Architect of 'don't ask, don't tell' dies

Charles Moskos, a Northwestern University sociology professor who was an architect of the U.S. military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy toward gays serving in the armed services, has died.

Moskos, 74, died of cancer on May 31 at his home in Santa Monica, Calif., according to members of his family.

Moskos helped design AmeriCorps, a public service organization, and studied Greek-Americans. But his most noted accomplishment was his advice to the Joint Chiefs of Staff that led to the "don't ask, don't tell" policy.

Under the policy, passed by Congress in 1993, gays are allowed to serve in the military, but they are prohibited from engaging in homosexual activity and to not talk about their sexual orientation.

Although a controversial policy, Moskos defended it, saying it was essential given the attitudes of the soldiers he interviewed.

"He truly had an impact on the military," retired Gen. Wesley Clark said in a statement. "He gave many of us the reassurance that someone out there knew us, cared about us and could help see our best interests as a nation and a military were looked after."

Moskos' work earned his several awards, including the Distinguished Service Medal, the highest honor the Army awards civilians.

After graduating from Princeton, Moskos, who was born in Chicago, was drafted into the Army in 1956, serving two years, according to Northwestern. He earned graduate degrees at UCLA and joined the Northwestern faculty in 1966 after working at the University of Michigan.

Moskos retired from Northwestern in 2003 and moved to Santa Monica. However, he returned to the university each fall to teach an introductory sociology course.

Moskos is survived by his wife, Ilca, and two sons.