Fannie Mae Clackum served as US Air Force Reservist back in the 1940's and 1950's. At that time she and a former servicewoman by the name of Grace Garner were thought to be lesbians. Refusing to accept a dishonorable discharge from the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, the pair demanded a court martial. The two were discharged in early 1952 after being demoted from corporal to private. After 8 years in the US Court of Claims, the pair won their appeal, and the court made the following statement: "One's reaction to the foregoing narrative is "What's going on here" (Justia.com: 296 F.2d 226, January 20, 1960)? Even though this case was based more upon the claims of due process, rather than homosexuality it was one of the earliest known cases for such a discharge. However, it would most certainly not be the last.
On September 8, 1975 Technical Sergeant Leonard P. Maltovich, a Vietnam War veteran, and a recipient of the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star graced the cover of Time Magazine. Maltovich was the first gay service member too purposely out himself in protest of the bans the military had placed on being gay. At this time the Air Force had a clause in place that allowed gays to continue service if there were justifiable circumstances. Such as being immature or drunk, a one-time experimentation (also known as the "Queen for a day" rule), or exemplary service. The Air Force offered Maltovich the opportunity to remain in the service if he signed a piece of paper stating that "he would never exhibit or practice homosexuality again". Of course Maltovich declined. With that the Air Force pursued a General, or Less than Honorable, discharge. But, given Maltovich's exemplary service it was later upgraded to an Honorable discharge in October 1975. Maltovich sued for reinstatement and eventually won, but in an effort to save face the Air Force decided to pay him a lump sum settlement to the tune of $160,000.