Byron Pepitone, chief of draft during Vietnam, dies from illness

Byron Pepitone, chief of draft during Vietnam, dies from illness

(EXCERPT) The Associated Press

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. --

Byron V. Pepitone, who oversaw the military draft during the latter
days of the Vietnam War, died Thursday after a long illness. He was
85.

Pepitone was appointed selective service director by President Nixon
in 1972 and later served under Presidents Ford and Carter.

He helped write a bill that allowed draft evaders to return to the
country in exchange for alternative service, such as working for the
Peace Corps, Salvation Army or other groups. He resigned in 1977 when
Carter wanted to give blanket amnesty without the alternative service
requirement, said his son,, By ron V. Pepitone II.

A retired Air Force colonel, Pepitone was born in New Brunswick, N.J.,
and joined the Air Force in 1947. He served during World War II and
was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal and the Army Commendation
Medal for his service. He retired...

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---------------------------
Otis Willie
Associate Librarian
The American War Library
http://www.americanwarlibrary.com