Pete, Kansas, 1969. No. 193: A Big Target

I was lottery number 193.  At the time of the drawing I was a senior at the University of Kansas and was going to graduate in May of 1970.  I felt sure I would be drafted as soon as I graduated.  I’m 6’4" tall and weighed about 250 and...

Scott, Colorado, 1969. No. 168: On the Air.

At the time I received my draft lottery notification, I decided to enlist in the U.S. Air Force for four years.  I majored in Journalism (Radio-TV-Film) at KU and received my B.S. degree in 1970.  The Air Force needed broadcast journalists at that time, so I...

Greg, Texas, 1969. No. 244: Change of Outlook

The lottery was pretty scary on the campus of the University of Kansas, and a lot of the fear of getting a low draft number was masked by gallows humor.  One fraternity had a "you bet your life" drawing.  Each member put in $5.00 and the one with...

Michael, Kansas, 1969. No. 027: Procrastination

Mine was a paradoxical story.  Although I drew a low number, I had a I-Y classification at the time due to a congenital back condition.  Later when I was accepted to medical school I again became draft eligible.  Most of my medical school...

Stephen, Kansas, 1969. No. 232: Lottery Night Romance

I was a senior at the University of Kansas. Oh, yes! I remember well the night of the first draft lottery in 1969. First of all, I was enjoying the company of a beautiful, young woman, Donna, to whom I later proposed and married. We decided to lay in bed and enjoy...

Doug, Texas, 1969. No. 343: Good Use of A Reprieve

I happen to have kept my draft card. Dated 6-20-67, and signed by Mildred E Walters. My selective service number was 14 68 49 ***, and I was classified II-S. I came across it, for the first time in 40-some years, just last week.  Luckily for me, my date of birth...