Tender of Resignation by Harvey B. Milk
1/10/1955
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In 1952, Harvey Milk – who would go on to become one of the most important leaders of the American LGBTQ rights movement – was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy. The next year he was promoted to Lieutenant (junior grade).
His military career was soon to come to a close, however. In December 1954, Milk was questioned by Special Agents of the Office of Naval Intelligence for "suspected homosexual conduct."
In a signed statement the next month, Milk acknowledged that he had been sexually intimate with a number of men. He submitted this resignation from the Navy under "other than honorable conditions" recognizing that he could "expect to encounter substantial prejudice in civilian life...."
In a performance evaluation just prior to the Navy investigation, Milk had been deemed excellent and efficient.
His military career was soon to come to a close, however. In December 1954, Milk was questioned by Special Agents of the Office of Naval Intelligence for "suspected homosexual conduct."
In a signed statement the next month, Milk acknowledged that he had been sexually intimate with a number of men. He submitted this resignation from the Navy under "other than honorable conditions" recognizing that he could "expect to encounter substantial prejudice in civilian life...."
In a performance evaluation just prior to the Navy investigation, Milk had been deemed excellent and efficient.
This primary source comes from the Records of the Bureau of Naval Personnel.
National Archives Identifier: 145771929
Full Citation: Tender of Resignation by Harvey B. Milk; 1/10/1955; Official Military Personnel File for Harvey B. Milk; Official Military Personnel Files, 1885 - 1998; Records of the Bureau of Naval Personnel, Record Group 24; National Archives at St. Louis, St. Louis, MO. [Online Version, https://www.docsteach.org/documents/document/resignation-harvey-milk, October 9, 2024]Activities that use this document
- The Long Struggle for LGBTQ+ Civil Rights
Created by the National Archives Education Team
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