European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - January 16, 1993, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Into san Diego a a month after he informed the Navy he was Gay Seaman Allen Schindler was beaten to death. Now the 22-Ycaf-old has become a Martyr for Gay activists in their crusade to end the military s ban on homosexuals Quot the death of Allen Schindler is the Gay version of Rodney King Quot said Mike Petrelis National spokesman for the militant group queer nation. A a we a know that lots of Gays Are a Schindler Ras cd and treated brutally by the military Petrelis said from Washington. A in the Case of Schindler just like the Case of Rodney King the difference is this time we found out about  the Navy has released few details about Schindler s death. He was killed the night of oct 27 in a Public restroom near a Ingr. The Home port of his amphibious assault ship the Belleau Wood in Casebo Japan officials said. He had disclosed his homosexuality to his capt in and asked for a discharge in september the Navy said. His supporters said he wanted out because shipmates had harassed him. Airman apprentice Charles a. Vins of Sturgis mien., was convicted at a court in the stars and stripes10 years ago Jan. 16,1983 a a Federal judge in Mobile throwing out a lawsuit challenging prayer in Alabama s Public schools said the courts should not determine America s Quot moral direction."20 years ago Jan. 16,1973 a president Nixon ordered a halt to All bombing and shelling in North Vale team citing Progress made in the peace negotiations.30 year Sago Jan. 16,1963 a Britain s friends rushed to its support in the Wake of French president Charles do Gaulle s Blunt declaration that he did not want the Island nation in the common market.40 year Sago Jan. 16,1953 a British authorities announced the arrest of seven former High ranking nazi leaders whom they accused of Quot plotting to regain Power in Western germany."50 years ago Jan. 16,1943 with improving weather the air War in North Africa cranked up with scores of raids accompanying Allied attacks on Axis Landing and troop concentrations. C world War ii 50 years ago today Jan. 161 �9 4 3 British bombers attack Berlin Tor the first time in 14 months. Pounded by relentless attacks the German troops trapped at Stalingrad Are forced Back into a pocket halt the size it was five Days earlier in the Pacific american and australian soldiers launch converging attacks at san Ananda on now guineas northeastern coast source 94 Days of War w. H. Smash publishers in world almanac Rook of world War ii. Bison books corp1981 a apprentice lien., was co martial nov. 23 of concealing a crime and resisting arrest. Vins 20, was sentenced to one year in custody and Given a bad conduct discharge said it. Cmdr. Betsy Bird a Pacific Fleet spokeswoman. A hearing is scheduled for tuesday in Yokosuka Japan to determine whether another airman apprentice a Terry m. Helvey 20, of Eloise Mich. A should face court martial on a murder charge Bird said. Navy officials won t discuss details of the Case saying it might hinder the investigation. Petrelis accused the Navy of trying to cover up a hate crime. He said he has received reports that five sailors May have been involved in the beating. Gay activists have joined forces with Schindler s Mother who under different circumstances would be an unlikely ally. She did t believe her son was Gay and is Uncertain about allowing cays into the military an. Idea supported of president elect Clinton. A it does no to make any difference whith or he was Gay they did t have the right to kill him Quot Dorothy Hajdys said from her Home in Chicago Heights 111. "1 Don t think 1 can understand anybody doing this to somebody just because they re  Hajdys 46, will travel to san Diego her son s Hometown before his ship was moved to Japan for a memorial service sunday organized by the lesbian arid Gay menus Community Center then she will Fly to Washington for a candlelight Vigil in his Honor monday night planned by queer nation. She said Navy officials have kept her in the dark about several aspects of life Case. She said she was t told her son had disclosed his homosexuality and May have been a victim of Gay bashing until she read a dec. 13 article in the Pacific stars and stripes. She also said officials did t Tell her How brutally her son had been beaten. A the Navy just said he was assaulted Quot she said. She was shocked when her son s body arrived Home. His face was so swollen and smashed that she could Only identify him by a Tattoo on his Arm. The autopsy report said his Skull was crushed All but two of his ribs were broken most of his vital organs were damaged and his Geni tals were lacerated. A Schindler a friends say he complained to his commanding officer capt. Douglas Bradt about continued harassment and was ignored. Bird says the Navy has no record that Schindler Ever complained. Jim Jennings of san Diego Schindler s Lover for the Nast 2vi years said Schindler had complained of harassment from his shipmates from the time he was assigned to the ship in december 1991. A they would make comments when he walked by like something should be done about All the fags on this ship Quot Jennings said. And a Sailor who met Schindler in june at the Navy alcohol rehabilitation Center in san Diego reported hearing similar complaints. The Sailor who insisted that his name be withheld to protect against reprisals said Schindler told  did t Nave a drinking problem but was sent to the Center for a a Cooling off period Quot after complaining to his Captain that shipmates had glued his locker shut and called him names. Schindler recorded the harassment in his journal the Sailor said. Cmdr. Mike Todd a spokesman for the . Navy in Japan said the journal was part of the evidence to be used by prosecutors against Helvey. President Bush with army col. Joseph Hunt reviews service members at fort myer a during the military s Farewell ceremonies. Military gives emotional Salute to departing commander Bush Washington a president and Barbara Bush choking Back tears were Given a grand Farewell thursday by the nation s armed forces. Bands played troops passed in review and flags from every state were carried past the platform at nearby fort myer a. The Bushes sat with . Army Gen Colin a Powell and defense Secretary Dick Cheney a you have sent us into harms Way when of had to but never lightly never with our lands tied never without giving us what we needed to do the Job a said Powell chairman of the joint chiefs of staff. A your deep concern for lives and sacrifices of those who served in americans armed forces and their families has been Felt in every Barracks on every front line and in every working space in every  As a parting gift the Bushes were Given by the defense department a huge Cherry Wood and Glass display Case containing Battle streamers that Cheney noted was too big to fit in their living room a but a Good size for a presidential Library. A you Guys have got it backwards Quot said Bush whose term expires wednesday. A i came Over Here to thank All of you and to Salute the members past and present of our armed forces. A those who have Given their lives those who have served so honorable and so Well and those who serve today around the Globe to keep the Vigil of peace and to hold out the Loving arms of the United states to those who Are hurting a one by one a member of each of the armed services stood before the president and gave a Short speech of thanks. A when Freedom called we answered. We were there a said one Serviceman. A you care about the american Soldier a said another. A the men and women of the . Army arc proud to have served under your  the president and his wife were visibly moved. A just yesterday we showed iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein once again that he cannot violate International Law with impunity the president said. A people ask me about the Mission. I said the skies Are safer and the message is clearer today because of the courage of those Young air Crews that did the lords work  then Bush said he wanted to speak not As president and not As commander in chief but As a citizen As an american. A i look Back on my service to this great nation with Pride a he said. A i think my three years in the Navy did More to shape my life than anything that a followed on. In a very proud to stand with you All Here today honoured that we share this sacred Bond of duty Honor