Donn B. Murphy
Corporal, U.S. Army (1950-1952)
I joined a National Guard unit during my sophomore year in high school. When I enlisted, I was asked about my sexual orientation, but in the grosser terms of that time. While I had vague notions, I had not really defined, even in my own mind, who I was sexually. So my answer, although wrong in retrospect, was honest at the time.
Four years later, as a college sophomore, my unit was activated and I went on active duty. I served happily, proudly and without incident. I had the opportunity to live abroad, and I matured during my years in service. I was able to use the GI Bill of Rights for graduate school, and to get a Veterans Affairs Loan when I bought a house.
Every person who wants to serve our country should have those same opportunities.