[fire_eye]

The answers to your question are self evident to anyone with principles and forever beyond the understanding of those without them. Everyone was afraid and fear is nothing to be ashamed of ...... but rationalizing your failure to be honorable is feeble.

You're dodging my question... and why are you so sure I'm rationalizing, and not just telling you exactly what happened? (Of course, if I were merely telling the truth, you'd have to ask some uncomfortable questions about your own convictions of moral superiority... which would explain both your accusation of rationalizing and your reluctance to answer my question...)

[Little John]

.... why are you so sure I'm rationalizing,......

Because now, about 30 years later, you are blaming your failure to do the honorable thing on others (.... those who answered the call.)

..... if I were merely telling the truth,.....

I'm sure you are telling the truth .... that you relied on the advice of friends who did fight in the war ....... and in doing so have foever dishonored yorself. IMO, it is you who are skirting the issue ..... which is about your honor and principles. It most assuredly is not about those who did answer the bell.<p.have you ever wondered why it is that after all this time you feel the need to justify your shameful failure ????