On July 1, 1973, Leslie Hooton became the last American to be drafted into the military during the Vietnam War. He was a 20-year-old college student from small-town Michigan who had never considered himself a pacifist but also didn't want to fight in a war he didn't believe in.
4.7 out of 5
| Language | : | English |
| File size | : | 4254 KB |
| Text-to-Speech | : | Enabled |
| Screen Reader | : | Supported |
| Enhanced typesetting | : | Enabled |
| Word Wise | : | Enabled |
| Print length | : | 368 pages |
Hooton's story is a unique one, but it is also a story that reflects the experiences of many young men who were drafted during the Vietnam War. Hooton was not a conscientious objector, but he was also not a supporter of the war. He was simply a young man who was trying to make the best of a difficult situation.
Hooton's journey began in the small town of Kalkaska, Michigan. He was the youngest of four children, and his parents were both teachers. Hooton was a good student and a talented athlete. He played football and basketball in high school, and he was also a member of the track team.
After graduating from high school, Hooton attended Central Michigan University. He majored in physical education and planned to become a teacher and coach. However, his plans were interrupted by the Vietnam War.
In 1969, President Richard Nixon announced that he was expanding the draft to include 19-year-olds. Hooton was one of the first 19-year-olds to be drafted. He received his draft notice in the mail in the spring of 1970.
Hooton was torn about what to do. He didn't want to go to war, but he also didn't want to go to prison. He considered fleeing to Canada, but he ultimately decided to report for induction.
Hooton reported for induction at Fort Custer, Michigan, on July 1, 1973. He was the only person in his group of inductees. The other inductees had all been either conscientious objectors or had received deferments.
Hooton was sent to basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He found basic training to be a difficult experience. He was homesick and he didn't like the military culture. However, he persevered and eventually graduated from basic training.
After basic training, Hooton was assigned to the 1st Infantry Division in Germany. He served in Germany for two years. He was never sent to Vietnam, but he did see combat during the NATO exercise Reforger.
Hooton was discharged from the Army in 1975. He returned to Michigan and finished college. He eventually became a teacher and coach. He is now retired and lives in Kalkaska, Michigan.
Hooton's story is a reminder of the human cost of war. He was a young man who was drafted into a war he didn't believe in. He served his country with honor, but he also paid a price. He is one of the last survivors of the Vietnam War, and his story is a reminder of the sacrifices that were made by those who served in that war.
