About Oliver Sipple:
Oliver "Billy" Sipple (1941-1989), born in Detroit, Michigan, served as a Marine during the Vietnam War. Sipple was honorably discharged in 1970 after being wounded twice. He lived on a veteran's disability pension.
Gay Oliver Sipple:
After his discharge, Sipple moved to San Francisco where he worked on the political campaign of openly-gay politician, Harvey Milk. Sipple was gay, but only out to close friends in San Francisco.
Oliver Sipple Becomes a Hero:
On September 22, 1975, late President Ford attended an event at the St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco. Sipple joined a crowd that gathered to see Ford. Sipple didn't know at the time that he was standing near Sara Jane Moore, who was planning an assassination attempt on the President. The woman unsuccessfully fired one shot at Ford. Oliver Sipple grabbed her arm before she could fire a second shot.
Sipple became an instant national hero. On September 25, 1975, President Gerald Ford sent Sipple a letter stating, "I want you to know how much I appreciated your selfless actions last Monday. The events were a shock to us all, but you acted quickly and without fear for your own safety. By doing so, you helped to avert danger to me and to others in the crowd. You have my heartfelt appreciation."
Heroics Turn Tragedy:
After Sipple's heroic act, the San Francisco Chronicle accused the Ford administration of delaying an announcement about the incident because Sipple was gay. The Detroit News picked up the story, in turn outing Sipple to his mother in Detroit. She then disowned him for being gay.
Oliver Sipple's Death:
Sipple's family never did reconcile. He turned to alcoholism. He was found dead in his apartment on February 2, 1989, although authorities believe he'd been dead for at least two weeks. President Ford sent Sipple's friends the following letter, "Mrs. Ford and I express out deepest sympathy in this time of sorrow involving your friend's passing..." Sipple's funeral was attended by only 30 people.
