Thank you for your responses. They are really appreciated.
I did replace the starter switch. This required the removal of the starter motor just to remove the pesky screws used to secure the switch. I replaced those with bolts in case they ever need to be removed again. I did clean off the contact on the starter motor.
Unfortunately upon pushing the foot button now there is absolutely no engagement even with several pushes. Sounds like time to do tests to narrow down the actual problem.
I ended up putting the points back in the distributor and the truck ran fine once it was started. Now I'm back to the problem with the starter.
