxiously awaited my draft number.  When I learned that my lottery number was 059,  I was worried.  The Draft Resistance...

Dave, Florida, 1969. No. 21: From Dump Trucks to B-52s

I was married and had a baby daughter my senior year at the University of Wisconsin which, at the time, had many anti-war protesters filling the streets. Working three jobs and carrying the full load of credits, I stayed busy to say the least. Bar tending, working...

Ray, Wisconsin, 1969. No. 8: C.O. Status–Low Pay in the USA

There were 7 of us renting a house on Milton St and we were all eligible that first lottery.  Six of the 7 got numbers under 50, and the 7th was over 350.  It goes without saying that the week following the lottery is more than a bit fuzzy.  All the...

Marvin, Illinois, 1969. No. 212: Nixon's Promise

After graduation from the University of Wisconsin, I was waiting for my number (212) to be called.  I was called to take my physical with several others from my old High School.  I remember of the seven of us that took the train into Chicago, four of them...