A judge has ordered the US Air Force to re-instate a nurse fired under a policy barring openly gay military personnel.
In the state of Washington, a judge ruled the ban unconstitutional and said the firing hurt morale in her unit.
Maj Margaret Witt sued after the Air Force sacked her upon learning of her relationship with a civilian woman.
President Obama and some military leaders have called for the repeal of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy, but Congress this week rejected the bid.
On Friday, US District Judge Ronald Leighton became teary as he praised Maj Witt for her struggle to win back her job following her 2004 suspension and subsequent dismissal.
BBC News
