"Airman's Clearance Certificate" - paperwork part of Gordon Copeland's discharge from the Air Force on April 3, 1953. (Gordon was Charles Shively's partner.)

"Airman's Clearance Certificate" - paperwork part of Gordon Copeland's discharge from the Air Force on April 3, 1953. (Gordon was Charles Shively's partner.)

April 3, 1953

This document three-page document begins with a form titled "AIRMAN'S CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE," which states that Gordon had finished his work on the activities that he was responsible for at the Biggs Air Force Base in Texas, prior to being discharged. Gordon had been discharged "less than honorably" due to accusations of homosexuality. This certificate states that Gordon's "Character Rating" was "Satisfactory," and that his "Efficiency Rating" was "Excellent." The portion at which the Squadron Commander was to indicate whether Gordon was "favorably considered for the Good Conduct Medal" was left blank. The document is dated April 3 1953.

The second and third pages are a letter from Robert White, Air Force Major, to Biggs Air Force Base Headquarters, listing a number of Airmen who were being discharged at that time, including Gordon Copeland (#7), with a short paragraph in military shorthand.

US Air Force Major Robert G. White

8.5" x 14"