Karl Smith

A Difficult and Frightening Time

I graduated from high school in 1965 and proceeded to engineering school in northern Michigan.

The Viet Nam war wasn’t at the top of my mind as I began college. I did, however, agree to join Army ROTC, since so many of my classmates were joining and it seemed to be the patriotic thing to do (my father served in the Third Army under General Patton during WWII).

I became disillusioned with the ROTC and decided to focus entirely on my studies for the last three years.

During the four years as undergraduate student I had a student deferment.

When I graduated I accepted an engineering position and went to work. I was reclassified 1-A. The lottery was then implemented and I had a fairly high Random Selection Number (330) so I thought I was safe from the draft.

Much to my surprise; however, I received a draft notice and was called to a pre-induction physical exam.

During the physical exam was asked if I’d ever had any broken bones. I said "yes," and was asked if there were any complications... It was over and I was in a state of shock with mixed feelings. I was not acceptable to the U.S. Military.

I rode the bus with several other men to an induction center about three hours from the small town where I worked. I was subjected to a series of tests, such as an IQ-like exam.

During the physical exam was asked if I’d ever had any broken bones. I said "yes," and was asked if there were any complications. Again, I said "yes". The medic said "let’s take a look." After a closer examination, I was told, "we can’t use you." It was over and I was in a state of shock with mixed feelings. I was not acceptable to the U.S. Military.

Things went downhill at the company I worked and a chance meeting with a former professor at a conference gave me a new direction. As I was describing my frustration, he said "why not go to graduate school?" It was something I hadn’t considered and it seemed like an interesting idea so I packed up and attended graduate school.

Upon completion of an advanced degree I accepted a position in Minneapolis and moved to Minnesota in the Fall of 1972 and have lived here for the past 45 years.

I don't think about the Viet Nam war years very often; however, there have been occasions where I have been faced with the memories, such as the 1968 exhibit at the Minnesota History Center. I had a very strong reaction when I entered the first time, and turned around and left. After a few minutes processing I returned and made my way through the exhibit. Lots of dormant memories were stimulated.

I do plan to watch the Ken Burns & Lynn Novick PBS series on the Viet Nam war and wonder how I will react.

Thanks for the opportunity to share my thoughts on that difficult and confusing time.