Oliver Sipple

Oliver Sipple was an American former Marine and Vietnam War veteran who became famous after he intervened and potentially saved President Gerald Ford's life during an assassination attempt in 1975.

On September 22, 1975, Lynette Fromme, a follower of Charles Manson, tried to assassinate President Gerald Ford. As Ford was shaking hands with a crowd in San Francisco, Oliver Sipple noticed Fromme reach for a .45-caliber pistol. Sipple lunged at her, grabbed her arm, and pulled her to the ground before she could fire the weapon.

Oliver Sipple's swift reaction prevented Lynette Fromme from firing the pistol at President Ford, potentially saving his life. Sipple's actions were widely praised and he was hailed as a hero for his quick thinking and courage.

After his heroism in saving President Ford, Oliver Sipple's sexual orientation was disclosed by the media without his consent. This revelation caused significant negative consequences for Sipple, including strained relationships with his family, loss of a job, and invasion of his privacy.

Oliver Sipple's case brought attention to LGBTQ+ rights and privacy issues. The public disclosure of his sexual orientation without his permission sparked debates on privacy and media ethics. The incident highlighted the need for better protections for LGBTQ+ individuals in law and society.