A Minnesota PBS Initiative
The challenge of living my conscience
I decided to leave the Catholic seminary after 7 and a half years. I immediately became eligible for the draft. My number was 87.
I knew I wasn't a killer and the military would demand that of me. So I explored applying for CO status. I got support from my father, from priests at the seminary, from an English teacher in Worthington, MN, the location of my draft board. I had moved from Worthington which increased the likelihood that I would be drafted. Letters of support for my CO and the English teacher's testifying in my behalf helped convince the draft board to grant me CO status.
The sergeant ordered inductees to step forward to get inducted into the army. I felt the unstated group pressure to do so, but was able to listen to my conscience.
I needed to get a physical at the Minneapolis armory to get cleared for CO status. In the middle of the physical, in my skivvies, the sergeant ordered inductees to step forward to get inducted into the army. I felt the unstated group pressure to do so, but was able to listen to my conscience.
I served my country doing alternative service at Hasting State Psychiatric Hospital for two years.
After two years I applied to the board to get credit for my service. They told me I wasn't fit to be released, since I had an ingrown toenail. I had to have surgery to get that treated. Only then would the board release me from my duty to serve in the military.
I am so glad I took this path or being a Conscientious Objector to going to war.
Biographical Details
Submitted From: St. Paul, MN
Primary Location During Vietnam: Hastings, MN, United States 
Story Subject: Activist
Story Themes: Activist, Alternative Service, Conscientious Objection, Draft, Hasting State Psychiatric Hospital, Hastings, Religion, Robert Kippley, Saint Paul, St Paul, Worthington
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