‘WINNING’ THE LOTTERY
The lowest numbers drawn were called for induction into the military first, so men always hoped to draw a high number in the draft lottery.
Chinook helicopter preparing to lift a disabled Huey from a Vietnam War firebase in late-1971.
Results for Men Facing the Draft in 1971
Lottery Numbers by Birth Date for Selective Service Lottery held on July 1, 1970. This lottery determined the order in which men born in 1951 were called to report for induction into the military.
July 1, 1970 Draft Lottery Source: Selective Service System
Lottery Numbers by Birth Date for Selective Service Lottery held on August 5, 1971. This lottery determined the order in which men born in 1952 were called to report for induction into the military.
August 5, 1971 Draft Lottery Source: Selective Service System
Results for Men Facing the Draft in 1973
Lottery Numbers by Birth Date for Selective Service Lottery held on February 2, 1972. (The draft ended on July 1, 1973). This lottery determined the order in which men born in 1953 were called to report for induction into the military.
February 2, 1972 Draft Lottery Source: Selective Service System
U.S. Induction Statistics
Number of men who entered military service through the Selective Service System during major U.S. 20th Century conflicts:
CONFLICT / YEARS
NUMBER OF INDUCTIONS (Source: Selective Service System)
WORLD WAR ONE 1917 – 1918 2,666,867
WORLD WAR TWO 1940 – 1946 (includes draftees before Pearl Harbor) 10,110,114
KOREA June 1950 – June 1953 1,529,537
VIETNAM Aug 1964 – Feb 1973 1,766,910
Inductions by Year
Inductions by year from World War I through the end of the draft on July 1, 1973