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...

Paul, Kansas, 1969. No. 166: The Band Plays On

I graduated from the University of Kansas in January, 1970 with a degree in Music Education. In those days we came back to school for a couple of weeks after Christmas break, had finals, and then the semester was over. February 1, 1970 my wife and I purchased a music...

Jon, Kansas, 1969: Fortunate Son

I was among the fortunate sons who received a draft deferral or exemption simply because I was able to attend college. That privileged status continued through medical school and into residency. Nonetheless, on that fateful (for some) night, we crowded in to watch the...

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...