The Virginian-Pilot 
                             THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Thursday, July 20, 1995                TAG: 9507200397
SECTION: FRONT                    PAGE: A7   EDITION: FINAL 
DATELINE: LOS ANGELES                        LENGTH: Short :   26 lines

GOVERNMENT TOLD TO PAY FOR SAILOR'S REINSTATEMENT FIGHT

A sailor discharged from the Navy after he revealed on national television that he is gay has won payment of his legal bills for his successful fight to be reinstated.

U.S. District Judge Terry J. Hatter Jr. ordered the government to pay the $440,000 in court costs for Petty Officer Keith Meinhold's two-year legal battle.

The order, entered on Friday, was made public Tuesday by Meinhold's attorney, John I. McGuire.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ordered the Navy last August to reinstate Meinhold.

KEYWORDS: HOMOSEXUAL GAY MILITARY U.S. NAVY SETTLEMENT

LAWSUIT by CNB