Bob, West Virginia, 1969. No. 125: The Groundskeeper

I was in the Peace Corps in West Africa when I learned of my draft number.  It was considered too low at the time. I extended for a 3rd year, returning to the US in 1971.  While substitute teaching in Cleveland, I secured conscientious objector status base...

Robert, California, 1969. No. 209: Drafted With Family

The lottery number 209 was assigned to my birthday, 30 June, in the first lottery drawing held on December 1, 1969.  I had registered in June 1966 and had been granted a II-S student deferment.  In December of 1967, I married, and in July of 1968,...

John, NC, 1969: Amid The Protesters

When I turned 18, I lived with my family in Nashville, Tennesee; therefore that’s where my draft board was.  By the time the lottery system was in place, I had decided that, even though I opposed the war, I would not resist the draft.  This was equal...

Ron, Washington, 1969. No. 309: Still See The Faces

I grew up in Asheville, NC, and by the time the lottery began, a number of friends and acquaintances from the mountains had died in Vietnam. My father had been in the Service in WW II in the 1st Marine Division in the Pacific. He was adamantly opposed to any...

Leo, 1969. No. 001: Burst of Profanity

I was watching TV in the day room in my home at the time: the 4533rd Tac Traing squdron at Eglin AFB, FL. I had rotated to Florida. after nineteen months in Okinawa, and temporary duty in both Japan and Korea during the Pubelo incident.I was half paying attention...

Randal, Michigan, 1969. No. 128: Watching In Danang

On December 1, 1969 I was in Danang with my unit and some guy had a black and white tv with the lottery on.  We watched for our birthdates and mine was No. 128.  I was 60 days short and was glad my tour was almost over.  I didn’t want a day...