A bisexual Falklands war veteran who was forced to leave the Royal Navy at a time when gay people were banned from serving in the military has launched a legal challenge for the return of his medals.

Joe Ousalice, 68, was court martialled in 1993 after being accused of indecently assaulting a sailor.

He was acquitted and always denied the charge, but said he was forced to reveal his bisexuality at the court martial and was discharged from the navy because he might “corrupt” others.

Gay people were not allowed to serve in the military until a rule change in 2000.

The judgment brought an end to Ousalice’s near 18-year career as a lead naval radio operator, which included deployment in the Falklands and six tours in Northern Ireland.

He is taking the MoD to court for the return of a medal and three good conduct badges confiscated at the time of his dismissal.

The human rights organisation Liberty, which is representing Ousalice, said if successful his case could pave the way for the return of lost medals for other military personnel dismissed over their sexuality.

Ousalice said he lived a double life while he was in the navy, and was careful not to associate with other sailors whom he knew were gay.

Joe Ousalice as naval radio operator. Photograph: Liberty

He said: “The navy wasn’t just my job, it was my life. But to do it I had to hide another important part of me, which I did because I loved the navy life so much I didn’t want to give it up. But I shouldn’t have been asked to choose.”

“I was made to feel like I was disgusting and in the end I was hounded out on some trumped up charges, and told that because I was attracted to men, my 18 years of service counted for nothing. It was heartbreaking.”

He added: “All I want now is my medal and badges back, and recognition from the government and the Royal Navy for all the years of service and hard work I gave them. And I also want other LGBT veterans to know they’re not alone, and that we all deserve the same recognition.”

Emma Norton, head of legal casework at Liberty, said: “The MoD discriminated horribly against LGBT members of the armed forces for decades.”

She added: “Joe is very unlikely to be the only one in this situation. The MoD wrote to Joe years ago, saying that they were looking into the issue of those who had forfeited medals as a consequence of their sexuality. So they know this must affect other people. Returning Joe’s medal will go some way towards making amends for the appalling treatment he has suffered.”

An MoD spokesman said it would be inappropriate to comment as legal proceedings are ongoing.

“We are currently looking at how personnel discharged from service because of their sexuality, or now abolished sexual offences, can have their medals returned,” he added.