by Robert Hudson

Created on: August 03, 2011   Last Updated: August 06, 2011

Growing up during the sixties, many young American males were bestowed with having to answer to the United States Selective Service Board, My last year of high school, that summer, upon turning eighth-teen years old. Shortly after graduation in 1963, I received a notice to report.  I knew that many whom received that notice and submitted to the required physical and passed, a draft notice was soon to follow. Initially, those with health conditions (i.e. flat feet) were-being rejected.

However, as the USA's involvement in the  Vietnam conflict escalated and casualties persistently heightened.  Many those who were being rejected, were now passing  the physical examination and becoming Uncle Sams finest. As a few months past, I ignored the fact, I had even received a draft notice.  But shortly thereafter, I received a more demanding letter from the Department of Defense. Being eighteen years old, I attempted to ignore it (notice) it wasn't long, that I received a more forceful letter, stating I would be picked up by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had I not proceeded to the processing facility at the local induction center.

Being heavily, influenced by the commercialization of U. S. Marine Corps advertisement, I was already brain-washed on the clique "the Marine Corp builds Men."  Rather than to allow myself to be drafted into the Army, I volunteered for the Marines. After roughing out "boot camp" a term used for basic training.  After completing basic training, many whom graduated were given orders to Vietnam right of basic.  I was fortunate to have orders for camp Le June North Carolina. Thereafter, I was given orders for a new duty, to be  stationed in Okinawa. 

After spending  several months there in Okinawa, I later I received orders for Vietnam. I recall being somewhat skeptical of my new destination.  Although, that September of 1967 a destiny that I had not look forward to was being fulfill. After arriving in Vietnam, not too bad, meaning not momentous amount of death and chaos as one would expect. 

At least not until that January of 1968, The "Tet Offensive" was a major up rising, a whole new prospectus, the gorilla tactics were still prevalent, although, the North Vietnamese Army, real soldiers in helmets, wearing uniforms and boots just like us. They were being aided by troop from Chinese troops. , the infiltration with heavy mortar and rockets attacks on locations that were once considered low key. The stage is now set, survival became the theme, after several months of existing in a mental state of dissociation.

Occasionally managed to visit the Air Force facility, one day at the P.X I saw a brochure that offered those who sere serving in the Vietnam conflict.  The opportunity to order any vehicle of their liking,  I recall seeing a picture of the new 1967 Chevrolet Camaro, I gave a $250.00 deposit and ordered a new 1968 Camaro, I was like a child ordering Christmas toy.  I chose the color Burgundy with a black landau top. and the SS 350 cubic inch engine, rally wheels, white racing stripe on the hood and rear spoiler and lastly an eight tract cassette player.  I was scheduled to return home in June of 1968, once home, my car was scheduled a Harry Man Chevrolet in Hawthorne, California.  My mother had saved my money, after three weeks of waiting, the dealer called, I arrived at  the dealer, the Camaro was on the show room floor, just as I had imagined.

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