"We wouldn't have won the war without the draft. The draft is essential."
Harvey Lundy, World War II
On September 16, 1940, the Burke-Wadsworth Act was passed, instilling a peace-time draft in anticipation of fighting in WWII. This proved to be needed when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor.
By the end of WWII, approximately ten million were drafted with hardly any opposition. Though there was only a year requirement, most men served for the remainder of the war. People were able to exempt provided they performed useful civilian work. Imprisonment was possible for anyone who refused to register or go when called up. In 1947 the selective service law expired until renewal in 1948 because of the Cold War in Europe.
By the end of WWII, approximately ten million were drafted with hardly any opposition. Though there was only a year requirement, most men served for the remainder of the war. People were able to exempt provided they performed useful civilian work. Imprisonment was possible for anyone who refused to register or go when called up. In 1947 the selective service law expired until renewal in 1948 because of the Cold War in Europe.
Bailey Adolph
Senior Division Webpage
Senior Division Webpage