Posted on Mar 11, 2016
What were your feelings and thoughts when you first opened your draft notice?
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This question is for our Vietnam era Veterans here on RallyPoint. Share with us what your feelings were when you first received and opened your draft notice.
The Comments Here are Historical and Awesome!
What was your stance on the war? Explain your opinion
Did your parents put ideas into your head about the war that you didn't nessisarly believe in?
The Comments Here are Historical and Awesome!
What was your stance on the war? Explain your opinion
Did your parents put ideas into your head about the war that you didn't nessisarly believe in?
Edited 4 y ago
Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 917
WTF! I had just graduated from Infantry OCS and stopped at home before taking off for Vietnam when I received mine. I dressed in my brand new 2LT duds and dutifully reported to the Draft Board at the appointed hour (0600) in Towson, MD. When the elderly lady at the desk asked if she could help me, I handed her my missive from the Draft Board. She scanned it and then looked up at me to say, "You are some kind of smart ass, aren't you?" I smiled and nodded, then did an about face and departed. Yes, I'm still that person today...
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PO1 Richard Wilson
I enlisted also at 17 fresh out of High School, Parents were Military and whole Family was also Military. My duty was to my Country no one else.
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Sgt John Guglielmi
Graduated from High School in 1961. Joined the Air Force in December when I turned 18. Never did receive a draft notice. Best friend went to college, got married, got drafted and ended up in Vietnam. You never knew.
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A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney
Sgt John Guglielmi -
I DROPPED OUT Of Public Schools Mid 9th Grade....Enlisted ON My 17th Birthday; ~~ 06/29/1961~~ And I Had To LIE To Get IN. The minimum Requirement At THAT Time, Was 10 grade.... SO When I Hit My 1st Base, Little Rock AFB (SAC), I Ran To The Education Office & Completed My GED ~ Then For 4 Years Running, I Took EVER Business Course I Could Lay My Hands On, Through U.S.A.F.I. ~ The "United States Armed Forces Institute".. And I Thank The Gods For Them!! A REAL "Life Changer"!!.
~~~ THANK YOU USAF ~~~~~
I DROPPED OUT Of Public Schools Mid 9th Grade....Enlisted ON My 17th Birthday; ~~ 06/29/1961~~ And I Had To LIE To Get IN. The minimum Requirement At THAT Time, Was 10 grade.... SO When I Hit My 1st Base, Little Rock AFB (SAC), I Ran To The Education Office & Completed My GED ~ Then For 4 Years Running, I Took EVER Business Course I Could Lay My Hands On, Through U.S.A.F.I. ~ The "United States Armed Forces Institute".. And I Thank The Gods For Them!! A REAL "Life Changer"!!.
~~~ THANK YOU USAF ~~~~~
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Never got one, I enlisted into the Marine Corps before getting any notice! I enlisted at 17 on a 90 day wait program because I did not want to get drafted into the Army. No offense brothers and sisters, I just wanted to be a Marine! I knew that I was eventually going to be deployed to Nam which I was. I was a hell of a bugle player and I always wanted to be selected to audition to play in the Commandants Own which after serving two tours in Nam in a Combat Unit, I finally got my chance. At least I fulfilled my dream!
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CPL (Join to see)
You said bugle is that as in drum and bugle? If so who did you March with? As for me Blue Angels Drum Corp from Danvers Massachusetts. And thank you for your service.
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MSgt James Jenkins
Never got one either. Enlisted in the A.F. 11 July 1955 ten days before I turned 18. Before that I had played baritone bugle in the Racine Boy Scouts Drum and Bugle Corp. Nine months after I enlisted I was at my first assignment in the UK. The AF had bands back then but I don't think they had a D & C and I don't think they needed a bugle player. I enjoyed both including my 24 years with the A.F. I have watched the Marines perform on several occasions and they are what I would consider as a real D & C. Hopefully they will continue on in that manner for a long time.
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Sir, In high school, I knew that I wanted to join the Marine Corps as soon as I graduated. I felt that aiding South Vietnam was a just cause. My parents were both deceased, and my sister who I was living with did not want me to join. My friends all thought that I was crazy. I have no regrets over my decision. I never received a draft notice.
