David, Georgia, 1969. No. 169: The Monster Was Real

by | Nov 22, 2010 | Stories

The Vietnam war and the draft were an immense weight on male college students. And of course, far more intense for those non-students who were drafted. Students had the II-S deferment, but there was always this monster–the draft and shipment to...

John, North Carolina, 1969. No. 028: Karma Is A Bitch

by | Nov 19, 2010 | Stories

I remember sitting around the commons room getting drunk and cheering as each number was drawn. Mine was pretty low at 28. I remember that it was low enough to make it suicidal to drop out of school.I had considered taking time out of school for "personal...

Larry, North Carolina, 1969. No. 230: Convoluted Escape

by | Nov 16, 2010 | Stories

I had originally planned to enroll in Navy ROTC when I entered Duke, but my major (Physics) advisor AND the ROTC Commander both suggested that I finish my undergraduate degree and then apply to OCS. So I was not unwilling to serve when the lottery was held, but I just...

Bill, Illinois, 1969. No. 012: Watching The Generals

by | Nov 16, 2010 | Stories

I remember that day well, the day they drew the draft numbers. I went with my friends at York House over to an early season Duke basketball game in Greensboro. During the timeouts, the announcer would read the latest draft numbers that were drawn. Mine didn’t...

Mark, Louisiana, 1969. No. 228: Rainy Night In Durham

by | Nov 16, 2010 | Stories

There are some numbers you never forget.   One is your Vietnam era lottery number.  You also don’t forget that first year of the draft lottery and listening to it on the radio.  I wonder what the Nielsen number was.My memory is not...