Michael Douglas admits lying to dodge Vietnam War draft
In new memoir, the actor reveals he asked his father to help him fake medical letter to secure draft exemption.
Michael Douglas has admitted in his forthcoming memoir that he lied about his health to avoid being drafted during the Vietnam War. Doctors found he had spondylitis, missing part of a vertebra and spine curvature.
The initial letter from the doctor called his condition mild and slight, but Douglas asked his father Kirk to get a new letter without those qualifiers. At his next physical, Douglas wore a large white brace and told the sergeant he would fall if he removed it.
He was given a 1-Y classification, meaning he'd only be drafted if the nation faced dire emergency. Douglas wrote: "I'm not proud of this story.
I am just being honest." At the same time he was protesting the war, his father was touring the world as a goodwill ambassador promoting American exceptionalism.
- Kirk Douglas
- Father
- 1-Y classification
- Draft status
- One Helluva Ride
- Memoir title
Why it mattersA major Hollywood actor has publicly admitted deceiving the draft board, breaking decades of silence about a controversial choice.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect, but a rare celebrity admission about a pivotal American historical moment.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
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