Both my brothers were in Vietnam at the time I was given that deferment. I didn't ask for it. I was actually a freshman in college, and went back home to catch the bus for my physical. The selective service office lady in my home county knew or family and told me that they would take me. Got my physical, and myself and another guy got shuffled off to another room. Captain something read a statement to us. I asked what that meant, and he said "boys, you're going to sit this one out". Both he and I were not opposed to serving.
My oldest brother was on his second tour, with about six months left, my brother that was two years older than me had been in Vietnam for about three months when I was drafted. He joined (for four years), but right before he was drafted. The recruiter told him that he would not be sent to Vietnam if he went ahead and joined. But at about the start of his third year, his jolly ass got shipped out. He was wounded at about none months of his tour. Lost part of his left lung, but they could not remove the metal because it was to close to his heart. 1972 they didn't get near the heart. He stayed in the Army for 18 1/2 years. Broke both ankles while retaining his jump status, and they disabled him out after he was healed.
My brother that was two years older than me, had a really bad cold with coughing. The slug near his heart was irritated, and formed a blood clot. It went to his heart and it was over. October 3rd of 2006. My oldest brother had served his first tour in 1968. Lots of Agent Orange exposure. He fought cardiovascular issues for several years. He had gotten to needing a nitro patch for about 16 hours a day. The back of his heart blew out on October 4th of 2009. Death certificate gave Agent orange related heart disease as his cause of death. That damned war took both of my brothers. I miss them dearly, so I understand your sorrow. Just remember your friendship!
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