When Matlovich returned to the States in the early 1970s, he became an instructor in a new program set up by the Air Force to improve race relations. Tech Sergeant Matlovich’s 1974 evaluation praised him for being an “absolutely superior NCO in every respect.” That was before Matlovich told the Air Force that he was gay. Ultimately, after a protracted court battle, the Air Force settled Matlovich’s case without acknowledging that there was anything wrong with the ban on gay service personnel.
(Photo of Matlovich tomb in Congressional Cemetary, Washington, DC.)