My Lai Hamlet

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[pic 3][pic 4]Four years ago, devastation swept My Lai as the most horrific incidents of violence against civilians during the Vietnam War took place. A company of American soldiers traveled to My Lai and brutally killed the majority of the population. Despite speculation and a lack of a concrete number of deaths, it is believed that as many as 500 people were killed there that day. Included in this count is women, children, and elderly people.  

My Lai

Apart of Son My, which was believed to be the stronghold of the Viet Cong, it was plausible why the United States would have interest in My Lai hamlet. Charlie Company of the American Division’s 11th Infantry Brigade received word that the Viet Cong Guerillas had taken control of Son My. Lieutenant William L. Calley led the unit to the village to search and destroy in March of 1968.

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The Cover Up

After landing his aircraft between the soldiers and retreating villagers, Warrant Officer Hugh Thomson ended the massacre. Because they knew the massacre would cause scandal, high ranking officers downplayed the bloodshed.  Ron Ridenhour, a soldier in the 11th Brigade who had heard reports of the massacre but did not participate, began campaigning to bring the events to light. After letters were written to President Nixon, the Pentagon, the State Department, Joint Chiefs of Staff, and several congressmen, Ridenhour gave an interview three years ago to Seymour Hersh.