Gays in Military

When I entered the U.S. Army near the beginning of the Korean War, I remember all the old-timers muttering about President Truman’s executive order integrating blacks and other minorities into all services. They claimed there would be race riots and a disastrous drop in morale. In fact, integration took place without incident. During 11 months on or near the front lines in Korea, it was my impression that racial differences were ignored. I met several openly gay soldiers and their presence in combat units passed without comment as well.

I predict that admitting gays into the services will be accomplished with just as little fuss as the integration of 1950. This would certainly not surprise Achilles, or Alexander the Great, or the 150 pairs of homosexual lovers from Thebes who were the first troops to defeat the invincible Spartans on the field of combat.

FRANK J. FROST

Santa Barbara