During the early 1940's, as World War II enlisted the majority of the world's countries, Armand began married life and his teaching career cautious of the possibility of being drafted into military service. On January 26, 1941 he wrote:
One day last week was notified that I was classed in draft as 3A, which, I am told = married with dependents, and lets me out, for the time being, at least.
He apparently received more notices and status changes during the following three years. Then in January of 1944, Armand was notified by the draft board: ...to show up for another exam, which I had last Tuesday - as usual, just routine going over. Stathers and Reynolds of math dept. have already written to our university board requesting them to request (!) deferment. So far have heard nothing further.
January 22, Saturday. Draft board turned down new request for deferment. I got order to report at 8A.M. for bus to Clarksburg, week from Monday, on January 31. Will I pass? To say the least, the suspense is sort of nervewracking.
January 31. I, to make a long story short - flunked. Glory be! Left here on a bus at 8 A.M., arrived in Clarksburg at 10 or so - examined for hour or so. They found heart, blood, urine, "skeleton" o.k., chest x-rays, etc. all negative. Eyesight 20-400 in both eyes, corrected to 20-30 with glasses, which they said, acceptable for limited service. Weight= 128 = 9 pounds under, taking height at 5'11" - so they say "capable of being built up with proper diet" - or words to that effect, ye gods! Agreed I had piles, wrote I claimed I had prolapse of rectum. But the psychologist who next examined me put that, ailment and my claim of stomach affected by cold drafts, etc. under psychological and neurasthenic symptoms. The sons of bitches. Upshot: rejected on psychological grounds - or so paper read. Ho! Stamped in red ink - and sneeringly - REJECTED - on my left wrist like a brand!
Had a bum but free lunch, cooled heels two hours, then "bussed" back home. I am liable to re-call, to do it all over again, so they say, within 3 weeks. However, local draft board determines all this. I must ask and see when they'll probably have another crack at me. I've been 3A, 2A, 1A and now I take it I'm 4F. I sure get around.
Friday, February 4. Just saw the draft board today and found out my rejection is permanent - not supposed to be called up for re-exam at all.
Saturday, February 19. Yes, I'm now 4-F.
Armand of course,had his share of fears but was willing to do his part and to be rated as psychologically unfit, was cruel and unjustified as far as he was concerned. He told me this story, almost verbatim a couple of years ago and there was still a tinge of irritation in his voice. All I could offer was, "Well, I'm really glad they rejected you!"
One day last week was notified that I was classed in draft as 3A, which, I am told = married with dependents, and lets me out, for the time being, at least.
He apparently received more notices and status changes during the following three years. Then in January of 1944, Armand was notified by the draft board: ...to show up for another exam, which I had last Tuesday - as usual, just routine going over. Stathers and Reynolds of math dept. have already written to our university board requesting them to request (!) deferment. So far have heard nothing further.
January 22, Saturday. Draft board turned down new request for deferment. I got order to report at 8A.M. for bus to Clarksburg, week from Monday, on January 31. Will I pass? To say the least, the suspense is sort of nervewracking.
January 31. I, to make a long story short - flunked. Glory be! Left here on a bus at 8 A.M., arrived in Clarksburg at 10 or so - examined for hour or so. They found heart, blood, urine, "skeleton" o.k., chest x-rays, etc. all negative. Eyesight 20-400 in both eyes, corrected to 20-30 with glasses, which they said, acceptable for limited service. Weight= 128 = 9 pounds under, taking height at 5'11" - so they say "capable of being built up with proper diet" - or words to that effect, ye gods! Agreed I had piles, wrote I claimed I had prolapse of rectum. But the psychologist who next examined me put that, ailment and my claim of stomach affected by cold drafts, etc. under psychological and neurasthenic symptoms. The sons of bitches. Upshot: rejected on psychological grounds - or so paper read. Ho! Stamped in red ink - and sneeringly - REJECTED - on my left wrist like a brand!
Had a bum but free lunch, cooled heels two hours, then "bussed" back home. I am liable to re-call, to do it all over again, so they say, within 3 weeks. However, local draft board determines all this. I must ask and see when they'll probably have another crack at me. I've been 3A, 2A, 1A and now I take it I'm 4F. I sure get around.
Friday, February 4. Just saw the draft board today and found out my rejection is permanent - not supposed to be called up for re-exam at all.
Saturday, February 19. Yes, I'm now 4-F.
Armand of course,had his share of fears but was willing to do his part and to be rated as psychologically unfit, was cruel and unjustified as far as he was concerned. He told me this story, almost verbatim a couple of years ago and there was still a tinge of irritation in his voice. All I could offer was, "Well, I'm really glad they rejected you!"
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