During World War II, those registered for the draft in each local district were reviewed by their local draft board for eligibility. Each category was specific as to whether the young man could be drafted or not. Since food production was of upmost importance to feed our military then farmers were given special deferments. This also applied to those that worked in politics, military armament factories, port authorities and even those working at Pensacola’s paper mill in Cantonment. The following is several of the "general" deferment categories used during the war:
Class Categories from October 1940 to January 1947
I-A Available for unrestricted military service.
I-A-O Conscientious objector available for noncombatant military service.
I-B Available for limited military service.
I-D Deferred Student, fit for general military service.
I-H Deferred due to age, fit for general military service.
II-A Deferred in support of national health, safety, or interest
II-B Registrant deferred in support of war production
II-C Registrant deferred in support of agriculture
III-D Registrant deferred because of extreme hardship and privation to dependents.
IV-A Deferred due to age, unfit for military service
IV-B Official deferred by law. (i.e. politicians)
IV-D Minister of religion or divinity student.
IV-E Conscientious objector opposed to both combatant and noncombatant service.
IV-F Not acceptable for military service due to physical, mental, or moral defect.
However, if you were an able-bodied male and were NOT employed then you were immediately suspect of failing to do your duty to your country. The Pensacola News Journal article of February 7, 1945 is an example of the “work or fight” philosophy of the authorities back home. This meant that anyone found not working would have their names sent to the local draft board for immediate processing into the armed forces. Therefore, your choice was to "work or fight!"
Pensacola News Journal Article 2-7-1945
LCDR USN Albert Morley Darby, WWI 1918 Aviator
Judge Albert Morley Darby
(1882-1963 Buried Barrancas Cemetery)