What was a draftee in Vietnam?

Overview. Military conscription, commonly known as “the draft,” is one of the most complex topics related to the Vietnam War. It is emotional for many people – those who chose to serve when drafted, those who sought deferments to delay or avoid serving, to those who refused to serve and went to jail or left the country …

Who were offered a draft deferment during the Vietnam War?

According to the National Archives, there were about 27 million American men eligible for military service between 1964 and 1973. Of that number, 2,215,000 men were drafted into military service. Around 15 million were granted deferments, mostly for education and some for mental or physical problems.

What does Chuck mean in Vietnam?

C & C – command and control. CHARLIE, CHARLES, CHUCK – Vietcong — short for the phonetic representation of “VC”: Victor Charlie” CHERRY – a new troop replacement. CHICKEN PLATE – chest protector (body armor) worn by helicopter gunners.

Why are gunships called Spooky?

These sophisticated aircraft located VC radio stations and headquarters and then called Spooky to put them off the air. In March 1969, four AC-47s were deployed to Laos where their immediate success against ground troops led to a plan to convert several Laotian C-47s into gunships.

Why was the AC-47 called Spooky?

The AC-47 Spooky was a repurposed cargo plane with modifications that became the first fixed-wing gunship used in Southeast Asia. The AC-47 Spooky got its nickname, Puff, The Magic Dragon, from its glowing red emissions that lit up the sky while the plane was in use.

What birthdays were chosen for the Vietnam draft?

On December 1, 1969, the Selective Service System of the United States conducted two lotteries to determine the order of call to military service in the Vietnam War in the year 1970, for men born from January 1, 1944 to December 31, 1950.

What was the punishment for draft dodging?

Knowing and willful refusal to present oneself for and submit to registration as ordered is punishable by a maximum penalty of up to five years in Federal prison and/or a fine of US$250,000, although there have been no prosecutions of draft registration resisters since January 1986.

What does boocoo Dinky Dau mean?

very crazy
Boocoo Dinky Dow” is how American GIs heard the French/Vietnamese phrase “beaucoup dien cai dau” for “very crazy.”