Segregation and racial inequality was definitely a serious long-term problem in the military.
However, what contributions by black soldiers (sailors, airmen, etc.) weren't recognized? Since we know about their contributions from every war since and including the Revolution, obviously someone recognized them and recorded their contributions for posterity.
Maybe I'm misunderstanding what you mean by "recognized."
Either way, that's irrelevant to the DADT situation. Black military members were obviously black, and their identity wasn't a DADT situation.
Homosexuals aren't a different race, and those who are serving in the military aren't segregated into separate units. Their accomplishments as individuals
are being recognized.
So I don't see any equivalency.