Rick McGilton
Petty Officer Third Class, U.S. Coast Guard (1972-1976)
My lucky number, 13, came up in the draft and I opted to enlist in the Coast Guard. My duties included being a search and rescue D-8 coxswain on a 32-footer in San Francisco Bay. I extended my enlistment and worked in pier patrol and dangerous cargo in the Marine Safety Office. I wanted to make the Coast Guard a career but was given an honorable discharge. I was not allowed to re-enlist and had no reserve commitments. As I was told, I would be the last person called up if there was a war.
Although I told them I was gay, those who knew or became aware didn't care. There were quite a few gay Coast Guard personnel with whom I worked who were proud to serve but were forced out because they were gay. What I learned from this is that the guideline on gay service is all politics. As long as you do your job, very few people care if you are gay.