The Public Hero Who Saved President Ford from a Bullet Was Rewarded With Humiliation And His Life Publicly Destroyed

9Sipple sued the media for $15 million

Although Sipple went on to sue the media, his case was dismissed. This led to the San Francisco Chronicle and other newspapers to come out publicly against Sipple. Sipple claimed damages from almost 50 newspapers for embarrassment, humiliation and mental anguish. The case went on till 1984 but was son dismissed by the Supreme Court which declared that his orientation was already known to people earlier so he could not hold the media responsible. 

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10He wasn’t allowed to attend his mother’s funeral

Oliver Sipple was disowned by his family and never wanted to speak to him again. When his mother passed away, his father did not allow him to attend his mother's funeral.

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11He would suffer from PTSD in Vietnam

Sipple served as a Marine in Vietnam and was even wounded twice once in combat and a second time when his hospital in which he was receiving treatment was bombed. He was a decorated Marine being awarded a Purple Heart for his service. But after that Sipple suffered from PTSD with a disability that was rated 100% medically. He was known for spending every Fourth of July in an isolated ward in San Francisco hospital because he could not stand the loud noise of the fireworks. 

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12Sipple’s life and public image destroyed

From the moment he saved President Gerald Ford, Sipple’s life was to go downhill. His public outing was a rude shock for him that led to the severing of ties with his family. He deteriorated in mental and physical health and remained a depressed alcoholic for the next 14 years even suffering potential schizophrenia. 

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13He died alone and dejected

Sipple died alone and dejected at the young age of 47. He was found with a bottle of whiskey in his hand. NO one even suspected he was dead where his body was found after 2 weeks. President Ford only sent a letter of condolence preferring to skip his funeral. That’s humanity for you. 

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