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.
