Greg, Texas, 1969. No. 244: Change of Outlook

The lottery was pretty scary on the campus of the University of Kansas, and a lot of the fear of getting a low draft number was masked by gallows humor.  One fraternity had a "you bet your life" drawing.  Each member put in $5.00 and the one with...

Michael, Kansas, 1969. No. 027: Procrastination

Mine was a paradoxical story.  Although I drew a low number, I had a I-Y classification at the time due to a congenital back condition.  Later when I was accepted to medical school I again became draft eligible.  Most of my medical school...

Stephen, Kansas, 1969. No. 232: Lottery Night Romance

I was a senior at the University of Kansas. Oh, yes! I remember well the night of the first draft lottery in 1969. First of all, I was enjoying the company of a beautiful, young woman, Donna, to whom I later proposed and married. We decided to lay in bed and enjoy...

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...