2 homosexual WACS will fight dismissal

BOSTON (P-Two WACS who confessed their homosexuality because they were "tired of leading a double life" say they will fight through the courts, if necessary, to stay in the Army.

Pfc. Barbara Randolph, 22, of Jeffersonville, Ind., and Pvt. Debbie Watson, 20, of San Antonio, Tex., told a news conference yesterday they will fight Army

efforts to have them dishonorably discharged from their Ft. Devens honor platoon because they are homosexuals.

The Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts will defend them and they have the support of the local chapter of the National Organization for Women and Gay Media Action, a homosexual rights organization.

Pfc. Randolph said she and Pvt. Watson disclosed they are lesbians after

finding out that a number of women were called into the Army Security Agency office for questioning.

"You just can't live two lives, one private and one for the Army," Pvt. Watson said. "Just because I'm gay doesn't mean I'm not a good soldier."

Both women were in training for the Army Randolph, in addition to Security Agency. Miss getting an accelerated promotion, had been named WAC of the month and soldier of the month at Ft. Devens.

Miss Randolph said she was pulled out of school and Miss Watson was not

allowed to begin her schooling after they made the disclosure.

"We paint rocks and we paint the mess hall," Miss Randolph said.

An Army spokesman said a hearing was plannedTM next week.

The two women are be lieved to be the first to challenge the Army's regu lations on homosexuality. Air Force T. Sgt. Leonard P. Matlovitch, assigned to-Langley Air Force Base, Hampton, Va., announced last week he would appeal to the courts, if necessary, to prevent his discharge because of homosexuality.