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1SG Frank Girona
I was surprised in April 1967. I just got to the USA,,from Barcelona Spain..Permanent resident(Green Card) I reported to the selective service, as I was told to do so..In sep 1967 I got the letter>>:Draft.. , I was sent to Americal Division, Chulai, Vietnam..7 month after. some one told to me, get ready, I will go to Honolulu, Hawaii to became US citizen. 4 soldiers including me went to Honolulu for 7 days. Until now, I do not know who did the paper work to became US citizen,,It was great after all. Good men..LBJ.
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Suspended Profile
re. Sgt T Hallock-
Thank you for the reasons you had for joining.
Thank you for the reasons you had for joining.
Suspended Profile
Sgt (Join to see) - Since you responded, I hope you don't mind if we can maybe correspond a little. I have so much to ask but I promise to try not to be overwhelming
Full disclosure, My Dad was a Vietnam Veteran and career Air Force, putting in 23 years. He was there in 1970-71. We stayed at Ft. Campbell, KY which was a waiting wives base. The Army took good care of us while he was away. I'm 62 so I was 11 and 12 at the time. He's gone now, died of prostate cancer. I served 4 years in the USAF 1977-81.
He never spoke about it much but I do know he didn't like what he was seeing or what happened. I also know he would have absolutely no desire or interest to become friends with the enemy especially at the expense of SV.
If I have any criticism of you guys (and I say that in no derogatory way) it's the nonchalant way the majority of you seem to have taken it over the years. First, there was the crushing emotional toll when Saigon fell and then years of confusion if I can put it that way and then the current attitude; win some lose some kind of thing.
I may ramble so please forgive me. Instead of blind fury, there's something else. And comensurating with NVA soldiers stateside, inviting them to tell their stories over some brews and snacks isn't practical or the right thing to do.
You guys know more than anyone what monsters they were and still are. And we were Saints compared to them. I don't say that with any hesitation. Not My Lai or anything was worse than their infractions. 10 times as many civilians died in the massacre at Hue than My Lai. There's a memorial for My Lai, none for Hue.
It's also an insult to the S Vietnamese who suffered, during the war, after, now and forever with the communists in power. Seeing an NVA soldier being greeted by our own and being given a celebratory welcome is a kick in the head for a SV soldier or civilian.
I'd like to know what your feelings are in establishing relations with the communist regime. It's been 25 years already but I don't think we should have, what are your thoughts? They have to be doing something for us or giving us something really special to make it worth it.
Before, we were criticized for wanting to help a less than perfect SV government and now it's Ok to work with the worst one in all of V history, the most corrupt, the most incompetent, the most repressive. Unbelieveable.
Unless the communists are funding scholarships for our veterans and their families or contributing to a general welfare fund for our V Veterans or making restitution to V refugees, there is no good reason to be friends with them.
We're supposed to feel guilt and shame but let it be for the right reason. We don't feel guilt and shame for failing, only for trying. But we had to try, it would have been much worse if we didn't try.
Thank you for you time.
Best regards.
Ron Romano
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Full disclosure, My Dad was a Vietnam Veteran and career Air Force, putting in 23 years. He was there in 1970-71. We stayed at Ft. Campbell, KY which was a waiting wives base. The Army took good care of us while he was away. I'm 62 so I was 11 and 12 at the time. He's gone now, died of prostate cancer. I served 4 years in the USAF 1977-81.
He never spoke about it much but I do know he didn't like what he was seeing or what happened. I also know he would have absolutely no desire or interest to become friends with the enemy especially at the expense of SV.
If I have any criticism of you guys (and I say that in no derogatory way) it's the nonchalant way the majority of you seem to have taken it over the years. First, there was the crushing emotional toll when Saigon fell and then years of confusion if I can put it that way and then the current attitude; win some lose some kind of thing.
I may ramble so please forgive me. Instead of blind fury, there's something else. And comensurating with NVA soldiers stateside, inviting them to tell their stories over some brews and snacks isn't practical or the right thing to do.
You guys know more than anyone what monsters they were and still are. And we were Saints compared to them. I don't say that with any hesitation. Not My Lai or anything was worse than their infractions. 10 times as many civilians died in the massacre at Hue than My Lai. There's a memorial for My Lai, none for Hue.
