I cleaned for a very nice old man, who had served in the Second World War. I dusted his Air Medal every other Saturday. He was pleasant, well educated, and gay as a three dollar bill. My (male) housemate took over for me one day. The old man, who, generally left me alone, felt a need to supervise poor Don as he did the kitchen floor. Don was more amused than anything.
The point is, this gent lied about his sexual orientation to serve his country.
Apparently a great many gay men did, and still do.