Charles, Kansas, 1969. No. 335: What Were The Odds?

I was attending the University of Kansas when the 1969 draft lottery was implemented. At the time I was living in a coed dorm, McCollum Hall and we all gathered around the television in the main lobby. This is a large dorm; three wings, 10 stories so there was a...

Mark, Kansas, 1969: No. 289: Wrong Birthday

I was keenly aware of the televised draft lottery on December 1, 1969 and very scared for the outcome and how it might affect me.  Rather than suffer through watching all the 366 draws, I chose to attend KU’s home basketball game vs....

Rich, Kansas, 1969. No. 159: Random Absurdity

There are a handful of numbers you always remember. The street address of your childhood home. Your social security number. The date of your wedding anniversary. And, if you are a man of certain age, you remember your draft lottery number. Mine was 159.You remember...

Rick, Kansas, 1969. No. 357: We Need to Celebrate

I was a junior at the University of Kansas, studying for a physical chemistry test that night and somewhat oblivious to the drawing.  My girlfriend called me and said they just drew my number.  I asked "OK, so what was it?"  "No....

Mark, Kansas, 1969. No. 016: Not on the Plan

I was in medical school with a deferment when the lottery was held. I was due to graduate in 1972 so I was considering the Berry Plan. The Associate Dean was a General in the Air Force Reserves and told me that the draft would end for sure in 1972, and not to sign up...

Craig, Illinois, 1969. No. 129: Ignore the Army

My draft number in the 1969 lottery was 129, but I beat the draft.I received a draft notice in December 1966, but by then I had already enlisted in the Marines for 4 years in November 1966, and was scheduled to go on active duty to Parris Island in March...