Walt Young
Seaman Apprentice, U.S. Navy (1969-1975)
When I was called up for the draft, I had some inkling that I was gay. But I decided not to claim homosexuality to get out of serving and to serve my country in the U.S. Navy. I still thought that I could deny feelings that I was gay. I still thought I could serve my country proudly, as my father and mother had done in World War II, and as my brother was doing in the U.S. Air Force at the time. My religious beliefs taught me that I could rise above the sexual instincts and overcome them, so I decided that it would be unnecessary to tell anyone about my feelings. I thought the military was important, and I didn't want to disgrace my family over something about which I wasn't even sure.
When I reported on board the USS America, an aircraft carrier patrolling off the coast of Vietnam, I was informed that just the week before, 19 men had been dishonorably discharged from the ship for being gay. It was obvious that there was a witch hunt going on, so, naturally, I tried my best to hide my feelings. I dealt with communications for an air squadron, working 12-hour days with a group of pilots and worked very hard at my job. I also hid my feelings well.
Fortunately, I did meet one man on board ship who was gay. He was an officer who was also closeted. We formed a very close bond, which never took form an intimate relationship, but was very comforting and supportive. We talked frequently, and enjoyed each other's company very much. During my shore leaves, I had a few non-serious encounters with men. On a later cruise, in the Mediterranean, I had more experiences ashore with men, but never on board.
Being in such close contact with other men was sometimes frustrating, but I was working so hard and my mind was very occupied with other things. During this time, I also continued to try to "overcome" my gayness, but everything changed when I got stationed ashore at the Naval Air Station Alameda, Calif., just across the bay from San Francisco. I made friends with a number of wonderful gay men in San Francisco, and even lived off base with a beautiful couple for a while. I never let this part of my life interfere with my duty. When required, I was always on the job. I did an outstanding job for the Navy. When I hear them say we are a destabilizing force in the military, I always remember that my commanding officer wrote in my records that I was a very positive force in the squadron, helping make the work environment more cheerful and cohesive.