He failed the physical due to bone spurs. Some seem to imply the doc was paid off although that is not confirmed. So, some consider him a draft dodger. That being said, our Vietnam Veterans are the bravest generation of all. They served knowing once there, our government would abandon them and if they were lucky enough to return home, they would be spit on. Yet they served with honor and dignity. That folks, is a true American Hero!
I kind of doubt that that was their mindset, but that's just me.
For whatever the hell it's worth, the thought about public support and USG support was VERY MUCH on our minds in GWI. Thankfully, it was very much different for us.