Home / Arts and Entertainment / Michael Douglas Dodged Vietnam Draft with Fake Spinal Condition
Michael Douglas Dodged Vietnam Draft with Fake Spinal Condition
10 Oct
Summary
- Actor Michael Douglas faked a spinal condition to avoid Vietnam War draft.
- His father, Kirk Douglas, assisted in altering medical documentation.
- Douglas received a 1-Y designation, only callable in dire emergencies.
Michael Douglas recently shared details about his experience avoiding the Vietnam War draft, utilizing a fabricated spinal condition. The actor disclosed in his memoir, "One Helluva Ride," that he was diagnosed with spondylitis, which involved a spinal curvature.
He explained that his initial medical documentation described the condition as 'mild' and 'slight.' However, with assistance from his father, Kirk Douglas, a new letter was issued that omitted these qualifiers. This led to Douglas being issued a 1-Y military designation.
This designation meant Douglas would only be conscripted if the nation faced a severe crisis. The actor acknowledged his actions, stating he is not proud but chose to be honest about how he navigated the draft during a turbulent period.
Douglas's first significant acting role was in the 1969 film "Hail, Hero!," which was set during the Vietnam War.
