THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, March 22, 1996 TAG: 9603220516
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B5 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: TACOMA, WASH. LENGTH: Short : 24 lines
Perry J. Watkins, an openly gay soldier who won a court ruling that allowed him to retire with full honors, died of AIDS Sunday. He was 47.
The Army revoked Watkins' security clearance in 1980. When he sued to prevent being discharged, the Army denied his re-enlistment.
In 1989, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled it was unjust for the Army to enforce its policy in Watkins' case.
In 1991, the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear the Army's appeal, and Watkins retired with full honors and $135,000 in back pay.
KEYWORDS: AIDS HOMOSEXUAL GAYS IN THE MILITARY DEATH by CNB