He was actually a conscientious objector who volunteered. He asked for radio school and stateside duty because he didn't think he could kill anyone.
But because of the need, he knew he had to serve.
And he didn't run to Canada or England to smoke dope. He went in and at least served.
My mother assured me he was no coward, he just didn't think he had what it took to kill someone.
His and my Mom's upbringing is what made me the proud Marine. He never told me I was wrong, he encouraged me to be the best Marine I could, and when ordered to Iran, he was behind me 1000%.