A Falklands War veteran who was unfairly sacked from the Royal Navy over his sexuality could die from cancer before receiving up to £100,000 in compensation.
Joe Ousalice, 73, was among troops kicked out of the military during a series of “gay witch hunts”.
The ban was in place until 2000 and was later labelled an “appalling failure” by Rishi Sunak.
Ministers have pledged to take action to assist those impacted through compensation.
Liberty of Falklands veteran Joe Ousalice (right) with former Defence Secretary Ben Wallace
PA
Ousalice was diagnosed with prostate cancer which has since spread to his chest and brain.
He is increasingly concerned he will not live long enough to receive compensation.
The 73-year-old told the BBC: “I want to get that compensation and see [this campaign] through to the end.
“It's sort of the last battle I've got and it's with the Ministry of Defence.”
Ousalice served in the Senior Service from 1976 to 1993 and worked as a radio operator.
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Welsh Guards with the British Falkland Islands Task ForcePADuring his service, he was scrambled to the Falkland Islands in April 1982.
Despite 18 years in the Armed Forces, Ousalice was investigated as a “suspected homosexual” nine times before eventually being dismissed at court martial.
It was ruled his sexuality was “prejudicial to good order and naval discipline” and might “corrupt” others.
Ousalice’s dismissal also meant he was ineligible to receive a pension of at least £500 a month.
It also resulted in the confiscation of his medals and three Good Conduct badges.
Ousalice was diagnosed with prostate cancer which has since spread to his chest and brain
PA
Ousalice said: “The Navy wasn't just my job, it was my life. But to do it I had to hide another important part of me, which I did because I loved the navy life so much I didn't want to give it up. But I shouldn't have been asked to choose.
“I was made to feel like I was disgusting and in the end, I was hounded out on some trumped-up charges, and told that because I was attracted to men, my 18 years of service counted for nothing. It was heartbreaking. It took me years to recover.
“All I want now is my medal and badges back, and recognition from the Government and the Royal Navy for all the years of service and hard work I gave them.
“I also want other LGBT veterans to know they're not alone, and that we all deserve the same recognition.”
Up to 20,000 military personnel were reportedly dismissed on the grounds of their sexuality.
Rishi SunakPAResponding to a report into the treatment of personnel dismissed during the gay ban, Sunak said: “Many endured the most horrific sexual abuse and violence, homophobic bullying and harassment all while bravely serving this country.”
The report made 49 recommendations and demanded veterans receive “appropriate financial reward”.
A Government spokesperson told MailOnline: “We have already implemented over half of the recommendations of the review and are working at pace to deliver those that remain.
“Detailed information about the next steps on the review have been published and are available on gov.uk , including information on how to apply for restorative measures.
“We will be providing more information as soon as we can and we encourage LGBT veterans to apply for restorative measures by visiting LGBT veterans: support and next steps - GOV.UK.”