I was born on May 6, 1950, and my number was 155. I had a college deferment and told everyone "goodbye" at school on the day of the drawing. I was convinced I would get a high number and did not plan to return to school on December 2. Obviously, that didn't work out as I had hoped, and I was back in my seat that next day instead of enjoying life. I had no intention of going to Vietnam and would have gone to Canada or prison to avoid it. I kept going to school, graduated in 1972, and never did get drafted.
I turned 18 on 11/12/68. Joined the Coast Guard on 1/13/69, serving 4 yrs active rather than 2 yrs dodging bullets. While in Boot Camp, I got my draft notice as expected with my low draft number. For the times, joining the CG was the best choice. It disrupted my life, and I realized how it changed my course traveled, but all said it was a very positive experience with many good memories
As was common across the country, I was in the "common" room at our men's residence hall during my second year of college. The room was packed for the "drawing'. A date would be called and somewhere in the room we would hear muttering, or something a little more colorful, and someone would walk out. Personally, my birthdate was one of the last called.
I watched that lottery; my birthday is September 14. I had a laugh. When I watched it, I was an E-4 and had already served more than three years in the USAF and had less than a year to go. Only lottery I ever won. (lost?)
While on active duty in the army , guys would ask what was your number . I didn’t know , because I was already in for 3 months before the lottery started . Most 11 D-10 . We all wound up in Nam .
What happens after your drafted? The process? Do you go immediately? Do they come pick you up? Do you go somewhere? Do you have time? A week' two? Do you train? Do you go straight to Vietnam? I absolutely can't find anything of the actual process of being drafted.
I was born on May 6, 1950, and my number was 155. I had a college deferment and told everyone "goodbye" at school on the day of the drawing. I was convinced I would get a high number and did not plan to return to school on December 2. Obviously, that didn't work out as I had hoped, and I was back in my seat that next day instead of enjoying life. I had no intention of going to Vietnam and would have gone to Canada or prison to avoid it. I kept going to school, graduated in 1972, and never did get drafted.
I turned 18 on 11/12/68. Joined the Coast Guard on 1/13/69, serving 4 yrs active rather than 2 yrs dodging bullets. While in Boot Camp, I got my draft notice as expected with my low draft number. For the times, joining the CG was the best choice. It disrupted my life, and I realized how it changed my course traveled, but all said it was a very positive experience with many good memories
As was common across the country, I was in the "common" room at our men's residence hall during my second year of college. The room was packed for the "drawing'. A date would be called and somewhere in the room we would hear muttering, or something a little more colorful, and someone would walk out. Personally, my birthdate was one of the last called.
I watched that lottery; my birthday is September 14. I had a laugh. When I watched it, I was an E-4 and had already served more than three years in the USAF and had less than a year to go. Only lottery I ever won. (lost?)
Great story, thanks for sharing and thanks for your service!
Service over and done Feb 65. Not yet 21. Right decisions
While on active duty in the army , guys would ask what was your number . I didn’t know , because I was already in for 3 months before the lottery started . Most 11 D-10 . We all wound up in Nam .
The australian draft wasnt as
Numerous as the usa one
I turned 20 in dec 1966
However birthdate not drawn
Only one chance in 12 of being
Called up!
drafted in may 1968
What happens after your drafted? The process? Do you go immediately? Do they come pick you up? Do you go somewhere? Do you have time? A week' two? Do you train? Do you go straight to Vietnam? I absolutely can't find anything of the actual process of being drafted.