After weighing the risk of being discharged for speaking out publicly, Manzella agreed to the interview.

CNN: Discharged under 'don't ask, don't tell'

Soon after, while in Texas between tours, Manzella said he began receiving anonymous, harassing e-mails and telephone calls.

CNN: Discharged under 'don't ask, don't tell'

Manzella returned to duty at Fort Hood, Texas, in December 2007 and continued to serve for almost seven months.

CNN: Discharged under 'don't ask, don't tell'

Despite his professional success, Manzella says he began to question his personal life.

CNN: Discharged under 'don't ask, don't tell'

Manzella said he was read his rights and told that he would be investigated, but that he could continue working.

CNN: Discharged under 'don't ask, don't tell'

In 2006, Manzella's unit was sent back to Iraq, and he served his 15-month deployment with his unit knowing he was gay.

CNN: Discharged under 'don't ask, don't tell'

Manzella says that the e-mails and calls went on for months and that after many sleepless nights, he decided to ask his supervisor for help.

CNN: Discharged under 'don't ask, don't tell'

The network television segment aired a few days before Manzella returned from Iraq, and it seemed at first that his interview would not have consequences.

CNN: Discharged under 'don't ask, don't tell'

Manzella describes this time as one of fear and deep insecurity.

CNN: Discharged under 'don't ask, don't tell'

During his tour, Manzella was contacted by the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, a national nonprofit offering legal assistance to those affected by don't ask, don't tell.

CNN: Discharged under 'don't ask, don't tell'

Christopher Garver of the Office of the Chief of Public Affairs said that under law, the military could not comment on or release details about Manzella's discharge.

CNN: Discharged under 'don't ask, don't tell'

As the investigation proceeded, word spread that Manzella was gay.

CNN: Discharged under 'don't ask, don't tell'

After a month, Manzella said he was told that no proof of homosexuality had been found and that the investigation was being closed, even though he told his supervisor about his lifestyle.

CNN: Discharged under 'don't ask, don't tell'

"He listened and was somewhat sympathetic, " Manzella said.

CNN: Discharged under 'don't ask, don't tell'

In June 2008, Manzella received an honorable discharge.

CNN: Discharged under 'don't ask, don't tell'

By the next morning, Manzella's supervisor had reported him as having broken the law under "don't ask, don't tell, " the 1993 policy that prohibits anyone who "demonstrate(s) a propensity or intent to engage in homosexual acts" from serving in the U.S. military.

CNN: Discharged under 'don't ask, don't tell'