Bob, Texas, 1969. No. 323: Basic Training Chow Line

I graduated from KU in June of 1969. Local Board 47 in Independence, Kansas had me reclassified to I-A and drafted even before KU mailed my diploma to me. I was standing in a basic training chow line when I found out my lottery number was 323–talk about bad...

Stephen, Washington, 1969. No. 098: Keep the Bag in Your Hand

I’m amazed to think how unaware I was, beyond the desire to stay out of the Army.  If my eyes had been better I would have gone into the Air Force and might have ended up at the Hanoi Hilton.  The Air Force would have taken me but not as a pilot....

Michael, Kansas, pre-lottery: Regardless of Validity

I was drafted in the summer of 1969 a few months before the lottery went into effect.  I am now a disabled combat veteran of Viet Nam due to Agent Orange, PTSD etc.  I am very proud of my service and that I was patriotic enough to go to war for my country...

Frank, 1971. No. 034: Serving My Way

I was a pacifist Bahai at the time of the war, having applied for a I-A-0 and been dropped to II-S since I was in college.  Saint Louis Univ. started a BSSW program so I transferred to the School of Social Work.  Never having draft age men they didn’t...

Phil, Texas, 1969. No. 130: The Army Won't Pay

Graduated from KU in June, 1969. Went home to St. Louis area and went to work. Got a notice (don’t remember when in 1969) to report to the St. Louis (Missouri) Army Depot for a "pre-induction physical". Got on a bus near where I lived and got...