Oliver Wellington Sipple was born in Detroit in 1941 and was a decorated Marine disabled in the Vietnam War. He is most known for intervening in an assassination attempt against President Gerald Ford in San Francisco on September 22, 1975. Following the assassination attempt, Sipple gained national attention and it was revealed that he was a homosexual. Though active in the LGBTQ community in San Francisco, Sipple had kept his sexual orientation secret from his family and employers and did not desire his private life to be made public. He lost a lawsuit against several media outlets for violation of privacy. While Sipple became a sort of hero in the gay rights movement, the unwanted attention had detrimental effects on him personally. He was discovered dead in his apartment on February 2, 1989, only 47 years old.

A scene from Arlington, or your forgotten hero

Golden Gate National Cemetery

Newspaper clipping after Sipple stopped an assassination attempt on President Ford on Sep 22, 1975

On Sep 22, 1975 Oliver Sipple saved President Ford from an assassin with a handgun. This is the letter President Ford sent to him.

Hi Oliver, or anyone who may be reading this who knew and loved you.
I just listened to Radiolab's podcast story regarding your life as it started with becoming the hero who saved the life of a United States president.  
I must say I feel emotional over the turmoil that you went through in the hands of politicians, your family,  and the media.
You seemed to have been someone a mother would be proud of. 
I am the mother of a 42 year old adult daughter. 
I wish you could know how proud I am of you.
Rest in the peace that you deserved in life.

Signed,
A mother

Hi Oliver, 
I never knew you, but I know what a hero you were: both as a veteran and as the man who saved President Gerald Ford’s life from Sarah Jane Moore’s assassination attempt. I am currently in a play about your life. I am so honored to be sharing your legacy. If you’re watching from above/beyond, I hope you feel we are doing you justice. Our community is so proud of you. Thank you for all you have done for our country and for being a true American hero. 

Rest easy, Billy. You are missed and loved. 

OLIVER W SIPPLE

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