Karl R. Bendetson, October 24, 1972

Oral History Interview with Karl R. Bendetson New York City, New York October 24, 1972 Jerry N. Hess
http://www.trumanlibrary.org/oralhist/oral_his.htm
It was during that service in August of 1941, five months before Pearl Harbor, that a crisis event took place in the House of Representatives. The Selective Service Act of August 16, 1940 would expire on August 16, 1941 if not extended by congressional action. The Senate had voted for extension in a relatively close vote. In the House there were great pressures to let the Act die. Most people have probably forgotten how some of the draftees and many others were behaving in those days. Draft cards were publicly burned. There were riots. There was a concerted effort to end the draft. It was a "rehearsal" for the anti-Vietnam demonstrations.