It's also an insult to the S Vietnamese who suffered, during the war, after, now and forever with the communists in power. Seeing an NVA soldier being greeted by our own and being given a celebratory welcome is a kick in the head for a SV soldier or civilian.
I'd like to know what your feelings are in establishing relations with the communist regime. It's been 25 years already but I don't think we should have, what are your thoughts? They have to be doing something for us or giving us something really special to make it worth it.
Before, we were criticized for wanting to help a less than perfect SV government and now it's Ok to work with the worst one in all of V history, the most corrupt, the most incompetent, the most repressive. Unbelieveable.
Unless the communists are funding scholarships for our veterans and their families or contributing to a general welfare fund for our V Veterans or making restitution to V refugees, there is no good reason to be friends with them.
We're supposed to feel guilt and shame but let it be for the right reason. We don't feel guilt and shame for failing, only for trying. But we had to try, it would have been much worse if we didn't try.
Thank you for you time.
Best regards.
Ron Romano
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I was raised by a very domineering, though loving father. He made all the family decisions, including what college I would attend and the courses I would take. I volunteered for the draft. When my notice came I was relieved, though my father was very upset. Being a war veteran himself, he wanted to keep his sons safe. After a few days he gudgingly came around. He took me to meet the bus, shook my hand and said, "Don't go over the wall to come home." I found out years later that he was exceedingly proud of his son in the service. He even came to my graduation from flight school and stood beside my grandmother when she pinned on my wings. Becoming a Warrant Officer elevated my status with him, as he highly admired Warrants in the WW II Navy. He eventually forgave me for doing it in the Army.
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COL Jon Lopey
Fred: I joined the Marines on my 18th birthday and my dad was a WW II and Korean Naval veteran. My twin brother joined the Army paratroops. My dad was disappointed one of us didn't join the Navy but I told him at least the Marines were part of the Navy! Thank you for your distinguished service to this great nation and Army! COL L
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CW2 Fred Baker
PO2 David Dunlap - My youngest son was in the Navy for 11 years. He was an Iraq and Afghanistan vet and was also a troubleshooter on the deck of the Enterprise. Later he became a plank owner on the George H W Bush. Even has a challenge coin from the former president. Spent his last two years as a recruiter. I would say that I'm not bragging, but he is my son after all.
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Suspended Profile
No more Eagle Rising. I had to make the switch while in Iraq 2004. Not many cared for it then or now.
Love this story -
I reported to West Point in July of 65 while still 17 - at that point I had never registered for the draft. Once there I had an ID card so it never occurred to me that I was still supposed to register. Fast forward 7 or so years (I graduated in 69 and was in RVN in early 70). in 1972 an unmarked car followed by a State Police car pulled into my parents driveway. They knock on the door and tell my Mother they need to see me. When my Mother, who was at that point very concerned - asked why, they indicated they had a warrant for my arrest. When my mother then asked them to explain, they said the warrant was for draft evasion. My mother told them that I had been in Vietnam for the past few years and would be home in a month or so if they would like to stop back. Needless to say after some additional checking, they never made the return trip.
My stance on Vietnam or any war is simple - Let the Soldiers fight the war - not politicians, following public opinion. RVN was a great example - General Giap's memoirs are pretty clear - they were months if not weeks away from folding, but public opinion in the US resulted in a halt to the bombing of the North and the rest is history.
I reported to West Point in July of 65 while still 17 - at that point I had never registered for the draft. Once there I had an ID card so it never occurred to me that I was still supposed to register. Fast forward 7 or so years (I graduated in 69 and was in RVN in early 70). in 1972 an unmarked car followed by a State Police car pulled into my parents driveway. They knock on the door and tell my Mother they need to see me. When my Mother, who was at that point very concerned - asked why, they indicated they had a warrant for my arrest. When my mother then asked them to explain, they said the warrant was for draft evasion. My mother told them that I had been in Vietnam for the past few years and would be home in a month or so if they would like to stop back. Needless to say after some additional checking, they never made the return trip.
My stance on Vietnam or any war is simple - Let the Soldiers fight the war - not politicians, following public opinion. RVN was a great example - General Giap's memoirs are pretty clear - they were months if not weeks away from folding, but public opinion in the US resulted in a halt to the bombing of the North and the rest is history.
