A Minnesota PBS Initiative
Viet Nam
The late, and not so great, 1968 tested me in ways that I never imagined.
I was 18 years old and a senior in high school. I had registered with the Selective Service as required by law, and was issued my draft card. The war in Viet Nam was escalating and raging out of control. The nation was severely divided on the war; with respected elected officials, clergy, educators, friends and neighbors digging in on opposing sides of the debate.
Riots that began on-campus were spilling into the streets across the country. People I knew were fleeing to Canada to avoid the draft; others were applying for conscientious objector status and still others were finding creative ways to flunk the Army medical exam. Some rolled the dice and chose a six year enlistment in the Navy or National Guard, with promises of specific technical training, and a lower probability of combat duty.
My own parish priest firmly supported the efforts to avoid military service, including burning draft cards.
Anger and violence seemed to rear its ugly head everywhere. Martin Luther King Jr was gunned down on April 4, and Bobby Kennedy was assassinated on June 6, (my graduation day) It felt like the whole world had gone nuts.
I was a sophomore in college when my birthdate was assigned the number 16 in the draft lottery. There was never a doubt in my mind, that when my time came I would serve. I was scared shitless, but none of the other options were acceptable to me.
I served in the Army for 2 years. My MOS was Behavioral Science Specialist. My assignment brought me in contact with people entering the military, leaving the military and those who were career military.
I travelled a lot, but never left the USA while on active duty. Viet Nam was on my mind every moment of every day. I learned a great deal about the War experience from all those who I worked with. I hope I was able to assist and help the many people I had the privilege to meet.
Biographical Details
Submitted From: Coon Rapids, MN
Primary Location During Vietnam: Coon Rapids, United States 
Story Subject: Military Service
Military Branch: U.S. Army
Veteran Organization: American Legion
Specialty: Behavioral Science Specialist
This story is part of
Stories of Martin Luther King Jr.
Go to the collection.
Story Themes: American Legion, Army, Conscientious Objection, Coon Rapids, Dissent, Draft, Enlisting, Martin Luther King Jr., Medical Personnel, Michael Bauman, MLK Assassination, Read, Reflection, Robert Kennedy Assassination
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