Payroll data believed lost show he skipped duty in Alabama in 1972 but met his obligation.

Payroll records show that he wasn't paid for the five months in 1972 when he was assigned to an Alabama guard unit, indicating that he didn't show up for duty. But the same records show that he wasn't required to attend because he had already accumulated enough credits to meet his obligation for that year.

In May of that year, Bush transferred to Alabama to work as an aide to Republican Winton "Red" Blount, and the new records show he was not paid for the rest of that year. Though officials said Bush was not required to show up for duty because he had enough points, several Alabama guardsmen have recalled seeing him there.