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1LT Mike Donio
Major very interesting story and love the way your mother handled the situation. While not West Point, I finished OCS Oct '69 was in Nam by Sept '70.
Only point on which we differ is the war. We should have never been there, wasn't our war, the Vietnamese were no threat to us. Ho was a Nationalist who had been doubled-crossed by the Allies when they allowed the French back into his country. The Dulles brothers were the worst, then Westmoreland, McNamara, Rusk and LBJ (may I spit on his grave). The only person I respect on Vietnam was John Paul Vann. There was a strong belief among many of my fellow Jr officers that we should withdraw. Even some of the WP grads joined us in that. I liked several WP guys who sat around the "O" club figuring out how to get out the Army! Needless to say, to this day I do not believe in politicized patriotism such as we see today.
Only point on which we differ is the war. We should have never been there, wasn't our war, the Vietnamese were no threat to us. Ho was a Nationalist who had been doubled-crossed by the Allies when they allowed the French back into his country. The Dulles brothers were the worst, then Westmoreland, McNamara, Rusk and LBJ (may I spit on his grave). The only person I respect on Vietnam was John Paul Vann. There was a strong belief among many of my fellow Jr officers that we should withdraw. Even some of the WP grads joined us in that. I liked several WP guys who sat around the "O" club figuring out how to get out the Army! Needless to say, to this day I do not believe in politicized patriotism such as we see today.
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COL Jon Lopey
Pete: A great story! Thank you for your distinguished service. You are on-target about General Giap and our "near victory." It always bewildered me that the Marines and Army send us to great schools and taught us things like the Principles of War (e.g., go on offensive, have a clear objective, and things like mass, economy of force, maneuver, unity of effort, surprise, speed, security, etc.) and many of our leaders violated those principles but I'm with you, it was mostly the politicians and I think the news media that contributed to us fighting a "limited war" and they helped us lose support of the people. President Nixon was combat ineffective when I was in the Marines due to Watergate as well. I think President Johnson was reluctant to listen to his generals as well, including USMC LTGEN Krulak and others. Again, thank you for your exemplary service. V/R, COL L
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1LT Richard White
I was with you all the way up to your comment about Giap and the possibility of North Vietnam folding - yet another myth about the war. We should never have been there in the first place. Even McNamara eventually figured out we weren't making any headway.
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SGT Mark Rhodes
You are so right Sir! Let the soldiers fight the war. Only the President should have a say
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I never got a draft notice since I joined the USMC at 17 and the closest thing I got to a draft notice was a letter from the USN while I was in my 3rd week at MCRD San Diego; which my DI made me read to the platoon at Mail Call.The letter advised me that I would soon be required to register for the draft and if I didn't come down to the Navy RS soon I might find myself in the US Army and bound for RVN. My DI asked me if I would "like to go join the girls at Nimitz Barracks across the bay and eat pogey bait instead of accompanying him on a sightseeing trip to Camp Matthews and maybe learning to fire a rifle like an expert before I found myself bound for RVN?"
With 18 years Enlisted (Gunny) and 24 Years Commissioned service (CWO4), I guess you know my response sounded something like... "Sir!, The Private elects to take the Sightseeing Trip, Sir!!"
And each time I saw combat, I was damn glad I did.
With 18 years Enlisted (Gunny) and 24 Years Commissioned service (CWO4), I guess you know my response sounded something like... "Sir!, The Private elects to take the Sightseeing Trip, Sir!!"
And each time I saw combat, I was damn glad I did.
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Cpl Vic Burk
Semper Fi Gunny/CW4. Not sure which to address you as! I always had more respect for most warrant officers (because I knew they were enlisted first) and officers who were enlisted before becoming commissioned officer. No offense intended to officers who were never enlisted but I do speak for the majority of enlisted Marines when I say what I did in this post.
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CWO4 Ray Fairman
Cpl Vic Burk - Thanks for the sentiment, I am sure we Gunners appreciate it, but never forget a lot of good SNCO's raised some fine offspring who went through an academy or ROTC programs with chevrons tattoed on their rearends... I have one of each myself... Son - USMA 94 & Daughter ROTC 2001 Both have never forgotten their "Enlisted Roots & Training"
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Actually, I laughed since I was in my second week of basic training, then threw it away. two or three weeks later I was called to the company commander's office where he advised me that a federal court had issued a warrant for my arrest for draft evasion. The 1LT acknowledge that I wasn't a draft evader, or a really stupid one. He asked what happened to the draft notice and I told him my story. He pointed out that at the bottom of the draft notice is a block where you can report any change to your draft status (like enlisting).
