8 LGBT Service Members Who Shaped American History

Remembering LGBT service members
From: Gay Pop Buzz

 As we head into Memorial Weekend, the official holiday that honors all who died in service to our country, we want to take this moment to pause and reflect.

Here’s why:

May also happens to be military appreciation month. This is a time that’s been set aside by congress for all Americans to demonstrate appreciation for the sacrifices and successes made by our service members — past and present.

Given the moment, we ask that you draw your attention to the 8 LGBT service members who profoundly impacted America. While there is no way we can list everyone, we certainly can point out some of the major movers and shakers.

The eight are part of our collective LGBT history and by extension, American history. We unabashedly say with clear and strong voices: We are proud of you.

Folks, these are our people. This is your history.

1. 

Thomas A. Dooley III

Dooley was an American physician who also served in the United States Navy. After training at Camp Pendleton, he served on board the USS Montague. The ship was charged with helping to evacuate refugees and transport them from communist-controlled North Vietnam to non-communist South Vietnam

Sadly, due to a Navy investigation into his private life, he was forced to resign because he was gay. But even after he left the USN, he remained in Asia helping and healing others.

After passing away of cancer at the young age of 34, Dooley’s contribution to the field of medicine would become revealed years later.

That’s because President John F. Kennedy cited the doctor as an example of goodness when he launched the Peace Corps. Dooley was also posthumously awarded a Congressional Gold Medal.