Back in the late 60s and early 70s, My Lai was a HUGE news story. However, I was just a kid and don't remember all the hubbub about it. It turned out that a company of American soldiers massacred a village of peaceful civilians. The fact that this happened isn't surprising. After all, it was hard to know who the enemy was back then. Many non-combatants actually were working with the Viet Cong. So, even kids and women were known for tossing grenades at soldiers--and so it was hard to trust anyone. I am not excusing it--just trying to explain some of it. Additionally, the men were told to kill and the enemy was very illusive--and men were being picked off repeatedly and the soldiers wanted to fight and end this once and for all. Again, I am not justifying the massacre--just some of the reasons behind it.
To me, the most interesting part of the story is NOT that it occurred--but that so many tried so hard to suppress the story. Starting at the top, the investigation was stymied. And, although over 500 folks were murdered, only one person was found guilty of this--and he only served four months!!! Perhaps those higher up were afraid if the men were found guilty that the public would then ask what led up to this and should we even be in the war.
This episode of "The American Experience" discusses all this in some detail--particularly the incidents leading up to it. The show is packed with interviews and photos (some of which are pretty gruesome). The bottom line is whether or not a war is warranted, this is NOT how you fight it--and the show did an excellent job in detailing this sad case.
To me, the most interesting part of the story is NOT that it occurred--but that so many tried so hard to suppress the story. Starting at the top, the investigation was stymied. And, although over 500 folks were murdered, only one person was found guilty of this--and he only served four months!!! Perhaps those higher up were afraid if the men were found guilty that the public would then ask what led up to this and should we even be in the war.
This episode of "The American Experience" discusses all this in some detail--particularly the incidents leading up to it. The show is packed with interviews and photos (some of which are pretty gruesome). The bottom line is whether or not a war is warranted, this is NOT how you fight it--and the show did an excellent job in detailing this sad case.