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GySgt William Hardy
Same here. I never registered and got a letter from the Sheriff's Office giving me a week to register or I would be arrested. I gave it to the DI who took care of it. It was apparently a common thing because the DI didn't think anything about it.
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SSG Jeffrey Monk
Almost lost my license over not signing up for the draft. Had to square that away after Airborne School before reporting to Ft Drum.
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I joined the Army. Had a married and college deferment but always wanted to be a military pilot. Parents did not want me to join but never said so directly. Dad is a WWII Marine and genuine American hero. I was naive, young, and thought I was bullet proof --- turned out I was wrong on the bullet proof part.
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CW2 Fred Baker
LTC Wayne Dandridge - I turned down three offers of direct commission. After the third I got rifted. Maybe the Army was trying to tell me something.
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LTC Wayne Dandridge
Fred, There is a great Cav Pilots and crew members combat story in BLADES OF THUNDER (Book One).
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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
CW2 Fred Baker - On the mention of books, this one CW2 was written by a US Army, CW2 Layne Heath wo was a chopper pilot Himself in Vietnam. The book was great and what He had written only a person that had been there would have been able to cover as well as He did. Even His brief description of the hut He lived in there. In my opinion as a Vietnam Veteran Myself He was right on target with the entire text of His great book.
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My senior year in high school one of my teachers asked "who is going to college." I did not raise my hand. He said "John you are going to Viet Nam." I said "where is that?" He told me. I did not think much of it. After high school I was working came home and my mother was upset and crying. She said "you got a letter today." My first thought was "whose writing me." But was the draft board and I had to report to the Navel shipyard in Boston to take my induction physical. I went passed the physical and was told to expect to be called up in two weeks. I came home and proudly said "I passed." I really did not mind and was looking forward to going in the Army. I ended up meeting a high school friend who talked me into enlisted the Air Force. Did a few yours in SEA and ended up retiring after 26 years - CMSgt. Best time of my life. I have memories of being with Airmen who earned the Medal of Honor and men who gave their life supporting ground forces who were in a tough spot. My civilian friends will never experience this and be a part of a "Band of Brothers."
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs
CMSgt John Momaney thanks for sharing your story with the group and thanks for your service! Awesome!
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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
I also enlisted in the Air Force at age 18 soon after graduating from High School. Prior to enlisting I had been both a Cadet in Civil Air Patrol and also had been a Cadet at a Military Academy. I went to Boston Army Base for the physical etc. and one moth after that left for basic training at Lackland AFB, TX in August 1966. I did spend 1968 and part of 1969 in Vietnam. I retired from the USAF as a SMSgt with 22 years in Air Force Blue. During that time plus before and after I also has spent over 40 years in Civil Air Patrol, the USAF Auxiliary. My Dad, a WWII, Korea US Navy Veteran also spent over 40 years in CAP and was a Lt Colonel there. My brother also spent over 40 years in CAP. My Dad kept telling Me how proud He was of Me when I was in the Air Force.
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My Mom took care of it; seriously. They came looking and she kept telling them I was on a tin can off Nam. Did get a number of "2" so if I wasn't already in, I'd be long gone quick in any case.
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Jenn Moynihan
CAPT Kevin B. - awwsome that your mom used the lingo too. They had to have known she wasn't telling them a fib. Go mom!
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1LT Rich Voss
To my recollection, I was already separated from active duty (10/69) and in the active reserves when the lottery began (what was it '69 or '70 ?). I was back home and going to college full-time at Univ. of Illinois. Lots of guys were worried about the lottery there. I think I would have had very low numbers based on my birthdate every time, but lied to my classmates, as the War was so unpopular on campus. No one but my future wife and closest friends knew I ever served, much less was an officer. I "came clean" to people later, like '73 or so, when the last guys got sent to 'Nam. And yes, I've forgiven myself for those lies.
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